It all started with a cup…

It all started when I asked her out for a cup of coffee

And then she asked for tea!

Can tea and coffee mix?

My daughter had suggested I speak with Mary,

She had experienced grief and possibly could help me through mine

But, really—tea, when I enjoy my coffee so very much

The conversation was relaxed and easy,

We shared our grief stories; we seemed to understand each other.

But, could tea and coffee really mix in the long term?

We chatted together so easily

We were surprised when two hours had passed.

And yet, she was a “tea-totaler” and I an avowed coffee drinker

But, Mary helped me work through my grief.

I called again to chat about recovering from grief.

Again, she asked for tea—what could I do?

These meetings were such a wondrous help,

I soon felt the need to chat some more,

Even though she always asked for tea!

I ventured away to visit family and friends

And drove, alone, to Abbotsford, BC.

I had my coffee, but I really missed that person who liked tea.

As soon as I was home, I called to see if Mary had some time.

I felt I needed another opportunity to chat,

Regardless of her ‘addiction’ to some tea.

She responded with some eagerness,

And soon I wondered with many mixed feelings

That—maybe coffee and tea could mix!

Then, at a relaxed conversation time at the Crusty Bun,

I asked in a rather emotional tone, “What is THIS?”

The thought of whether tea or coffee could mix was no longer in the equation.

We held hands across the table, and with eyes fixed on each other,

We declared that this was more than grief support—it was a joyous love.

She continued drinking tea, and I sipped my coffee.

From that day on, we knew our love was real,

That God had brought us to this wondrous place.

No longer did it matter if I drank coffee, and she her tea.

Today, we often make our meals together

Because we enjoy this relationship and are fully aware

That tea or coffee are reminders that differences can be overcome.