Inspiration

Stranger Writes Note On Dad's Bill About His 2 Kids But Doesn't Know One Of His Triplets Died

Stranger Writes Note On Dad’s Bill About His 2 Kids But Doesn’t Know One Of His Triplets Died
By Joseph Bowen

Updated on November 12, 2021

Dan and Maxi Cortez ate at Red Lobster when a stranger left a heartfelt note, not knowing one of their triplets died.

On Father's Day, Dan and Maxi, from Cabot, Arkansas, wanted nothing more than to spend some quality time as a family.

So, together with their two daughters Harper and Harlow, they planned a trip to Red Lobster.

stranger writes note on dad's bill about his 2 kids but doesn't know one of his triplets died

The couple giggled and smiled with their 1-year-old girls as they enjoyed their meals.

However, as they were about to pay their bill, their day took a turn. Dan received a receipt and noticed something scribbled on the back.

The words read:

"Enjoy your babies, they don't stay little long. From the family across from you, God bless you."

stranger writes note on dad's bill about his 2 kids but doesn't know one of his triplets died

The family didn't only receive the kind note, but also an altogether more generous act.

Much to their surprise, the kindhearted anonymous family paid for their lunch.

Unfortunately, the stranger had no idea the Cortez family was missing one of their own.

Here's what the writer of the heartfelt note didn't know.

Dan And Maxi's Hidden Tragedy

The military couple couldn't wait to start a family.

After struggling with infertility, they underwent IVF treatment, which turned out to be successful.

What's more, the couple were expecting triplets!

And after months of waiting, Maxi delivered Landon, Harper and Harlow via C-section.

stranger writes note on dad's bill about his 2 kids but doesn't know one of his triplets died

All three babies went home together after three weeks.

But four weeks later, the little bundle of joy Landon died aged just 7-weeks-old.

stranger writes note on dad's bill about his 2 kids but doesn't know one of his triplets died

The Fateful Day At Red Lobster Was Their First Father's Day Without Landon

Unfortunately, the anonymous family who paid for their meal couldn't have known.

stranger writes note on dad's bill about his 2 kids but doesn't know one of his triplets died

The anonymous family's gesture of kindness from a stranger, especially on a day they needed it the most, stunned the couple.

Thanking the anonymous stranger, Maxi wrote on Facebook:

"The holidays are always the hardest. Without knowing any of this, you paid for our meal. You might never know our story, or the impact of something so little could affect our lives. I'm writing to you to thank you from the bottom of our hearts!"

"I hope this post reaches you, so one day you might know that what seemed like a small gesture of kindness to you made celebrating my wonderful husband just a little bit easier this year!"

stranger writes note on dad's bill about his 2 kids but doesn't know one of his triplets died

Speaking to Arkansas Matters, Maxi said:

"I got my girls, and I'm happy, but if I had all three, I'd be spectacular."

"From the time he was born, he never closed his eyes. He just wanted to be awake all the time. It's like he knew that he only had a short time."