I am at Panera today...one of our favorite places to go. There is something about Panera's Hazelnut Coffee that recalls warm thoughts, strips away any pain from the heart and speeds up the day. I had alot to do today so here I am.
Panera was always our meeting place. We tried to study there multiple times in college, but because our schedules were so tight and we rarely recieved the oppportunity to hang out ..."studytime" soon became "chattertime"...Landen and I always had something to chat about. When we were not chatting we met new people. I remember this one night while we were "studying" at the Panera on National in Springfield ( near downtown)... we met a little, old lady. She was short with dark hair and a pinched face. She was very bitter and pesimistic. We began talking to her about her day...which was of course "awful" ...then we went into discussing life...Landen and I were able to share some life with her and she miraculously smiled. Come to find out she was just a lonely little lady and we filled one evening with some friendship! My heart is still warmed by occasions such as these.
Landen's usual was an orange scone with hazelnut coffee...mine was a cinnamon crunch bagel with hazelnut coffee...I am still known to order a cinnamon crunch bagel and a coffee in a real mug...
Post-college...Panera served as our meeting place. Time froze and happiness reigned always. I remember last summer I met Landen and Joyanna in Baltimore. We spent a good hour tracking down a Panera for breakfast. I said many times, "O, it's not that big of a deal." and Landen insisted "You wanted to eat at Panera and we ARE going to find it, Riss. It's not that big of a deal." ..and by George, we sure did! ...actually the picture for today is from that beautiful morning where we sang" Good morning, Baltimore" in Baltimore, Maryland and much laughter filled the air! I love memories as these...there are so many. Everytime I laugh or enjoy a moment I think of how proud Landen would be...but I can't help but have the thought that it would only be better with him present...he was the very best brother and friend...but all is well as I pen this from Panera today.
God is faithful.
Such good memories you have. You were so blessed to have a brother friend like that. Many do not have that. Have a cup of Hazelnut with cream for me!
ReplyDeletelove you.......S