18 years already in the company; diary of my memories

Dear readers and friends of Café Castelo,

It's me, Anja. (pronunciation: Anya) 😌 )

As a member of our family business for 18 years, I have had the privilege of experiencing unforgettable moments, meaningful encounters, and profound human connections. Today, I am delighted to launch a series of personal stories where I will share some of my best memories at Café Castelo. To begin this series, allow me to tell you the story of "The Fighter", a memory that still inspires me today.

A chance encounter

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

A moving discussion

We started talking, and little by little, he opened up about his situation. He confided in me that his 8-year-old daughter was battling leukemia, an unimaginably difficult ordeal, made worse by the loss of other children they knew. Pediatric oncology department. My heart sank just imagining grieving families losing their little soldier. Our conversations became a regular occurrence, a brief respite in her daily struggle.

A miracle

One day, this father returned to the cafe, but this time, he was not alone.

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

Ten years already...

It has now been ten years since we met. I find it 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 fortunate enough to experience thanks to Café Castelo, demonstrates how our daily work is more than just about coffee. It's about heart, support, and community. I hope this story has inspired you and that you'll continue following this series to discover more stories that shape the unique spirit of our family business.

At Café Castelo, each 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 more memories from my company diary?