Such Goodness

When I arrived at Greenport, Long Island two weeks ago, my friends took me to Aldo's Coffeehouse, the flagship store for their enterprising business. Aldo, the owner, has incredibly white wispy hair that has become a trademark of the coffee. The place is a roasterie for coffee that is sold nationally and internationally. They also sell crispy croissants and scones - no variety, just one type, and they are quite good. The roasting of the eans attracts the best coffee connoisseur to the cafe for a moment of goodness. 

After we received our order, we decided to sit outdoors in the back patio that was elevated by 1x4 wooden slats. The aroma of roasted coffee wafted through the roof and settled upon us refreshingly. John sat across from me while Renee rose to get some napkins. As John was talking, he lowered his arm and I saw something move, but I did not know what happened because it was all so quick. John panicked as his wedding ring flew off his finger and in between the slats. He could not imagine how it happened as he was not fiddling with it and it did not easily slide over his knuckles. He just lowered his arm and his ring slipped off. Underneath the slats were piles of leaves that accumulated over time.

John, Renee, and I got on our knees with our phone flashlights to see if we could spot the ring. Nothing. No signs. Finally, Don, a handyman worker at the shop noticed what we were doing and came over to ask questions. He rose and went into action. He retrieved a pry bar and hammer and he started lifting the slats that were affixed professionally to the base. He lifted up the first bar and saw nothing. He lifted up the second one and the ring that denoted 38 years of marriage was sitting upon a leaf as if it were waiting to be re-discovered. John and Renee so happy. 

Don refused any expression of gratitude except to receive words of thanks. He did not have to go above and beyond in his level of service, but he made one couple very happy. We were all left with this immense feeling of goodness that permeates the world and such positive memories of being helped by a good soul.