Coffee, Cats and Rainbows

If we were having coffee right now, I’d smile at you from behind my lactose-free half-sweet with-whip peppermint mocha and ask you what you ordered, and would you like to split my cranberry bliss bar?

If we were having coffee right now, you’d point out I got whip cream on my nose, and I’d laugh with you so you didn’t have to laugh at me alone.

If we were having coffee right now, you might jokingly ask me if I’ve heard about the Great Starbucks Red Cup Controversy, and how some Christians apparently somewhere are upset that the cups aren’t “Christmassy” enough. I’d make a sarcastic comment about how I know so many Christians like that, and how I’m pretty sure this whole thing is a PR stunt.

If we were having coffee right now, we’d probably talk about current events, and how sad or frustrating they are, and how wouldn’t it be nice if we could all just see each other as humans, treat each other as humans, love each other as humans, in spite of everything and in spite of ourselves. What would it be like to live in a world without hate?

If we were having coffee right now, you’d ask about my kitten, and I’d tell you about his latest antics – attacking the drips of water that come down from the shower mid-air after it’s been shut off, or dropping paper balls in our shoes so he has an excuse to play with our shoes, or crawling behind the guitars and then flipping out when his tail touches a string and makes a noise. And of course I’d show you a picture.

If we were having coffee right now, you’d probably ask me what I’ve been up to, and I’d tell you I’ve been busy, but a few days ago I drank sake with the Japanese ambassador at his house on lunch break, so that was cool, how about you?

If we were having coffee right now, you’d ask me how I’m doing. “Pretty good,” I’d respond, but my sigh would give me away. “How are you actually doing,” you’d ask, “you can be real with me.” So I’d tell you, I’m tired, and no matter how much sleep I get, I just feel worn down. I’ve been stretched a little thin for quite a while and I just feel… tired.

If we were having coffee right now, you’d tell me I can share, or vent, or let it out if I want to, and I would probably take you up on that. I’d thank you for listening, and being there, and helping me remember to breathe.

If we were having coffee, I’d ask you how you’re really doing. And you’d tell me how you’re doing, really, because I opened up authentically with you and gave you permission to do the same.

If we were having coffee, I’d make some silly awkward comment once the serious things were done, and we’d both laugh, and breathe, and feel a little better for it, even as we get ready to head back out into the rain.

If we were having coffee, we’d then walk outside together and enjoy the rainbow before going our separate ways.

If we were having coffee right now… what thoughts or stories would you share? What would be your drink of choice? How are you doing, really?