Gavin

This past weekend, Bob and I were in North Carolina for Hannah and Blake’s baby shower. On Sunday morning, I went on a quick coffee run.

At the cafe, I gave my order and then went to the pickup side of the counter to wait with everyone else. We watched as orders were called and strangers got up, picked up their coffees and bagels and left. We noticed “Gavin” had not picked up his order although his name had been called a few times.  Someone went outside and called out for ‘Gavin’. Another person went into the back hall where the restrooms were and did another ‘Gavin’ call. 

After 4 attempts from the counter for ‘Gavin’ a woman seated a table said, “Gavin has gone.” Someone asked if she knew Gavin. She said no she did not but anyone leaving a custom coffee order on the counter after 5 notifications either had an emergency or got tired of waiting. Then a conversation ensued about what happened to Gavin.

He went to take a call and got called away for an emergency.
He had to finish walking the dog.
He forgot his wallet.
He saw a friend and went for breakfast..
He didn’t feel like waiting.
He realized he was at the wrong coffee shop.
His ride was about to leave him.
His partner went into active labor. 

As we all got our orders and walked away from the conversation, we wished each other well and sent some good thoughts to ‘Gavin’, hoping that this stranger, whose coffee was now gifted to another customer, had a good rest of the day, regardless of what called him away from his coffee run. I looked around and saw quite a varied group of ethnicities and lifestyles among us. I found myself a little grateful for the 15 minutes of peaceful conversation about nothing in particular – we all left with a little smile to start our day. 

The Blessing of Right Now (Based on the words of William Stafford)

The words of poet William Stafford:

“It could happen any time, 
Tornado, earthquake, Armageddon. It could happen.
Or sunshine, love, salvation.
It could, you know. That’s why we wake
and look out — no guarantees in this life.
But some bonuses, like morning,
like right now…”
May this light we now kindle awaken us to the blessings of this day, 
this morning, this moment of now we share together.

~Lydia Patrick