Merry Christmas Grammie Mills!

Earlier today, someone told me I make the best foam when I steam milk. I was flattered as I made her drink and thought that was a great way to make a barista happy - to complement their product.

Later on that day, I found out I was wrong.

There's an old woman who comes in to the Read every day. She walks from her house a couple blocks away. She's pushing 90. Every day, she orders a cinnamon roll, a cup of coffee and stands at the end of our counter to give us a hug before she leaves. She is the sweetest old lady in the world. You have to yell real loud to her, and get up very close, but she's wonderful and a joy to see in the mornings.

A couple weeks ago, everyone at Rock City received a hand written card. Written inside, in very shaky handwriting, was an invitation to a holiday party, which Grammie had invited us to. Everyone was honored at the idea. Grammie was very excited about it. Whenever she'd ask us if we'd come, she'd vibrate and exclaim "OH GOODIE!!" whenever we'd tell her we'd make it.

The party was this afternoon. Words cannot explain how humbling it was. Her house was decked out. Every shelf was and crevice was decorated in garland and statues of snowmen, santas and reindeers in only a fashion that a grandma could pull off. The turn out was pretty good, Susanne and Yvvonne came, as did Erica, Sues, KT, Jessie, and I. When everyone was present, Grammie spoke up. She told us the reason why she had the party was to show her appreciation to us. She said she was so appreciative to us for serving her every day with a smile and creating such a wonderful environment for everyone to enjoy. She told us she was throwing us a party so she could serve us and show us how much we ment to her.

I have never been so moved to tears. I have never had a customer go so far out of their way to say thanks. Grammie welcomed us into her home, threw us a party and made us all feel really great about ourselves and the job we do. She went so far out of her way. It really was amazing. No compliment, no tip could ever make me feel the same way Mrs. Mills made me feel earlier this afternoon....