I was born and raised in Topsham, 81 years ago. My wife and I frequently visit Topsham and Brunswick. Recently we shopped at the Topsham Fair Mall and ate lunch at a restaurant.

While waiting in line, we chatted with a woman and her son about a sign advertising a lobster roll. We each wondered about the price and thought we might like one. I asked the cashier and she said the price was $17.95 We then ordered a salad and sandwich.

Soon after we started to eat, the woman placed a bag on our table. I was confused as to why, and she said it was a lobster roll.

After finishing our lunch we moved over to sit with the generous woman and her son. We thanked her and asked why? She explained that her son had just come from the hospital and had found out he was cancer-free for the past six months. She said they were blessed and giving us the lobster roll was paying it forward.

We were astounded and honored to share in their good news. I asked what we could do and she only wanted us to also pay it forward in the future.

I came away from this occurrence thinking that with all the uproar around us, there are still wonderful people and hope for our future.

Let us all pay it forward.

Thank you Debra and her son. (Just for you to know, the lobster roll was delicious.)

Carl Beckett, Mechanic Falls