it doesn't take much to make someone's day

This morning I took the kids out for breakfast. This has become a school vacation ritual with us. Every vacation the last couple years we pick a day and go out for a big breakfast feast. Today we decided to go to a very small restaurant at the little airport nearby. We attempted to eat there once before but they closed just before we got there. I was more than a little annoyed because I called and asked what time they were open until and no one mentioned they were closing early. So we made the trip there for nothing. But I've always heard good things about this place and figured we should give it another chance. I'm glad we did. The kids loved watching the small planes taxi down the runway and take off or land. The food was stick to your ribs good. The kids got to feed a duck and goose that live at the airport (I can't figure that one out). And the people working there were so friendly. For me the true highlight of the breakfast outing was when the people in the booth next to ours got up to leave. They were an older couple who ate their breakfasts while reading through the local paper. I'm sure they weren't entirely thrilled when I sat down with my three young children directly behind them. As they got their coats on, the woman said hello to the kids and asked them if they had a nice Christmas. They kids went on and on about their gifts and outings and cousins and food. When they finished chattering the woman turned to me and said "Mom, you have such lovely children." I wonder if she knows how that simple comment delighted me. Those six little words have put such a shine on the day.