MS
Mahrya Selin
Jul 29, 2026
McDonald's is McDonald's. No matter where you go in the world, you pretty much know what you're getting. Love it or hate it, it's basically the same everywhere. The consistency is... well... consistent.
This week is the craziest, busiest, most tourist-filled week of Chincoteague's entire year. Today was the 101st Pony Swim, the highlight of Pony Week.
As someone who started washing dishes in my stepdad's restaurant at 8 years old, and who also lives in an extremely popular vacation destination, I wasn't expecting the service I received tonight.
I have pretty significant food issues because of childhood trauma. In unfamiliar places, I can spiral. If I don't know whether I'm actually going to like what I order, I'll often just refuse to eat. I also don't physically feel hunger, so not eating isn't difficult for me. It can last for days and become dangerous. Add three days of traveling with family and the stress that comes with that... and, well... I'll just leave that right there. 😆
Tonight, I was absolutely going into a tailspin.
I found myself aimlessly driving around when I spotted the Golden Arches. I pulled in and walked inside.
The dining room was empty. Two employees were cleaning, chatting, smiling... they just seemed genuinely pleasant. They didn't give me a hard time about using the restroom before ordering either, which also lowered my stress level.
I walked up to the counter. All I wanted was a small order of fries. But I didn't see any fresh fries cooking, and I started getting nervous. I knew exactly how I must have looked to the woman taking my order.
I said, "I'd really like some fries, but it doesn't look like there are any cooking. I only like them when they're fresh. I don't want you to make a whole batch just for a small fry. I'm sorry... I'll just go."
She smiled and, in the gentlest voice, said, "It's okay. If you'd like fresh fries, I'll make them for you."
For just a moment, she made me feel like it was okay to ask for what I needed instead of feeling guilty or like I was being difficult.
Here's what she didn't do.
She did not roll her eyes.
She did not respond with an attitude.
She did not seem put out by my (probably) annoying request.
She did not rush me.
Based on my own years working in restaurants, I'm imagining she was exhausted. Her feet probably hurt. She was definitely underpaid. Maybe she was missing time with family or friends. Maybe she wished she could be enjoying Pony Week instead of working. I don't know.
What I do know is that she chose kindness.
The woman working the register around 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, has absolutely no idea what she did for me tonight.
To her, I was probably just the odd lady acting strange over a small order of French fries.
To me, it was so much more than fries.
I needed one thing—just one thing—to be exactly what I expected it to be.
The fries were McDonald's fries. Hot, fresh, burn-your-tongue-if-you-have-no-patience, delicious McDonald's fries.
She didn't have to make a fresh batch for someone ordering one small fry. But she did.
That tiny act of kindness completely changed the direction of my night. I'm back at my hotel enjoying time with my family... and even snacking on other food.
Most people will never understand why this mattered so much, and honestly, I hope they never have to. People with food issues know exactly why.
The next time someone seems a little strange, indecisive, anxious, or difficult, maybe pause before making assumptions. You have no idea what battle they're fighting inside.
Tonight, one random stranger helped another random stranger simply by choosing kindness.
Thank you, kind lady.
I am sorry I didnt get the chance to thank you in person. By the time I finished the fries, there was a line and you were very busy. I hope you get to see this. 🙏💚
(@Manager: If this is the level of kindness and customer service she gives every customer, she's an exemplary employee. Please recognize her with an outstanding annual review... and give that woman a raise.🎉)