COFFEE HIGHLIGHTS
When I was very young, maybe 5 or 6, my dad took me for coffee. It was the highlight of my life.
Now, to be honest, I didn’t actually drink coffee. Dad drank coffee; I was considered too young, so I drank hot chocolate instead. It wasn’t even good hot chocolate. The waitresses made it by dumping a packet of powder into boiling water. Once though, I got real hot chocolate!I know it was real because the marshmallows were real, not those tiny white chalky marshmallows, but yummy, gooey, melt in your mouth ones. I’ll never forget that cup of chocolate, and I’ll never forget those early mornings with my dad.
My brother and I loved those times with Dad so much that we'd leave notes on his work clothes asking (begging) him to wake us and take us with him. He used to rise around 3 a.m. and leave for his first coffee stop around 4 a.m. Dad had lots of friends at the coffee shop. They all knew his name. I always felt he was some short of ‘big shot’ . I was proud to be with Dad in the coffee shop because it made me happy. It made me feel important and safe.
My father died when I was 19. I miss him. I can only imagine how delightful it would be to take him to coffee one morning this week. I’d give almost anything for the opportunity. But, things change. People pass on. They move. They leave us. Life is not static.
Since life is surely uncertain, I’m writing this morning to suggest that each of us invite one of our parents (or both), or one of our in-laws, or a sibling out for morning coffee. Due to tomorrow's uncertaintly, take a few extra minutes one day to listen more closely than usual, to really see them, and to savor them. When you're out, avoid a powdered, dumped-quickly-into-hot-water visit. Instead, brew up a cup of rich, full flavored, melt-in-your-mouth-and-remember-for-a-lifetime memories.
Make them feel happy, important and safe. Make it the highlight of their life and it will be one for you. Drink up and I’ll see you Monday!
PS. I’d really enjoy hearing from some of you on how your memory making went this week. I’ll be taking my mother out for coffee and pastries!
All material copyrighted by Stephen Meeks
--Gourmet Thoughts for A Gourmet Day ** Fresh Brewed Here Every Monday-- Millions of us begin our day with coffee. For some its a necessity; for others a simple luxury. Which ever your case, I want to share it with you occasionally--not to intrude, but, hopefully to enhance by offering a thought, an idea, an insight, or a story. After all, what better way to begin a gourmet day than with a gourmet thought and hot coffee?
