Server was about to call in sick from work, but decided to go anyway — an encounter with a celebrity couple changed her life
Just saying yes to new opportunities can make a big difference in a person's life. A then 22-year-old recent grad could attest to that after she said yes to being the assistant to two celebrities. The woman, Lindsey Lauten, had been working as a server at a restaurant when she had a chance encounter with the actors, Mary Steenburgen and Ted Danson. Lindsey's work stood out to them and they offered her a job. That one moment changed her life's trajectory, according to the woman's Instagram post, where she goes by @lindseylauten. The video received over 2.9 million views.
"In your 20s, you will randomly meet two celebrities who will ask you to be their personal assistant — it is very important that you say yes," the text overlay of the video read. Lindsey had also shared an old picture with Mary and Ted. "Not only because they are amazing, but they bring you to LA, where you quickly meet your soulmate bestie." The woman shared pictures of herself with her best friend, Nate Sarmento, who had been in her life for "nearly 20 years." She added, "Best man at my wedding and now the best guncle." The caption read, "Love you, Nate Sarmento. A huge shoutout to Mary Steenburgen and Ted Danson — not only for being the absolute best, but for giving me my best friend and essentially launching the entire trajectory of my life."
The woman continued, "I’m endlessly grateful for you both and for the opportunity of a lifetime you gave me." The moment meant a lot more because Lindsey had been thinking of calling in sick from work that day, but decided to go in anyway, according to TODAY.com. The place, Sufficient Grounds cafe, was really busy when the woman came in for her shift. She was shocked for a moment when she noticed the two actors at the cafe as she took their drink orders. "I think I blacked out for a second." However, she composed herself and went ahead to take other people's orders. Mary was watching Lindsey as she worked and was impressed with her.
"Lindsey was equally lovely to everybody and she went out of her way to make sure that for that little moment in time, you were taken care of and you had a lovely meal," Mary said, recounting the 2008 incident. "She didn't overdo it and she didn't underdo it. She just did it perfectly." Lindsey recalled what Mary had told her all those years ago. "She said, 'I've been watching you for the last couple of hours and you knew everyone's name and their orders and you did it all with a smile— and that tells me a lot about you and your work ethic." The couple needed a personal assistant at that time and offered Lindsey a job. She said yes and her life was completely changed after that.
People appreciated the woman's story in the comments section of the video. @lynnaeleo wrote, "What a great story to come across! They seem like awesome people. Also, love that some of your own friends didn't know this about you, wild!" @gooddessmix commented, "Was on a plane with him with my two boys when they were younger and he commented on what great flyers they were-he was also funny and said he spilled on himself more than they did." @mayerme remarked, "What! How did I not know this? Also- life is wild. You never know why certain opportunities arise."
You can follow Lindsey Lauten (@lindseylauten) on Instagram for more lifestyle content.