FORT WORTH, Texas — When a Texas waitress covered the cost of a meal for a couple who'd just lost their baby daughter, she didn't realize the impact her seemingly simple gesture would have.

Now, the recipient of her kindness is looking to pay it forward in a big way by launching a scholarship fund* to benefit employees of the restaurant where she found solace in her time of immense grief.

Debbie and Shaun Riddle unexpectedly lost their daughter Glory when she was just 9 weeks old. The pain was still fresh when they visited their favorite restaurant — the West Side Caf — in Fort Worth. Their waitress, Kayla Lane, instantly recognized the couple, who were regulars at the caf.

She asked them about Glory, and they had to deliver the sad news of her death. Lane ultimately paid the Riddles' bill out of her own pocket and left them a note offering her sympathy, an action that caught the attention of millions when Debbie Riddle posted a picture of their check on her Facebook page.

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Waitress pays for grieving parents' meal after learning of baby's death

A Texas couple who recently lost their baby daughter found a bit of solace in a meal, thanks to a server at one of their favorite restaurants.

"People from all around the world were touched by this event, and it brought solace to Shaun and Debbie for the beautiful legacy of kindness and love it brought to the memory of Glory," Debbie wrote on her GoFundMe page.

Riddle knew she had to do something in return, she just wasn't sure what. She received the inspiration she needed as she was going through some of Glory's clothes and found a onesie with the print: "Kisses 25 cents. I'm saving for my college fund."

"Realizing that we would never be able to start a college fund for Glory, I knew that I wanted to start a scholarship program in her honor," Riddle wrote. "Once we learned that Kayla was studying to become a teacher and paid for our meal and many others out of her own pocket, we realized that it was her time to be blessed. Not only her time, but all of the other college-bound students at West Side Cafe touching the lives of so many."

Debbie Riddle launched a GoFundMe account hoping to raise at least $20,000 to split into 5 scholarships of $4,000. So far the account has raised about $2,500 in six days.

"There is something special about West Side," Debbie Riddle told Today Parents. "They are like a family, and they treat all of their customers like family as well. We need more people like that excelling and becoming an intricate part of today's society."

Lane, the waitress who inspired the scholarship, said she was touched and inspired by the Riddles' gesture. She said the scholarships will relieve much of the stress and burden associated with higher education.

"College is hard, but the most difficult part about college is the financial aspect," Lane told Today. "Will I have enough for tuition? Will I be able to work enough to pay my bills and still maintain a good GPA? What Debbie is doing will not only help me, but the dozens of students that are involved with the West Side Caf."

For Debbie Riddle, the scholarship fund is one more way to honor Glory's memory.

"The memorial fund, made possible through the kindness and loving support of others' donations, will keep her memory alive and strong through all the students she will be able to help," she said.

*Disclaimer: ksl.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does ksl.com assure that the monies deposited will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit or donation you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.*

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