"Dear George, remember no man is a failure who has friends.

Thanks for the wings, Love Clarence."

I Lost it at Starbucks

After my 6th trip in one hour to the big box stores in search of a hot Christmas item for KK, I stopped at the Starbucks counter at Target on my way to the parking lot. I couldn't score the elusive game I was in search of, but a latte was

available for my consumer consumption. Instead of the normal overeducated coffee baristas that normally man the counter, two older ladies who seemed transplanted from Jersey took our orders and had plenty of wisecracks and Christmas cheer to spare.

I must have looked miserable as I moved to the pickup counter to grab my white chocolate mocha, Tina looked at me and said "Are you okay hon?" She stepped out from behind the counter and gave me a hug and without even knowing what was bothering me gave me a squeeze and said "you know everything is going to be okay." I quickly gulped in a deep breath of hair, grabbed my to go cup and blindly ran out of Target. The kindness of a stranger was again overwhelming and I lost all composure - everything I had been trying to hold in for the past week came pouring out.

I called the manager later in the day - I'm sure he was rushed and harried - but I had to impress on him how much it meant to me that at 9:00am the customer service at my favorite store was over the top - they probably think that lady in the red sweater is whacked - but I don't care. I got weepy again trying to stress how much it meant to me. His impatience finally broke and he said he would make sure he would pass on my sincere thanks. I hope he did - the wisecracker from Jersey had the biggest heart and the warmest hug.