Author: Becca Robinson

My favorite time of the day is early morning, right after I make a cup of coffee. What makes it better is when that cup of coffee is shared with a loved one.

Johnny Cash once said in an interview that his definition of paradise was, “This morning with her, having coffee.” He was referring to sharing a cup of coffee that morning with his wife, June Carter Cash.

This simple, yet profound statement is the most beautiful quote about a marriage or relationship that I have ever heard. I can relate to this in my own life; for me, a simple cup of coffee is far from simple – it is so much more than that.

As I reflect upon Johnny Cash’s statement, I recall conversations I’ve shared with family and friends over a cup of coffee. So many precious memories come flooding back. I never realized when I was in the moment that I would one day look back and smile. In those moments, I was just having a cup of coffee and a conversation.

I think about the times I visited with my mom and grandfather – my favorite people to share a cup of coffee with. One simple cup of coffee turned into many, and one hour of conversation turned into three. My mom and grandfather are no longer here – how I miss those mornings, with them, having coffee.

I think of my adult children spending the night, and then waking up to a hot pot of coffee. I love how we sit in the kitchen or lounge around the house, sipping coffee, talking, and reminiscing.

Before work and on Saturday mornings, my husband, Keith, and I have a cup of coffee together. These are some of the best times in my life. We talk about everything. We never know where that one cup of coffee will take us – it may lead us into the past, the present, or the future. We share funny stories about our children and grandchildren. Having coffee with him is my favorite way to start my day.

Sometimes conversations over coffee with loved ones are funny. Sometimes they are serious. They are always special, especially now. I have learned to slow down, enjoy, and take every sip and spoken word to heart. The best part is I don’t have to leave my house to have a beautiful experience. Having a cup of coffee with my favorite people is also my definition of paradise.