An unexpected act of kindness changed a grieving barista’s Mother’s Day

A Starbucks barista in Little Rock, Arkansas, experienced a memorable change last month thanks to her cheerful attitude and the kindness of a customer.

Courtney Crawford was working at the cafe early in the morning when a customer who appeared to be having a rough start to the day arrived.

Determined to cheer up the customer, Crawford managed to make the woman smile. This simple act sparked an unexpected and profound gesture of gratitude.

In a video she posted to social media, Crawford said the customer left her a message — signed “groggy woman at 5 a.m.” — that included a heartfelt message.

“You were the first face I saw this morning and you really brightened my day,” the note said, according to Crawford. “I’m sure you’re exhausted from life, right? That’s all of us. But you deserve to know that you made a difference in someone’s day today simply by being nice.”

With the bill, the customer included a $200 tip.

But what the customer probably didn’t realize was how profound an impact her gift would have on Crawford — it arrived when she needed it most. This weekend marks her first Mother’s Day without her mother Tammy, who died last June after a battle with cancer.

The $200 tip will now allow Crawford to purchase an urn she was previously unable to afford.

“I decided to buy the urn I was looking at and bring my mom home for Mother’s Day,” Crawford said in the video.

Crawford, who works three jobs to make ends meet, told “CBS Mornings” senior national correspondent David Begnaud that she is grateful and hopes to one day reconnect with the woman who showed her so much kindness.

“If she ever thinks she doesn’t impact the world on a day when she thinks she doesn’t matter, I’d like to be the reminder that says yes,” Crawford said. “And you will never stop impacting the world because I will be able to look at my fireplace every day and smile because my mother is looking at me.”

This story is part of the “Dear David” segment on “CBS Mornings,” which highlights heartwarming stories about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. If you have a story, email “CBS Mornings” senior national correspondent David Begnaud at DeadDavid@cbsnews.com.

Begnaud encourages anyone who knows this generous client to contact him by email or on social media.