Deceptive
She returned from the bathroom seething. She couldn’t believe the nerve of their waitress. She didn’t want to make a scene, but she knew she had to confront them then and there.
But when she arrived, the waitress had made a hasty retreat. She turned to her husband, demanding to see the note. With her hands shaking and trying to hold back her tears, she began to read.
The Event That Started It All
Instagram/Jackie Johnson-Smith
Being a mom isn’t easy. Jackie Johnson-Smith found this out the hard way. But no experience was quite like the one she had at a pizzeria in Des Moines, Iowa. One waitress had the gall to send her husband a secret note under the table.
But when Jackie read the note, she simply could not believe what was written on it.
Tough As Nails
Facebook/Jackie Johnson-Smith
Jackie was a no-nonsense kind of lady. Having served in the US army, she really had developed a thick skin. Apart from being in the army, Jackie was also a devoted mom.
But one day, one waitress’ note left her in tears. What could have possibly led a war hero to such an emotional reaction?
Vying For Attention
Facebook/Jackie Johnson-Smith
More often than not, being a mom isn’t necessarily the sexiest of jobs. You are tired, full of mess and constantly available for your kids. However, her husband was a desirable man. Jackie had often noticed the looks he got from other women. She tried not to let it bother her, but it lingered in the back of her mind.
But the way their waitress was looking at him tonight put her on high alert.
Insecurities
Facebook/ Tom Smith
Jackie was becoming all too aware as time wore on that their relationship had changed. They had been together for a while. Jackie began to wonder whether he thought it was time for a change. After all, she had given birth to three children, and she didn’t have the energy or the physique that she once had.
Usually, she would just brush these suspicions off. But tonight she had a good reason for suspicion.
The Choices That Make Us
Facebook/Jackie Johnson-Smith
One day, Jackie and Tom decided they were in need of a date. They had just recently had their third child. So, as a family, they packed up and headed off to their local pizzeria. But when they got there, their baby grew niggly.
Jackie knew it was time for a feed, so she did just that. As she breastfed her child, she could feel eyes hot on her back. But none as hot as her waitress’.
Bracing Herself
injohnnaskitchen
“The waitress kept walking by, and I was worried she didn’t want me nursing in the restaurant,” Jackie said. However, the reason behind the waitress’ walking back and forth and eying the family’s table wasn’t because she wanted to judge Jackie.
But it was what the waitress did later that would reveal the server’s true intentions. It was a note that left Jackie “…in total shock and tearing up.”
Exchanging Glances
Facebook/ Tom Smith
All too aware of the waitress’s sideward glances, Jackie began to feel increasingly uncomfortable. Did she have a problem with her breastfeeding in the restaurant? Something was up. The way she was pacing back and forth like she had something to say.
Little did she know, the waitress was just biding her time. She was waiting to make her move.
Things Heat Up
credits
Jackie knew she had to do what she had to do. However, her waitress’s stares were beginning to make her feel uncomfortable. She noticed how intently she was watching. And then, she saw the way they locked eyes. There was something going on here. She just didn’t know what.
Feeling emotional, Jackie began to get up. But she had no idea what the waitress was planning on doing in her absence.
Swooping In
credits
Jackie excused herself from the table. During this time her husband had asked for the bill. As soon as she was gone, the waitress swooped in. Slyly, she slipped Jackie’s husband a sneaky little note. His reaction was everything.
What he didn’t know was that Jackie saw everything. And at that moment, her heart sank. Then, her feeling gave way to another emotion entirely — pure rage. She slung her baby over her hip and stormed over. Her husband still held his phone and the incriminating note in his hand. And she was ready for a fight.
His Reaction
Instagram/Jackie Johnson-Smith
What had sent Jackie into such a rage was how her husband had reacted to the note. Instead of simply getting rid of the evidence, he immediately took out his phone. She was incredulous!
Jackie couldn’t help but feel as though he had had enough of playing dad. And now, all her insecurities were confirmed. She felt her world fall apart as she stood there, watching. Well, what was she going to do about it?
Confrontation
Facebook/Jackie Johnson-Smith
Jackie was outraged. How dare another woman move in on her man in her absence! Her mind was racing. She couldn’t imagine what judgemental note was scrawled on the slip. What hurt more, however, was that her husband immediately took out his phone.
Was he really going to save some random woman’s number in front of her? Jackie demanded to see the letter. But when she looked at it, she just began to weep.
Incredulous
credits
Not only had the waitress given her husband a “special” discount, but the note was also about Jackie breastfeeding in public. Jackie was used to being the subject of controversy, but nobody had ever commented directly on her feeding her baby at their restaurant before.
Feeling stunned and emotional, Jackie couldn’t hold back the floodgates any longer.
The Tear-Jerker Letter
credits
As Jackie stared at the slip, hot tears rolled down her face. She could not believe what she was reading.
Jackie was overcome with emotion. She sunk into her seat and took it in. Of all of the notes to be passed, she did not expect this one. But the note did more than evoke emotion. It inspired Jackie to do something.
The Waitress’ Actions Go Viral
Facebook/Jackie Johnson-Smith
Jackie felt so overwhelmed by the waitress’ gesture that she took to social media to tell everyone how she had been treated. She knew that breastfeeding in public had become an extremely hot-button issue, but she was still surprised by the feedback she received from Facebook users.
“I have breastfed three children… I have breastfed them in countless places both pleasant and unpleasant, discreetly and out in the open,” She began.
“Emotional”
Facebook/Jackie Johnson-Smith
“I have gotten many looks and stares, but tonight erases any negativity I have ever received. I ate at Fong’s for the first time tonight. Having a fussy baby I nursed him for a while in the booth and eventually left the table early as to not disrupt the restaurant,” Jackie’s Facebook post continued.
“The waitress gave this receipt to my husband. I was speechless and emotional.” So, what did the note say?
One Note Made The Difference
Facebook/Jackie Johnson-Smith
Bodi had been a waitress for a while. And through her years of service, she had seen how breastfeeding moms were treated. She understood their plight. And it made her so mad that people judged women for just wanting to feed their baby! So, when she saw how cool and calm Jackie was, she had to do something. So she wrote a note on the bill: “I bought one of your pizzas… Please thank your wife for breastfeeding!!”
Jackie took the stares in her stride. But what she did afterward was even more amazing.
Make It Known
Facebook/Jackie Johnson-Smith
When Tom pulled out his phone, his wife had expected the worst. However, he merely wanted to capture a shot of the powerful message. Jackie now understood this. And she decided to do the same. Jackie took a photo of the slip. And when she shared it on social media, the response was overwhelming. People praised Bodi and Jackie equally.
Bodi had made a massive impression on the public. But her actions birthed a beautiful movement.
Breastfeeding Is Hero-ed
Facebook/Jackie Johnson-Smith
Thanks to Bodi and Jackie, a breastfeeding awareness was starting to grow. Too long had moms been subjected to awkward stares. People seem unable to comprehend the concept of breastfeeding. Jackie showed moms it is ok to be bold. And Bodi showed that out there, there will be cheerleaders who support their choice to feed.
It still isn’t a comfortable topic, but all awareness is good awareness. And that’s exactly what Jackie wants to share.
Positive Feedback
Facebook/Jackie Johnson-Smith
It’s rare to get such positive feedback for breastfeeding — even though it is a totally natural thing for a mother to do.
Bodi, the waitress, later said, “I noticed [Jackie] nursing and was so thrilled she did it. I tried not to stare because I didn’t want to seem creepy or make her feel uncomfortable, but I felt like doing jumping jacks!”
Women Empowering Each Other
Facebook/Jackie Johnson-Smith
“After dealing with people’s reactions for so long, it was like the universe was giving me a pat on the back. I was too stunned to go back inside and thank the waitress,” Jackie said. Later, Jackie visited Bodi to thank her in person.
“Although I don’t need a pat on the back for feeding my child, it sure felt amazing. It is amazing how we women can make each other feel when we empower each other.”
The Super Family
Facebook/Jackie Johnson-Smith
Since the incident, Jackie and Tom have been stronger than ever. Their little family made waves on social media. Today, they still have a resounding presence. But it’s thanks to Jackie passionately standing for her beliefs. Who knew that two women could create such an impact? Between Bodi and Jackie, they have allowed more moms to feel supported.
Their legacy will definitely be passed on through this story. And the world thanks them for it!