What would a coffee mug from a total stranger mean to you? Well, when you’re deployed to Iraq, little things can mean a lot. That, plus 24,600 miles, led to one of my best coffee breaks ever.
While you wait
A Marine named Adam signed up to be adopted at Soldiers’ Angels (they help every branch of the military.) I volunteered to send a care package while he was on the waiting list. I sent over an I LOVE NY mug, some coffee and snacks.
My care package was the first he received in Iraq. That made the mug special to him. I found out just how special at the end of his tour. When he packed his gear there wasn’t an inch to spare, let alone room to LOVE NY. But Adam couldn’t throw the mug out or leave it behind so, he decided to carry it home by hand.
Germany joe
Imagining this Marine walking around in uniform with a duffle bag and an I LOVE NY mug, made me laugh. I asked him if any of the other guys gave him a hard time.
ADAM: I got a lot of flak from my guys, but in Leipzig Germany, we were sitting in a hangar and they had a coffee machine. Shortly after we were there they ran out of little styrofoam cups, I pulled my mug out. BAM! Just like that, I had coffee still! And of course some of the guys were jealous, but as Marines always do, we adapt, adjust and overcome. Some of them were cutting Gatorade bottles in half for some joe.
Since he brought it all the way back, I tried to guess the mug-milage. I was not even close. For one thing, I didn’t know his mail gets routed through San Francisco. Adam did the math for me:
Ok. So let’s take the fact that the mug was Made in China out of the equation.
From Manhattan to San Fran is about 2800 miles, and crosses 12 states. (According to Google’s fastest route).
From San Fran to Iraq, as the crow flies, 9800 miles, passes 9 states and 9 countries on 3 continents.
From Iraq to Camp Pendleton we’ll say another 9800 miles.
Cp Pendleton to Cincinnati, 2200 miles and 9 states.
So this mug traveled 24,600 miles, give or take a couple hundred, 39 state crossings, 18 countries crossed, and 5 continents crossed.
That’s enough to cross the world at the equator once.
Cincinnati joe
About a year later, I found out we’d both be in Cincinnati at the same time. Adam said he would like to buy me a cup of coffee as a thank you. I’ve only met a few of my troops in person so this was something special. I got to the cafe first. As I waited, I thought it’s funny how you never know what ripple effect a random act of kindness will have. I never thought that little care package would mean so much or that I’d gain a friendship.
Adam walked towards me and at first, I didn’t realize it was him. He looked so much younger than the pictures I had seen of him deployed. I think what I was really seeing was the effect of home and peace (that’s a good look on anyone.) Seeing Adam healthy, happy and safe was a wonderful feeling. My smile was big and my eyes filled with tears. Then I saw what he was carrying and I laughed. The server came over to take our order and Adam said, “Ma’am, I’ve brought my own mug. If you don’t mind, I’d like you to use it for my coffee, please.”
© Gina left the mall, 2013
love it.
Thanks CJ, I loved that coffee break too!
Love this story so much 🙂
Thanks! We don’t always get to see the “ripple effect” of our actions. Especially the small acts. It really was a pretty awesome coffee break 🙂
You gave me goosebumps. What a super story!!
Nana,
I’m happy you got the same feeling I did. That’s the pleasure of sharing this moment. As always, thank you for your kind words.
That’s freakin’ awesome…that I ❤ NY is such a ubiquitous symbol of community. I think it's wonderful that you keep in touch with your soldiers and have been able to meet up with a few of them. Very inspiring!
It was freakin’ awesome…lol. At the same time it was also a little humbling. They do so much for us and risk their lives yet, they are so grateful for the smallest thing. When Adam opened that box in Iraq, I do hope he “felt the love” from the community.
Your posts always get me teary eyed…and this one is no different!
Mrs. P,
I’m glad I wasn’t the only one. It seems this Marine made quite a few us teary-eyed 🙂
Wonderful! If everyone performed Acts of Kindness (Mitzvahs) the world would be transformed. I leave out the word “random” because it’s not: we’re presented with an opportunity to make a difference, and we either embrace it or ignore it.
Shawn,
I like your revision. What’s funny is that somehow, when we act kindly (or do a Mitzvah) we often get back more than we give. I know my own heart has been strengthened and comforted while trying to do that very thing for someone else. With so many ripple effects in so many directions, we truly do have the opportunity to transform the world.
Gina, I think it’s so exciting that you actually got to meet Adam and see him with your mug in hand. It’s like a painting come to life, a vision come true.
NP,
Many times, we don’t get to see the ripple effect of things we do. To look in Adam’s eyes and know for sure that I helped make things even a little bit better for him, well….you’re right. It was exciting. I’m happy this “painting” came to life.
You are doing such a wonderful job. The men must surely appreciate you beyond words.
Thank you! From the way they respond, you would think I’m sending over gold. But even though the items are small, it seems the troops know that the caring and thought behind them is great.