16 years already in the company; diary of my memories

Dear readers and friends of Café Castelo,

It's me, Anja.

As a member of our family business for 16 years, I've been privileged to experience unforgettable moments, memorable encounters and profound human exchanges. Today, I'm delighted to launch a series of personal stories in which I'll share with you some of my fondest memories of Café Castelo. To kick off this series, allow me to tell you the story of"La Battante", a memory that still inspires me today.

A chance encounter

Many years ago, while working as a barista in our café on Cartier Avenue, I had an encounter that would leave its mark on my heart. One quiet afternoon, as I was clearing the tables, my gaze met that of a man sitting alone, seemingly lost in thought. Something in his expression compelled me to approach him and strike up a conversation, an intuition I can't explain. You know that little voice inside you that says, "Come on, listen to your feelings a little more.

A moving discussion

We started talking, and gradually he opened up about his situation. He confided in me that his 8-year-old daughter was battling leukemia, an ordeal of unimaginable difficulty, compounded by the loss of other children they had come into contact with from the department of pediatric oncology. My heart was in knots just imagining that grieving families had just lost their little soldier. Our conversations became a regular appointment, a little respite from his daily struggle. 

A miracle 

One day, this father returned to the café, but this time he wasn't alone.

He was accompanied by his daughter, a little girl radiating joy despite the hardships she had been through. I had the honor of sharing some macaroons with her, and she spoke to me of her dreams and vision for the future with a strength and resilience that touched me deeply.

Ten years on...

It's been ten years since we met. It's hard to imagine that this child is now an adult. Although I don't know where life has taken her, I often think of her. Her courage and determination remain a source of inspiration for me, reminding me that even in the most difficult times, hope and human strength can triumph.

This exchange, like so many others I've been lucky enough to experience thanks to Café Castelo, shows how our daily work is about more than coffee. It's about heart, support and community. I hope this story has inspired you, and that you'll continue to follow this series to discover other stories that shape the unique spirit of our family business.

At Café Castelo, every cup of coffee serves not only to awaken the body, but also to nourish the soul.

P. S Do you like this series? Would you like me to share other memories from my company diary?