Waitress Melina Salazar got a windfall just before Christmas and from a most unexpected benefactor. Salazar, a waitress at Luby's cafeteria in Brownsville, was amazed when she received $50,000 and a 2000 Buick from her one of her most loyal customers.

The posthumous tip came from 89-year-old Walter "Buck" Swords, who passed away in July.

A World War II veteran, Swords was a regular at Luby's and was often served by Salazar. Salazar made sure his food was hot and tended to his every need. She also smiled through his curses and demands. He was a frequent visitor for the last seven years.

In appreciation, he left her a generous tip after his death.

"I still can's believe it," describing Swords as "kind of mean."