A World in a Moment

I believe there are rare, wondrous occasions that pull more than one place and time together and that transcend everyday understanding.

My Mark was born in London, but I don't know when or if he will ever grasp all that London is to the average person. One afternoon, however, when I told him I wanted a cup of tea and asked what he would like for his snack he surprised and delighted me by requesting, of all things, “little cake-scones.”

Like your average Americans, we drove to Starbucks, but as we enjoyed our treat I was refreshed by memories of hope for my newborn while living in an enchanting city. I was comforted by daydreams of going back there someday with my grown son for a stroll through Holland Park, a ride on the London Eye, and Tea at the Savoy.

On this day, I savored a precious moment at an American chain served up with a glint of magic by a young man who doesn't really know what "London" is or what it means to me.