I don't come here for the coffee, I come for Tay.

I'm sitting in a coffee shop this morning that has become my go to.

But it isn't the coffee or the atmosphere that brings me here, it's my daughter, Tay.

She's worked here as a barista for over two years, her first "job" other than babysitting.  I love walking through the back door and seeing her behind the counter looking up at me with a grin.  I mosey over to her, give her a hug and ask for the usual, an Americano made with Tay's unique doctoring.  I start talking to her about her day and we take a second to catch up.  She asks me what I'm doing and we exchange some small talk.

Small talk is a big deal.  Just connecting each day staying in touch with the whereabouts and the goings on of people who are special to you really matters.  Nothing big, just the little things that happened since you last checked in.  Most of life is actually pretty ordinary.  It's only the people who live with you and love you who stay with you even in the most uninteresting seasons of life.  Who care about the simple things, the inconsequential details that fill most of our days.  I always love coming to Brody's Be to find the page my daughter is on and to get on the same page with her myself.  

I love listening to her interact with patrons from a nearby room.  I sit at the back corner table getting work done with my ear bent toward Tay.  I love hearing her greet people, answering questions, asking questions, serving consumers, and leading the employers under her tender loving care.  She is a quiet presence in our household, but when she occupies her place here, she rises to the occasion.  She displays charisma and confidence, social savvy and communication skills.  I love seeing her blossom and bloom.  This place calls forth a part of her soul that she is often content to keep under wraps.  She doesn't need attention and is content serving in the shadows, but here she has to step up and into leadership.  And she doesn't miss a beat.

Probably one of my most favorite aspects of being in this place with Tay is watching her navigate the BeRistas (young adults with special needs employed here).  That is the ultimate purpose of this place, to grant those with developmental challenges of all kinds opportunities to work and offer their unique spirits and gifts to this cafe.  It draws people who want to enjoy more than just coffee, they want to support a place that supports God's precious children who often get sidelined and overlooked. 

They know there may be some awkward interactions or some antics that come with the territory.  Tay does such a good job keeping these special souls on task even as some of them stray from the path by default.  When they don't understand something, she interprets life for them.  When they can't find the words to answer people, she fills in the blanks.  When they act out at times, she intervenes and deescalates the situation redirecting emotion and action toward something more constructive.  When there's nothing to do, she draws with them, plays cards with them, colors cup sleeves with them, talks to them about life, sets up jobs for them to do.  She loves them and they love her.  She treats them with dignity and respect.  She looks at them eye to eye as equals, never condescending.  She disciplines them with love and encourages them with words chosen with custom care.  It brings me to tears sometimes as I listen from my table in the back corner.

She wakes up before dawn and gets to work early to get coffee brewing and then sits down to do her devotions and to write in her journal.  I admire her consistency and constancy.  This place has brought out the best in her and I think she has brought the best out of this place.  It was a season where Tay could have drifted into oblivion during COVID in her two final years of High School, but instead of shriveling, she exploded off the blocks and ran the race like a champ.  She excelled and expanded.  She honed skills and sharpened her heart and mind.  She ran toward discomfort and embraced difficulty.  She took risks and the road less travelled by, and it has made all the difference.

I'll miss her voice and face after this week.  It won't be the same for me here.  

Like I said, I don't come for the coffee.  I come for her.  I want a double shot of Tay.

But life unfolds in seasons, and this season is coming to a close.  Another beautiful season is opening up in front of her and I'll be championing her from the new "next nearby room".  

Until then, I'll relish these final moments with one of my favorite people in one of my favorite places.  Tay at Brody's Be.  A match made in heaven.