And good evening also, to the people who do.
Today, was my last shift at Second Cup. I have been working at this coffee shop in Parkwood Mall for some time now, a little more than a year. Through these mass of days I've slaved behind the espresso machine, and met some of the most amazing people while serving them their lattes.
I have worked in, and managed a few coffee shops now, and this one takes the cake for the most incredible customers I have ever imagined. Now, I now everyone has their bad days. Especially me when there is no sunshine *see winter weather in Prince George*. But in general, this has been one of my favourite jobs.
Today was I was reminded that no matter how often you think you don't make an impact on people's lives, because you can't see it often, you do. Everyday. The people that work in McDonald's? You may not think that you can change a persons day, but you do. Those people that work at a Telus store? You may not think that they funny story you tell someone is remembered, but it is.
I was reminded of this today, when I couple I recognized the faces of came in to get coffees, and I said the usual "Hey! I haven't seen those handsome mugs around lately!" And they reply with, "I know! We've been around though, how were the Olympics?" Please keep in mind I went to the Olympics almost three months ago, and this was the last time I had seen this couple, and the first time I'd met them, that I mentioned going to the gold medal game in Vancouver. At this point I am at a near breakdown of emotion. These LOVELY PEOPLE remembered me! And from what? Me raving about how excited I was to go to the Olympics? I couldn't believe it.
So then this gets me thinking of all the people I have met, and fallen in love with over the course of this year, just from my work at a coffee shop.
There's Shae, this handsome fellow who comes into Second Cup to write his scripts. Phyllis who comes and gets a medium mocha with lots of whipped cream, her grandson David, and her great granddaughter who is such a sweetheart. There's Gary in all of his old Vietnam, private service stories, and his huge heart, and sound advice. There's Grlindy, and her awesome attitude, as well as her husband who puts up with us hugging and girl talking. There's skim caramel caretto guy, who has two Ducatis and a BMW cruiser, and loves to talk about them. Dave who is a huge teddy bear, as well as his usual entourage who has gone through some serious changes in a year. Clay the really attractive fire fighter, who I get all starry eyed and blushy when I see him, but he puts up with me everytime. Large latte guy who lives in a cabin way out in the bush, no doubt with his wife I will one day take the place of....creepy? No. Just kidding. There's that really happy lady who dresses well, and who is always smiling, and her boyfriend who saw (or no doubt hear me) at the Keg one night. Flavour coffee guy, who never gets a mug, flavour coffee woman who I saw throughout her entire pregnancy, and had the privilege of meeting her daughter and watching her grow. All the parkwood mall employees, who are hilarious to talk with, because of the hospital and the hospice house having day passes. Customers like window licking man, who make me afraid of becoming old.
There are so many more faces I remember, and so many more memories I have had in that place. But my decision to travel has been smiled upon so many times, and in the strangest ways, that I need to get it done.
I have also recently met someone who has completely solidified who I am, in such a freakishly short time, that I wonder who he is, and where he was sent from. It's like, in talking with him, I am reminded every second of who I am, where I came from, where I am going, and how huge my decision to travel is going to weigh on the rest of my life. This person knows who he is, and though he probably won't read this, thank you, thank you, thank you. For being that 'guiding light'. For somehow in ONE DAY changing all my thoughts toward the positive.
Wow, this is getting long. I just have so much to SAY! Peter Katz? Amazing. The song 'Son' is one everyone should listen to, because no matter who you are, you will take something from it. If you have the chance of seeing him live, please do.
Everything is inspiring, you just have to see the inspiration in it!
J
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