This morning while using my new calculator, I couldn’t help but think of the older gentleman who gave it to me. A few weeks ago as I sat at my booth at my favorite cafe, Klassique Kafe, one of the regulars spoke to me from across the dining room. He asked if I would like to join him for breakfast. I thought about it, but declined because I had a final later that day and desperately needed to cram for it. Then, sensing his need to talk, I put down my book. With me in my booth and he in his, we continued to chat and I soon forgot about my studies.
Within a few minutes the owners of the cafe, who happen do be sisters and are two of the kindest souls you will ever meet, stopped by my booth to say hello and give me hugs – these hugs are one of the reasons I return time and again. After telling me about their morning, they returned to the kitchen to cook my “usual” and I resumed conversing with my new friend.
He went on to tell me, with a bit of mist in his eyes, about how his daughters had been through college and reminisced about helping them with their studies. We talked about my son and some of the challenges that come with the teen years. We were having a nice visit, but after a while, my order came and our conversation fizzled. I opened my notes, took out a highlighter, and began studying.
Lost in my reading, I barely noticed that the man I had been talking with earlier had walked over and was standing by my table, holding a calculator in his hand. Explaining that he hardly used it and I would probably get more use out of it with my studies, he gave me his solar Casio. I was overcome by his thoughtful nature and found myself at a loss for words. Regaining my composure, I thanked him and told him I would put it to good use.
I asked him what he was up to for the rest of the day. As he looked out the window at the darkening sky, he said that he was going fishing. I wished him luck and promised to sit with him the next time I came in. He liked this idea. We exchanged goodbyes and he was out the door.
Later in the day, I thought about him and how he must have had a great day fishing. With as generous as he had been, only the very best could have come his way. I thought about the quiet and gentle nature of this man, about how his selfless action brightened my day, and I was grateful for our encounter.
I hope to see him again soon.
Please read article about the Kafe at www.redding.com/news/2009/mar/05/dining-out-sisters-serve-homestyle-meals-klassique/
by Amber Galusha
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