Saturday, July 26, 2008

To My Friendly Starbucks Barista

While I was in my hometown this week to be with my family while my mother was in the hospital, there was a bright spot. A bright, shiny spot which made each day of my visit a little more pleasant.

Starbucks. There is a relatively new Starbucks not far my parent's home, and I was a frequent visitor during the 3 days of my stay. On my way out to return home, I went through the drive-thru to get myself juiced up for the 4-hour drive. As I pulled up to order, a very friendly voice greeted me.

"Hi, and welcome to Starbucks on this beautiful evening! My name is Josh. How can I help you?"

Josh sounded like nothing would make him happier than to take my coffee order. I could tell by the sound of his voice that he was smiling.

"Hi Josh! I think I'll try one of those raspberry brownies that the lady ahead of me ordered, and I'll also have a Grande Raspberry Mocha Frappucino."

"That sounds DELICIOUS! A themed dinner?"

"That's right, Josh!"

"It'll be $6.23."

"Thanks!"

I pulled up to the window where I met Josh in person. He was delightful! I could really tell he was having a nice time at his job. Most drive-thru people barely look at me, they just want to grab my money, throw my food at me, and send me on my way. Not Josh! He took some time to make pleasant small-talk.

What Josh didn't know was that I really needed something like that. I was on my way to the hospital one last time to see Mom before I drove home. I was very worried about her, as I'm sure you remember from the updates I posted. I was afraid I was going to be too late and they wouldn't let me in, and I was afraid that if I didn't get my coffee, I would fall asleep on the drive with Lance since we only left at 9 pm, ensuring a peaceful, quiet drive.

But Josh's friendliness and his smile, his thoughtfulness, really helped to brighten that evening.

I told him that he was the friendliest drive-thru person I had ever met. He seemed surprised and pleased by this. Then I told him I would write about him on my blog. I told him the URL, and I hope he manages to look me up!

So if you're here Josh, please know that your kindness made a huge difference to this mommy during a difficult time in her life. You didn't just give me coffee and a brownie, you gave me a reason to smile when there was none.

Thank you.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

It doesn't take much, does it? And most of them don't take the effort. I feel that way about toll booth folks--when one is actually nice, they really stand out!

Anonymous said...

Yay for friendliness! Our local baristas are super friendly too, and it really is the best pick me up to be treated so nicely!

Anonymous said...

Kudos to Josh for doing his job properly. There are waaay too many people in service jobs who act like the customers are really inconveniencing them.

Anonymous said...

Friendliness is something that we are lacking a lot of in the world. I'm glad Josh was able to provide you with a smile! :)

Anonymous said...

That's awesome. And it's not lost on me that "star"bucks, as in "light," was in your brightest moment of the day!

Anonymous said...

I LURVE hearing about people in customer service that are nice to people. I'm so glad you had that to uplift you during your hard time.

why can't we all be that nice to each other?

Anonymous said...

A little kindness goes a long way!

Sorry I haven't been by in so long, I didn't have you in my bloglines like I thought I did, but that is taken care of now.

Anonymous said...

awww that is just awesome!

Anonymous said...

while in college I worked at a coffee shop. LOVED IT! And I love the interaction with people . . . and once or twice I've had something like this. It feel SO good! IT makes the drive through FUN!
I smile with yoU!