Through the past four years of my life, I have tried to experience coffee in its fullness. Little did I suspect that through coffee, I would actually experience life in its fullness.
My humble beginnings happened at Second Cup, in Calgary. There I learned the difference between medium and dark, Kenya and Colombia, Cappuccino and Latte. That experience was the springboard into my pursuit of coffee. After hours upon hours on the internet, exhausting the articles from David Schomer and Aaron Delazzer, I learned that the West Coast was the heartbeat of the espresso culture that I sought. I was drawn to Vancouver. My timing was such that I applied to Main St. just as Park and Tilford was about to open; Grady led me to the North Shore. That next year was one of great personal growth. I owe more than I can say to John, Grady, Maria, Lucho, Jesse, Mark, Ryan, and Mike. They challenged me personally and spiritually, and encouraged me to reach my fullest potential. They’re still encouraging me…
Perhaps the greatest of all my JJ Bean experiences has been the unfolding of my relationship with Annie, who is now my wife. I can honestly say that if it were not for my love for coffee, I probably would not be in Vancouver. If it was not for JJ Bean, I never would have moved to the North Shore, where my relationship with Annie bloomed. That fateful summer would never have happened. My life would be nothing compared to what it is now.
So what is the point? The point is that as we experience coffee, we get more than just good coffee. Yes…there are few things better than a perfect espresso. But what about the joy of teaching someone else about espresso, and fostering a relationship through the course of it? What about the smile of accomplishment the when a new barista makes a perfect cappuccino? What about the lit up eyes when someone tastes blueberry in Ethiopian Harar for the first time? None of these things are about coffee in and of itself. They are about people. That’s the point.
I have gained most of my friends over a cup of coffee. And I would venture to say many of your friendships have a similar source. Enjoy coffee. Enjoy your journey through it. But most of all enjoy every person that is brought into your life because of it. Remember how fortunate you are to be part of this community.
