“Never trust anyone who doesn’t drink coffee.” – AJ Lee
I don’t remember life without coffee. Just like as a child I do not remember life without mom and dad. I grew up during the generation when the divorce rate in America began to rise. I was a member of the minority in my circle; my parents were still married. They remained that way for fifty seven years, until I lost my dad earlier this year just a few days before their 57th wedding anniversary. What I wouldn’t do to share another cup of coffee with him. One black for me and one with a half teaspoon of brown sugar for him.
My dad loved to enjoy his cup of coffee in a fancy little cup and saucer, one of which I keep today in my cupboard and much like the one I recall from my first cup of coffee. It probably wasn’t my first cup but it is my first memory and a fond one at that. I felt so special and just like a big boy. I am the baby of the family so that was a big deal.
The memory is of my grandma giving me coffee after dinner in a small, fancy cup and saucer. The reality is that it was more milk than coffee, but it was special and made me feel as such, nonetheless. As the youngest, it was easy to get lost and feel like an outsider looking in. There is a five year gap between me and my closest cousin and seven between me and my closest sibling. All my relatives closest in age to me either did not live nearby or we just didn’t get together as much so I was on my own a lot. The coffee made me feel a part of.
As I grew up, so did my love for coffee. I later discovered as I ventured into the coffee world that what grandma served me is actually a Spanish drink; a Café Manchado which is milk flavored with coffee. Who woulda thunk?
Whether that cup started it or not, the memory is strong as is many I hold dear to my heart that involved moments I shared with friends and family over a cup of coffee or two. The coffee connection is something special and continues to grow in me. In fact, the latest venture in the entrepreneurial life of my wife and I is the result of our coffee business acquiring a pie shop & eatery. How fitting is it that we now are privileged to provide a space for connections to be made over a cup of coffee and a slice of pie. If you can’t find happiness in that, something is just not right.
Talk Soon,
Kevin W @LEAP272
Owner-Operator
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