I have been all around
this great big beautiful world and never surprised but ever amazed by the
common thread of caring. Oh sure, sour
and persnickety exist, but they remain the minority not the majority. Then, there are those shining stars tucked into
the secret garden of our life. Those
shopkeepers who not only render service with a smile, but also go that extra
smile and mile. They learn our names
when we frequent their establishment. They
treat us like regulars even when we visit once from out of town.
Our local Soda Fountaineers,
Mr. and Mrs. Young recently retired, but Rosemarie still serves with grace over
on Oildale Drive. Hope-filled brew at
Covenant Coffee is poured, blended, or baked with love on North Chester. Downtown, one may feast on lovingly prepared
decadence at De Coeur Bakery on 18th Street, behind the Post
Office. Oh, those croissants send me
back in time! From the scent to my
European sojourn to the first buttery crunchy, bite- propelled back to our
wedding night when Room Service delivered coffee, strawberries, and croissants
on a silver tray!
De Coeur’s business
motto perfectly explains why. “We firmly
believe, as with all things in life, you must work with passion and love and
that everything you do should truly come from the heart and that sentiment is
behind everything we bake and decorate,” says Mai Gifford, Owner. May we all strive to walk this path!
These remain a few
local examples, but recently, I experienced such distinct pleasure from across
the miles. Googling local florists in
our now son-in-love’s hometown, I stepped into that Secret Garden I mentioned
earlier. He and our eldest daughter
Kayla planned to wed unceremoniously later in June and thus ensued my phone
call to Country Cottage. Unable to
attend the Virginia nuptials, I expressed my desire to Miss Pam to offer a
floral remembrance. Then, early one
Friday morning, when they shared a day off and their escrow closing delayed
until following Monday, Kayla called to announce, they intended to “do it right
before our new house closes so we are getting married today!” Nonplussed by my urgent phone call, Miss Pam
angelically arranged a breathtakingly beautiful bouquet and boutonniere and
lovingly tucked in jasmine from her own garden to satisfy my desire to give a scented
memory. It is a rare gift to know one
may reach out, and receive grace so far apart then also have a stranger treat
like a friend. I hear tell she dishes up
a delicious fudge and look forward meeting her in person someday.
I remain grateful
for these bright souls, who not only serve us they love us with their skill and
trade. They lay the foundation where
sweet memories seed and bloom. They
remind us of the old adage: “Be not
forgetful to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained
angels unawares.”