The Chai Boiled Over

Yesterday, I would have been at the Pfister making chai. I miss the drive along the lake to the Pfister’s parking garage. The walk from the garage to the lobby. The lobby to the kitchen and then my first favorite moment of the day— seeing Juan— his long black braid, BIG smile, and warm heart.

Now, here in my own kitchen, as I cut, crush, and add the ginger, tea bags and cardamom to the boiling water I think back to that last Tuesday making chai.

I had no idea then that this would be the last time I would see Juan, Jose, and the rest of my Pfister friends for quite some time. 

I had no idea then that this would be the last time I would linger in the sweet goodness and friendly banter of the pastry chef’s kitchen. 

I had no idea then that this would be the last time I would hear the laughter and watch as the chai boiled over.

I had no idea then that this would be the last time I would push the in-room dining cart with a tea urn full of hot chai and Pastry Chef Travis’ freshly-made vanilla shortbread cookies from the executive kitchen down below to the lobby lounge above.

I had no idea then that that Tuesday would be the last time until who knows, how long, when.