Couple with Months Left Together Mark 50th Anniversary over Dinner — Wife ‘In Tears’ with Server’s Note

A couple dining at a local eatery to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary didn't anticipate that the night would go far better than they expected after their server left them stunned.

On August 2, 2023, Paul, 68, and Dawn Molineux, 66, from the United Kingdom, visited Southport's Hickory's Smokehouse to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in advance.

The actual date of their anniversary was August 29 but time was something they did not have much of, and they wanted to make the most of what they had.

The couple, who were high school sweethearts, found out at the beginning of the year that Paul had a terminal illness. With only about 18 months left together, they intended to enjoy every moment of their anniversary meal, unaware of what awaited them at the end.

The evening turned out to be more memorable than Paul and Dawn expected. Not only did they receive the best service, but they were left stunned when their bill finally came. Paul even wrote about the experience on social media, revealing how the staff made their visit extra special.

The couple's date night was another milestone in the beautiful life story they share, from the day they met to the moment they discovered Paul's harrowing diagnosis.

Paul and Dawn's Life Story

When Paul was 16, he had a friend who asked him to join him and his girlfriend for an outing. Because he didn't want to be the odd one out, he wondered if his pal's partner could bring a friend for him. Several names were mentioned before Paul settled on a girl named Dawn.

Dawn was only 14 when she went on a blind date with Paul for the outing, and they clicked immediately. Two years later, they were married. Paul revealed that his wife was his "soulmate." They worked together at a fresh food stop before moving on to his aquarium business.

At one point, the pair worked separately when Dawn became a carer, but other than that; they remained in each other's lives all the time. The couple also welcomed three children and two grandchildren they doted on.

Weeks ahead of their 50th wedding anniversary, Paul and Dawn decided to celebrate the occasion, wanting to make the most of their time together. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Paul was diagnosed with bowel cancer and had undergone a successful surgery, but after being in the clear for 18 months, on January 10, 2023, doctors told him the cancer had spread to his stomach.

Dawn and her husband now regard Davies as a friend...

Dawn's husband was informed that they could no longer operate on him and that he would only live for up to six months, but with chemotheraphy, his life may be prolonged to 18 months. Paul opted to prolong his life with chemo, and the couple decided to "live life to the full" and make the most out of the time they had. Dawn confessed:

"I actually don't know how I will cope when I lose him, but we are making fantastic memories for as long as we can."

So they went to Hickory's to celebrate their anniversary and were welcomed warmly and surprised when their table had a "Happy Anniversary" sign. Many staff members spoke to them, including the boss of the establishment, but their main server, deputy general manager James Davies left them with the most lasting impression.

Paul wrote on a Facebook food review group for Southport about how Davies went above and beyond to serve them. Davies was interested in the couple's marriage and heard about Paul's terminal diagnosis, but they never expected what he did for them.

What Surprise Did Paul and His Wife Receive?

After enjoying their meal, some drinks, and a delicious dessert, Paul and Dawn asked for their bill, which totaled £80 (roughly $100). However, they soon realized that the amount was reduced to £0, and a message that came with the receipt read:

"Happy anniversary! The bill is on us x."

Paul admitted he was "Just lost for words" when Davies explained how touched he was by their story and had covered their meal! The couple couldn't believe what was happening. Paul recalled:

"My wife was just in tears when she saw the gesture."

Dawn and her husband now regard Davies as a friend. They nvited him to their big anniversary celebration on August 26, 2023, and he accepted! Paul also gave Hickory's a 12/10 score in his review and thanked them for making their night wonderful!

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