“I’m going to buy Brandi’s coffee,” Ross said, handing me his money. “Thanks, Ross, that was really nice,” Brandi answered, surprised and blessed, but instead of meandering toward the side where the lattes are finished, she remained in line. “I’m going to buy this man’s coffee,” she said, turning to the gentleman behind her— anything he wanted was on her. The man stammered, but smiled and expressed his gratitude. “I think I’m going to do the same for you, ma’am,” he said, looking at the lady behind him, “Whatever you want, just order it.” And on and on it went for six customers—strangers buying strangers coffee. They shook hands, exchanged names, gave thanks, and left smiling. I’ve seen some strange things since I started working at the Starbucks on I-30 and Ridge Road. There was the time a dog summoned his owner to the truck by standing on the horn, or the Christmas where two elderly women shoplifted a coffee maker claiming they “forgot to pay” when caught in the parking lot. I could tell story after story of the bizarre behavior of people who gather ‘round the coffee pot, but this ranks pretty high, for rarely have I witnessed such spontaneous generosity from one stranger to the next. Because we are busy coffee shop, we only have seconds to greet, compliment, and even joke with a customer. Starbucks calls this, “Customer Connection,” and they make it top priority for every partner to connect with every person that walks through that door. It is part of the Starbucks experience and a privilege for me to perform each shift. Yet, no matter how much I enjoy my customers, it still is a part of my job requirement.. This interaction between customers was a connection of another kind—an august moment—an extemporary incident of dignity and grandeur. There was no premeditation, planning, program, or pomp—just one person showing another what it means to be human. Everyday I read headlines about scandal, accusation, and suicide bombing. If one could list the evil acts committed in the world this very day, they would probably fill a library. But, regardless of all the mayhem, this very day I am writing this account, I witnessed kindness and gained hope. I saw that the good, the true, and the beautiful continues to exist in everyday life—even if it shows itself suddenly over a simple cup of coffee.