He was having surgery and feared the worst. So he made a deal with a Florida baker
He took a sweet deal and made it to the other side.
Last month, a Florida man about to go in for surgery had a heartbreaking request for his local bakery, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
“Mr Keith” ordered a birthday cake for his wife Angela from Cupcake Cafe in Palm Coast and wanted to pay in advance in case he didn’t make it through.
“He explained that during a previous surgery for the same issue he had briefly passed and required resuscitation,” said the agency’s FB post. “And, being afraid that it would happen again, wanted to ensure that the burden of paying for the cake would not fall on his wife if he did not survive.”
The cafe’s owner, aka The Cupcake Lady, posted a TikTok video after the 73-year-old customer submitted his offer and she showed her followers that she had one for him in return.
In the now viral clip Theresa Tazewell tells Keith she won’t take his money and instead says they can settle up after his March 1 operation when he picks up the cake himself (the cost of the layered fruit concoction was not noted).
READ MORE: A family plate with deep meaning is found months later in Hurricane Ian debris
The heartbreaking caveat: In the event that the surgery was not successful, and the bakery had to contact his wife to pick up the cake, she would say that it had already been paid for, so that’s that.
“This is a binding contract,” Tazewell joked to the camera. “You’re not paying for this today.”
Social media users waiting for an update on Mr. Keith’s condition finally got good news. The day after the surgery the baker recorded their emotional phone conversation.
READ MORE: Two injured in Japanese steakhouse explosion in Florida
“I came through,” he says.
“Oh my God!” Tazewell tells him. “I’m so glad you’re OK! I love you so much!”
Others love him so much, too.
Flagler Deputy Laura Jenkins, for one, according to her employer. The law enforcement officer was so moved by this tale, she got Keith a get-well card and balloon as well as a birthday card and flowers for his wife.
Pictures on the FCSO Facebook page show Keith at Cupcake Cafe along with his wife, a few deputies and the star baker with a heart of gold.
“We’re incredibly grateful for unforgettable opportunities like this to connect with the community we serve,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “We wish Keith the best as he continues his recovery from surgery, and happy birthday Angela!”
This story was originally published March 13, 2023 at 4:35 PM.
