last summer, i went through the tim horton’s drive thru to order a large black coffee. it was early in the morning, i was on my way to an appointment, and it was a quick stop around the corner from my parents house. i would never argue that tim horton’s is the best cup of coffee that money can buy, but it is oh-so-canadian, and as a result, brings up so many feelings of nostalgia. growing up, i remember my dad buying me a tea biscuit as he enjoyed a coffee and a donut. then, i got through my teenage years on double doubles (ick, so sweet – two creams, two sugars!). having a tim horton’s coffee is almost always my first stop upon landing at the airport in ottawa.
after i placed my order, early on that summer morning, i drove up to the payment window. the lady who was working handed me my coffee, smiled widely, and told me it had been paid for by the person before me. a free coffee! i had heard of this happening! a simple gesture, from a stranger. i was so touched. what a beautiful way to start the day. i resolved that i would do the same thing the next time i went through the drive thru.
a few days later, on my drive up to a friend’s cottage, i pulled up to a tim horton’s, and i knew i had my moment. i drove up to the payment window, and told the tim horton’s worker that i wanted to pay for my coffee, as well as the coffee for the person in the car behind me. i was feeling pretty darn good about myself.