Today, as you rose from your bed dreading the shift ahead, buttoning your black shirt and tying your green apron on, you likely expected nothing more than the routine shift. Hundreds of grande iced coffees with the occasional green tea latte.

I am sure that as you saw me walk over the threshold that I had crossed so many times you expected nothing more than my typical drink order, but as soon as I spoke I could tell by the emotions displayed on your face that you knew something was off. From that minute on you made sure to give me more attention than usual. You pushed me to laugh, you inspired me to smile, and you eventually asked what was wrong; and though I was hesitant at first, you managed to make me comfortable enough to share my story with you.

I am not sure you realized it or not but sharing my story was exactly what I needed. After so many repeats of the same story to the same people they grow tired of hearing it, but you came with an open ear, you forced me to stop internalizing. It is for this that I am ever grateful for you.

Before this we knew nothing of each other except for one another's names and their favorite drink, after however we knew each others story-- their existence if you will.

I never knew that I could share so much with the girl behind the green apron. From our experiences to our thoughts its as though we were intertwined souls knowing more about each other than we knew of ourselves. In some way you saved me. I am not sure if it was you relating to me on a level no one ever had or if it was you sharing God's love with me ( not necessarily forcing your religion on me, rather just telling me how loved I will be whether I believe or not,) whatever it was, it was something I will never forget.

Meeting you has showed me that anyone can be a friend if given the right circumstances. You have inspired me to live each day, not as if i twas my last but as if it was my first. You have made me realize that we should not live like we are dying rather we should live like everything is new-- treat each day as though you have yet to do anything because then you will find joy in everything. Finally you have showed me that through determination, hope, and a little bit of insanity anything is possible. Following your dreams is never dumb and even if it feels like it, it isn't, and if you think it is dumb after you have achieved it then it must not have been your dream, so reevaluate and chase that dream and even if that isn't it either at the very least you have another kick ass story to tell.

So now, in all my times of need, desperation and loneliness I think if the girl behind the green apron and I can't help but smile.