“Has Cleo been in yet?”, asked Early Morning Customer Mary, cheerful as always in her red béret.  

“Not yet”, came the answer from behind the café till.  

“Good.  Well, when she does come in, would you mind passing this envelope on to her for me?  And I’d like to pay for one of those violets that are for sale there on the main table please.  If you could ask Cleo to choose a violet for herself, I’d appreciate it.  She’ll understand when she reads the note inside that envelope.  We do a pilates class together and she’s such a lovely person.  I just want to say thank you to her.”

When Cleo did arrive, Mary’s envelope was presented to her, and the instruction to choose a violet was also passed on.  I wish I had filmed Cleo as she opened the envelope and read the note inside.  She was obviously so touched by Mary’s words and was fighting back tears as she chose her gift.  It was a beautiful moment to witness and it impressed on me again how fortunate I am to watch these people-connections take place every day in my work place.

After a year away doing other things, I’d come back to work at the café in February.  Having previously worked there for four years, I’d assumed that I would pick up where I had left off.  However, changes in staff meant quite a change in dynamic – for me at least – and it has taken me a while to find my feet again.

But what hasn’t changed is the magic I find in watching people connect with people.  There are many places that provide this opportunity.  And every workplace is a community in itself.   But somehow a café seems to create a wonderful space for these connections to take place.  I guess it’s because for many people it becomes their regular “go-to” place.  It’s a chance to take a wee break from the busyness of life and just sit for a while, either alone with a newspaper or laptop for company, or to catch up with a friend, family member or work colleague.  It is also about enjoying a good coffee and a treat of course. Those are very important things!  But there seems to be more to it than that, from what I observe.

As I arrive at work each morning, the last of the tradie customers are just leaving, having stopped by for their early morning coffees.  They are there each day, chatting with the café owner and with each other as they wait for their orders.

I have seen new mums meet other new mums, and then watch on as their friendship develops over time amidst the chaos of scattered toys, spilt fluffies and messy highchairs.

Couples sit together, talking through the matters of their daily lives.  Sometimes they hold hands.  Sometimes they have quietly-muttered disagreements.  Sometimes they sit quietly – each reading their own book (or phone – or book on their phone!).

Regular customers start talking to other regular customers, and connections are made.  Past experiences are discussed.  Future plans are explored.  

One group meets together twice a week, and each time there is a wee vase of flowers to represent the dear friend they lost to cancer a few years ago.  

Another group sits outside no matter the weather, to allow for the two or three small dogs that accompany them each day.  There are several of them – older folk, with many years of life between them to look back upon, and many present-day issues still to discuss.  They support each other through good times and bad.  They distance-walked together through the Covid lock-downs and now walk each other’s dogs when illness crops up.  They bring others into their fold.  They can be awfully polite, terribly naughty and absolutely hilarious all in one morning.  They are an absolute delight.

As I prepare food, deliver coffee and wipe tables, I hear snippets of conversations – some full of laughter, others relaying fears and struggles.  I witness listening ears and faces full of love and support.  I see grown men cry, and hugs being given.  It truly feels like a community, within a community.

Recently I was chatting to a lady who herself had worked in a café that Keith (my SugarMouse partner in crime) and I would regularly visit after our weekly gigs at a restaurant some years ago.  I mentioned to her my musings about the popularity of cafés, and quite possibly let out a bit of my alarm at the hecticness of it all.  Her response was “Renie, it’s because these days people often feel unconnected and are craving relationship.”  I believe she is right.  We all need connection.  If someone remembers your name, you feel noticed.  If someone follows up on what you told them last week, you feel cared for.  If someone pats the chair next to them and invites you to join them, you feel included and valued.

Café life is hard work.  Sometimes it is so busy and chaotic that I feel like crying.   Other times I laugh so much I actually do cry!  But the magic of people connecting with people is a seriously wonderful thing to work amongst.  I’ll drink to that.  

“Coffee Up.”