Decaf

Different race, different gender and from a different era. I totally dig her.

Yesterday while working, I stopped for coffee…as I do. A few weeks back, the barista gave me my drink. I immediately noticed it wasn’t decaf. I can drink a regular cup of coffee, but every now and then it triggers a massive vertigo attack, literally leaving me on the floor. And in some cases, throwing up. I gave the coffee back to her and explained that I do not drink coffee unless it is decaffeinated. Which prompted her to tell me that she suffers from anxiety and heart palpations when seem consumes regular coffee. We have a bond.

Yesterday as she handed me my coffee, I was the only one in line, so we had an extended conversation. My day job has me responding to clients in crisis all day long. Some are as easy as talking to a homeless person. Other times I am responding to a suicide. Regardless, this young lady and I had a beautiful exchange. I walked away feeling both joyful and thankful.

It is rare that we take the time to actually listen to people. I get it. The day in day out grind and pressures can be a bit much at times. At first glance, you wouldn’t think we would click. Choose each other. But whenever I come in, she does her best to rush over to me and ring me up. She couldn’t be more than 18 or 19. I am old enough to be her grandfather. But she is a “safe”. {I call her a safe, as I am on the road responding to problems in 3 counties. When I find someone I can be myself with, and not have to problem solve, I go out of my way to see them. If only for a brief minute.} She is safe because we both talk to and listen to each other. It really is a beautiful thing.

A few years back, I befriended a young man from across the world, who worked in one of the hotels that I used for my homeless clients. Different cultures, different religions and different belief systems. He was safe. We remain friends to this day.

I love people. I love people who are open minded, that I come in contact with organically and they just feel safe. Like home. I honor these people and exchanges. Gives me hope in humanity. As for the girl in the coffee shop, I probably never would have known just how cool she is, if she hadn’t taken an interest in my decaf cup of coffee. I feel blessed.