I purchased some instant coffee today and it took me back…

To watching the kettle boil as you arranged the cups…one for you…and one for me…you set them gently as you spooned in the instant coffee and dry creamer before adding delicately the perfectly boiled water.

The wait was excruciating…

But you would not be rushed. Nor would I dare attempt to hurry you

The anticipation and the quiet meaningful conversation were worth it EVERY time!

Your face when you took the first sip…contented, grateful, soothed…mirrored my own.

Coffee is my one remaining vice…all these years later. 

You were always willing to share what little you had…

The one tiny bit of solace that got you through countless days of hardship I’m sure…

I didn’t realize your sacrifice back then…I was young…and self-absorbed…

I didn’t know that the instant coffee and creamer weren’t a choice…that they were in fact the ramifications of extreme poverty that left you unable to afford a coffee maker, filters, and fresh ground coffee to brew…

I did not know then that some days you couldn’t even afford to replace the instant.

Yet still you shared…with me.

Looking back, what I do know is that I was very special to you, and I want you to know that you are/were very special to me too.

You were a nurturing presence in my life when I needed it most

I will always be grateful for YOU and afternoon coffee.

©Dani Heart

1-31-2026

For Vivian