Kind server at busy restaurant stops and feeds diner with cerebral palsy who has trouble eating

In this day and age where it's every man for himself, you hardly expect to meet good Samaritans who go out of their way to help others while wanting nothing in return. With media outlets constantly churning out reports that make us lose hope in the human race, we've all come to feel a bit desolate about our existence in this world. However, a life without hope is a rather miserable one, and against all odds, we yearn to see the good in each other. This is why stories about two random strangers sharing a selfless moment of empathy and compassion have such a deep impact on us and today, and here's one such story that will warm the coldest of hearts.

When Lee Bondurant of Raleigh, North Carolina, went out for a Memorial Day weekend meal with his mother three years ago, he wasn't expecting to meet an individual who would have a profound impact on his life. He will always remember May 28, 2016, as the day a server at 42nd St. Oyster Bar in Raleigh offered to feed him with his own hands. You see, Lee has cerebral palsy and using his hands to perform activities that might seem easy to others — including feeding himself — can be challenging.

In an email to ABC News, Lee's mom, Linda Bondurant-Snow revealed that she was trying to feed both herself and her son at the same time when their waiter came up to them. Not only did the server — a college student who goes by the name Five — offer to help Lee eat, he did so in such a compassionate way that made the experience all the more memorable for Linda. "He casually came over and asked Lee if he had ever had oysters. Lee told him he had not. So, [Five] asked [if he] could he serve him his first. It was smooth not to embarrass Lee. Just offering [to] share in the experience," she recalled.

Speaking to KGO-TV, Lee revealed that while he usually prefers not to have others help him, he was touched by the server's generosity and let his guard down. "That was the ultimate kindness he showed me. I really appreciate what he did, an act of kindness," he said. Linda added, "For a total stranger to come up really touches a mother's heart, especially when your child is special needs."

Moved by the encounter, Linda took to Facebook to share the story, writing, "When you dine at 42nd Street Oyster Bar please ask for a server by the name of 'FIVE.' He saw me trying to eat and help Lee. He insisted on helping, showing Lee total respect. Let's me know there are still decent and compassionate people left in our country." She also shared a photo of Lee and Five from the evening and the post soon went viral with netizens moved by the server's selfless action.

With their story touching hearts across the nation, Lee and Five met again about a month later for the former's birthday. He chose to celebrate the day at 42nd Street Oyster Bar with his friends and family, and of course, Five. Speaking to WTVD at the time, Lee said, "I'm glad I met Five, he's a real good friend of mine." Although his act of compassion gained praise from far and wide, Five said he just wanted to literally lend a helping hand and make sure all his customers enjoyed their meals. "Seafood is best eaten hot, so I didn't want her food to get cold. I didn't want his food to get cold. I just wanted to help a fellow man out," he said.