One of our regular customers hasn’t been in for a couple of weeks.  Kay (let’s call her Kay), works in an office behind us.

Next Generation Customer

As you can see, she has been busy.

I was just thinking on Monday, “I wonder if she will bring the baby into her office to show him off?  Would she bring him here too?”  Then, on a very busy Tuesday afternoon, the doorbell chimed.  I looked up from the milk I was steaming to greet the customer and say I would be right with them.  I exclaimed with delight when I saw Kay with the baby carrier.  Edward was lucky enough to fawn over the baby while I continued with the orders at hand.  Finally finished, I rushed over, and as I neared, she handed me the baby.  I didn’t even ask!  Too my amazement, she simply handed him to me.  I can not express how very thrilled I was.  I mean, first of all, who doesn’t want to snuggle a new little bundle of joy?  Then let’s talk about the protectiveness of new mommies.  Maybe I’m different, but I was very picky about to whom I handed those precious little bodies.  By the way, he is absolutely as gorgeous and precious as he looks in this picture. Nah, much more so.

We talked for awhile and she asked about Phelan and how he was adjusting to being back at school.  I told her he was, like most teenagers, grumbling about school.  He missed his customers and they missed him, judging by the comments that we have received.   I told her that he was doing well about getting up on time and even had gotten all the possible bonus points in one of his classes.  We joked that it was only because he wants his driving permit in October that he is so on top of his game.   We chatted for some time and I reluctantly handed her new son back so that she could go about her errands.

Later that night, while trying to go to sleep, I was thinking.  Nothing new, as I do more thinking than sleeping at night.  I was thinking how great it was that “Kay” had come into the store with the baby.  And then I thought about the milestones that would go by in their lives and that we may one day be telling her congratulations on your son’s graduation, or marriage, or new baby.  And that is when it occurred to me what a customer really means to us.  You see, there really is no such thing as customers to us.  Now you may be wondering, “Well, Seraphinea, what then do you consider me?  I pay you money for products and services, that is the definition of a customer.”   Of course you are right, the customer is always right.  No wait!! You’re not just a customer!  That is just it.  Sure, when you walk in, we know you’re drink order.  Do you ever think about the conversations that we have?  Isn’t it funny that in the 5 minutes you are here how much we know about each other?  What about the other people who come in that you know?  The stories and concerns about life that we share with each other?  You see, we may not know you’re name (mostly Edward, because he has the most terrible memory about names).  But we know your story.  For example, there is one customer that is always referred to in the same manner….The conversation between Edward and I usually goes something like this…. “Mary was in today and brought some new people with her.”  Edward’s response is usually “I don’t know which Mary you are talking about,”  to which I reply, “You know, the pretty lady with the dark hair and husband…”,  at which point he breaks in “Oh yeah!”  I don’t even have finish my sentence.

I’ve always said how much I love Newark, that it is homey.  This is a true community.  People know each other.  People talk to each other.  People look out for each other.  People help each other.  People care about each other.   What I am trying to say, through my musings, is “Thank You”.  Not because you choose to come into our store and spend your hard earned money (although it is much appreciated).  Thank you for sharing with us.  Thank you for allowing us to be part of your community.