Carmen returns to Metro Cafe
Monday, July 8, 2013 at 11:38PM ;)
This afternoon, I pulled up to the Metro Cafe window and there was Carmen. I knew she was going to be there, because I saw her car in the parking lot. I thought about parking myself and going inside, but I wanted to see her as I had known her from the start - standing behind the window. And yes, along with barista Evelina, she greeted me with her warm smile and a squeal of delight.
Amazingly, no car pulled in behind me for at least 15 minutes, maybe 20, so I stayed parked at the window and we talked - about Scot, about Branson, who everyday becomes more like Scot, about her trip to her native home in Old Mexico.
Although I wrote nothing about it at the time, Carmen had last come in to work on May 4, then went to stay with Scot at the hospital until his time living on this earth came to an end on May 19. After the funeral, she took Branson and returned to Mexico.
This was the very first day she had even seen Metro Cafe, the stage Scot built for her, since she began her vigil May 4. She had not even driven by it. It had been hard for her to come back, hard to see his antique Metro car, his antique Metro van - all the things he had built into Metro Cafe for her. Now, she was glad she had come back.
"Scot is looking over me," she said. "This is where Scot wants me to be." She closed her eyes and held them closed, this smile upon her face.
I could not just drive away. I pulled into a parking spot, went inside, patiently waited as a blond woman excitedly told Carmen about how some relatives of hers were headed to Africa to serve a mission for God. The woman paused for moment. I stepped into the coffee making area and gave Carmen a hug. I then went back to the car, drove away and drank my coffee.
It was excellent. Metro Cafe coffee is always excellent.
As to the post I had said I would put up today about the cat who crossed the road, it can wait another day.
Reader Comments (3)
I love you posts. This one is exceptionally beautiful. I know you are suppose to be working and only posting on Wednesdays, but I am so grateful for each post you sneak in. I am sending all my hopes for vast reserves of energy to see you through all of your projects and to make a little room for this amazing blog of yours. Thank you.
What Kelly said. Thank you Bill. Welcome home Carmen. {{{hugs}}}
Yes {{{{hugs}}}} to Carmen.