Coffee is a staple food in almost every Hispanic household, and my family is no different. Needing coffee in my Mexican household is like a fish needing water. I’ve been surrounded by coffee my whole life and it’s no surprise that my fondest and most nostalgic memory involves this drink.
Every time I sip a hot cup of freshly made coffee, it takes me back to waking up on a fresh Saturday morning. I would usually wake up extra early on Saturday mornings to get the TV all to myself and watch cartoons until everyone else woke up. But this one morning was different. When I went into the living room, I saw my dad and Abuelito sitting, talking, and sipping coffee while watching Channel 21 (If you know, you know).
“Buenos dias, hija,” said my grandpa as soon as he saw me emerging slowly from the hallway. “Buenos dias, abuelito,” I said back as I served myself my cup of coffee, slowly measuring the amount of creamer to make the perfect ratio of sweet and smoky flavor to my drink.
The reason this memory sticks with me to this day is still a mystery to me. But over the years I’ve gradually begun to understand why this is so engraved on my mind. I like to believe the coincidence of the whole memory is what makes it memorable and magical.
My grandpa wouldn’t visit often as he was getting older and traveling from Mexico to the U.S. became more and more tedious every visit. My dad, at the time, worked on Saturdays, especially Saturday mornings. I wasn’t able to see my grandpa and dad in the same setting as they both worked and only really talked during dinner or at five in the morning as they packed their lunch for the day.
The fact that I was able to witness this moment between them makes me emotional as it’s now been six years since my Abuelito’s passing. This is the strongest memory that I have. It’s so vivid and real in my head. I’m forever grateful that I decided to wake up early that morning and that my dad didn’t work that day. Coffee is and forever will be my favorite drink, it will hold a special place in my heart for all of eternity.
