It was just an ordinary Wednesday afternoon—or so I thought.

I was driving westbound on I-40, like I’ve done countless times before. But this time, something was wrong. My blood sugar dropped—fast. And if you’ve ever experienced that kind of drop, you know how terrifying it can be. Thoughts slow. Muscles weaken. The world becomes a haze. You’re awake, but barely functioning.

In that moment, I wasn’t just uncomfortable—I was in danger.

By pure luck or grace, a Burger King sign appeared at the upcoming exit. It felt like my only shot at help. I pulled in, shakily rolled down my window, and did my best to place an order. Words didn’t come easily. My voice wavered, and my mind fumbled. I managed to say something to the person on the speaker—“I’m diabetic… I need food…”

And that’s when something extraordinary happened.

I pulled forward, expecting to pay at the first window. Instead, I saw a Burger King employee—Tina Hardy—rushing toward the front of my car. She came running from the side, squeezing herself between my car and the building. In her hand was a small cup of ice cream.

She didn’t wait. She didn’t ask if I wanted it. She didn’t think twice.

She knew.

Later, she told me that her husband is also diabetic—and that she could immediately recognize the signs. She could see that I needed sugar, and I needed it now.

That ice cream, simple as it was, may have saved my life.

After I paid, I pulled up to Tina’s window. She handed me my food and looked me in the eye.

“Park just across the drive,” she said gently.
“I’m going to keep an eye on you until you’re okay.”

I did exactly that. I sat there, in that parking lot, slowly regaining strength. Slowly coming back to myself. And all the while, Tina kept glancing out from her station—watching, caring, making sure.

Once I felt well enough, I waited for a lull in the drive-thru and went back to her window. I took a picture. I spoke with her supervisor. I told him everything she had done for me. Because this wasn’t just good customer service.

This was humanity.
This was compassion in action.
This was the kind of person you remember forever.

Tina Hardy didn’t just do her job that day—she changed mine. She saw a stranger in trouble, and she ran—literally ran—to help. In a world that often feels rushed, disconnected, and indifferent, Tina reminded me that there are still people who will notice. Who will act. Who care.

So here it is:

If you’ve ever needed help and prayed someone kind would be nearby—Tina was that someone for me.
If you’re moved by what she did, please share this story. Let her be seen. Let her be celebrated. Let her managers, her coworkers, and the executives at Burger King know that the world needs more Tinas.

Because on an ordinary Wednesday, Tina Hardy did something extraordinary.

And I will never forget it.