To the Woman Who Bought My Chai Latte:
Thank you.
I do not generally stop by Ebenezer’s (a cute, local coffee
shop) because I do not drink coffee or many hot drinks. Today, I stopped by on
my way home from a day well-spent at museums. I wanted a chai to warm me up and
prepare me for an evening of writing a grant proposal and working on homework. I
walked in and felt a little dreary and tired from walking all day. But, you
quickly turned my evening around!
At first, you thought you had gotten in front of me in line.
Once I assured you that everything was fine, you listened to what I ordered,
watched me dig my wallet out of my backpack, and then told the cashier that you
would be paying for my chai. I was in too much shock to disagree with you.
Then, you asked if I wanted food to go along with my drink. I politely turned
you down, while saying “thank you” for what seemed like one hundred times.
Thank you for reminding me how important it is to be kind.
Thank you for being, not only generous, but the friendliest person I
encountered all day. Thank you for reminding the cashier and me that it was not
a “pay it forward” action, but an “every once in a while, it is nice to be nice”
action because everyone should be nice every once in a while (as you said your
dad tells you). Thank you for making my day.
As I sipped on my chai during my walk home, I could not help
but to think of you for the entirety of my stroll. Why was I so surprised that
you had been kind? Why was I in shock that a person would generously purchase a
young woman’s unnecessary chai latte? Why did you choose to “be nice” to me, as
you phrased your action?
You reminded me that we are all in need of love, kindness,
friendship, and generosity. As I pondered about your generosity and
friendliness, I thought about what it means to be in relationships with people;
what it means to love your community; what it means to be thoughtful; what it
means to go out of your way to make someone’s day a little better; and what it
means to just be nice.
What a better place the world would be if everyone had
traits similar to yours! My chai latte certainly did not change my life. But,
your kindness and generosity did. Often times, I only think about “helping”
those who are visibly or physically in need (such as the homeless community,
immigrants who need translation services, or people with disabilities, etc). Maybe,
if more folks like me acted, toward everyone in the world, the way you acted
today, there would be less violence, hatred, greediness, and unkindness in the
world…maybe, just maybe!
So, thank you to the kind woman at Ebenezer’s. Your action
prompted me to think deeply. Generosity and friendliness radiated off of you.
Now, I am going into the world, thinking about you and the relationships and
actions I make each day.
With Peace,
Caitlin
To my followers:
I had already drafted a blog post about all of my favorite
places in D.C. But, after this occurred today, I could not help but to reflect
on it immediately. Favorite D.C. places soon to come….
XOXO,
Caitlin
View of the Capitol from the Newseum
Laughing, as usual, with my favorite Nueva Vida volunteer, Liliana from Colombia.
Nighttime in D.C. with my roommate and some of the boys from Mexico
This is the Indian Taco from the Native American Museum's cafe.
Hanging out at the White House...thanks to the Newseum :)
Photo op with John Boehner
My most favorite place...Union Market in NoMa
D.C. trip to the National Zoo!
Nighttime in D.C. with some friends!
Halloween well spent in Baltimore as a pirate :)
The art of Baltimore
Inner Harbor, Baltimore, MD
Indian food from the cutest Indian restaurant across the street from my apartment
2015 High Heel Drag Race with a friend from Puerto Rico
