I love going to breakfast at The Cobbler in the Post Hotel.  Yes, the food is excellent.  Yes, the decor and the long views of Gent centrum are superb.  Mostly though, I go for the people.  I’ve had many fine conversations with several staff members.

One woman, Simoné, has agreed to my request.  She will sing to me at my table on October 18, 2028.  So she has lots of time to practice!

I sat down this morning and said hi to Nicolas, who was cooking for the hotel guests.  I said hi to one of the servers – Francesca.  She’s from Argentina, and pretty new to The Cobbler.  We talked last week about Patagonia.  I wonder if I’ll ever walk its shoreline.

Today there was a new server working with Francesca.  Her face was vaguely familiar.  I looked forward to saying something silly to her.

And here she comes, with my cappuccino …

“What’s your name?”

“Simoné.”  (Head tilted, a strange smile)

(Silence)

And so I am humbled once more.  It’s true that Simoné has changed her hairstyle but her face hasn’t gone anywhere.  And this Bruce brain couldn’t corral the fact that this was indeed the woman who would be singing to me down the road.

“I’m sorry, Simoné”

“It’s okay”

Do no harm … either intentionally or unintentionally.  Today I harmed.  Now I forgive myself.  And singing is in our future.