'Tis the Season

December has become a complicated month for me and the Chocolate Cafe.  I both love it and dread it.

Two years ago, on December 17th, I worked with my sister, Robyn, for the last time.  We had opened the Cafe together in September 2007 and through good times and bad times, we had worked and grown the business together.  On December 18th, I had worked all day and had left the Cafe, happy about our progress, thrilled for the season, and grateful for everything.  But later that evening, Robyn passed away from injuries she sustained in a car accident.  She left behind a two-year-old son.  In an instant, everything was shattered.

I woke up on the 19th and went back to work.  We had commitments and catering orders and expectations to meet.  And we met all of them, even though my brain was in a fog, my staff was in shock, and my family was wrecked.  We did it.

And it changed me, as death and tragedy and crisis often do.  And it made me more aware of everyone and everything.  I started talking more to my customers about what was going on with them... how they were REALLY doing and I started offering lots of hugs and kind words.  So many people struggle around the holidays.  We've had so many guests lose spouses and loved ones or get diagnosed with cancer or other illnesses and what I have learned is that sometimes a hug and a truffle is all someone needs to feel better... if even for a moment.

To everyone that has supported the Chocolate Cafe over the years, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  For our guests that are suffering this time of year or just need a hug, come see us.  We see you, we understand, and we'd like to offer you just a moment, if only a moment, of goodness.

Take care,

Lisa