A CUP OF BLUE SKY

I might be up and out of bed, but the morning doesn’t really start until I hear them. Those five beautiful beeps… Our coffee maker, Cuisinart’s signal that coffee is ready.

Enjoying coffee is a privilege I appreciate more than ever because that’s what happens when something’s taken away. In 2016, chemo did a number on my taste buds and I barely touched the stuff. A year later, I took a second hiatus after experiencing a recurrence. I was free falling in fear and worried caffeine might hurt my chances of recovery.

But eventually enough was enough. My diet at the time was mostly salads and juicing, I had cut out alcohol… Life wasn’t very fun and it affected my mood. I took a calculated risk that the joy coffee brought was worth it. Especially if I kept to healthier coffee habits.

Turned out to be a pretty damn good decision. I still remember recovering from surgery afterward and barely being able to walk. My spirits were broken from coming to terms with yet another recurrence and my body felt off from all the meds I was taking. The days felt entirely too long and challenging; I needed a boost to get by and each morning those Cuisinart beeps brought excitement like when kids hear the ice cream truck. For those next few hours all was right in the world.

And it’s not just the caffeine rush. I love the whole experience, starting with mug selection. Kori and I used to love venturing out to NYC’s top coffee shops and I still enjoy using mugs we bought along the way. They remind me of simpler times.

Some people don’t like how coffee tastes. Well, I do! Don’t even come at me with milk or sugar. Why ruin what’s already perfect?

- Steve