As I begin to type, I realize that I am not sure if this review is entirely about coffee, or if it’s more about gratitude. Allow me to explain. I work in U.S. Immigration Law. I have been in the field professionally for about half a decade, and in one way or another, have had a connection with it my entire life — but more on that later.
My job is complicated, to properly explain what I do would take dozens of blog posts — and perhaps someday I’ll write them. But for today’s story, all you have to know is that a part of what I do includes providing foreign nationals with permanent residences, more commonly known as “green cards.”
In all of my years in immigration, and after the hundreds of cases I have processed, I had never received a thank you present — until this week. I should mention that I have received emails thanking me for my work. Although even if I hadn’t, ultimately it is my job, and I do believe that a job well done is its own reward. But presents, those are reserved for partners at law firms.
Still, yesterday when I arrived at my desk I found a box. A coworker then explained that a foreign national was looking for me with regards to his recently issued green card. In an instant I realized what it was, a tangible manifestation of their gratitude. It was touching. Honestly, at that moment I did not care what was inside that box. It could have been empty for all I care. I was just thankful that someone appreciated my work enough to go out of their way to get me something — even if it was just an empty box. That said, it was not, an empty box.
The box was a gift set from Gjusta, an artisanal bakery in Venice, CA that I had admittedly not previously heard about — but I am now stoked to check it out! The box included some seasonal espresso coffee beans, walnut honey, and my new favorite hipster mug. I cannot wait for the weekend to go purchase a coffee grinder and try this delicious-sounding coffee. The Ramdolfi Score of Gratitude: 10/10.
Tell me, have you ever been thanked for your work? Have you ever thanked anyone for their work? Do you grind your own coffee beans, or do you prefer to buy ground coffee?
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(Featured Image by: Mr. Ramdolfi)
Caffeinated In Los Angeles 
Wonderful post! Depending on how much time I have I grind my own coffee. Strong and dark! You can taste and even see the difference from coffee pads I otherwise use: your cup is clean after drinking, because the coffee is pure. Did I ever get a thank you? Let me see.. I got flowers once from a thankful owner after taking his keys I found in the street to the police.
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Thank you for your thoughtful comment! That’s exactly how I like my coffee. It’s definitely more time-consuming, but it’s worth it. That’s awesome, flowers are always nice!
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Maybe they think the more wide awake you are, the more green cards you will issue.
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Haha, that is a possibility. If only it worked that way.
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Wow, that’s so sweet! I know it would completely make my day if it happened to me. I’ve never gotten a gift as a thank you for my work, because, well, I’m not even old enough to work. XD Not officially anyway. I water town flowers for a little profit.
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Haha, hopefully your path in the workforce is filled with gratitude. I love the entrepreneurial spirit!
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I haven’t received one, but my husband did from the Chevron gas company in recognition of his work with each gas station owner in coordinating and painting their stations. He was so proud. 🙂
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That is awesome! Congratulations to your husband, and thank you for your comment. 😄
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Appreciation motivates one to do better and should be encouraged. I usually have been appreciated at the end of a Summer school teaching where the course director appreciates all teachers effort in making it a success.
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That is awesome! I agree with you, appreciation is a great motivator! Thank you for sharing. 😄
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Oh wow, this is so sweet! 😍 This walnut honey looks absolutely amazing, too! Since I never had a truly significant job (full time student haha), I never received a gift like that! Though a few years back, I did a 3 months internship at a psychiatric hospital and part of my job was to help a young lady to pass the theoretical part of her driving license. When I left, she still didn’t have her driving license but I remember how grateful she was for my help. She sent me a very cute message on my phone that truly felt like a gift! 😊
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Right!? I absolutely loved the appreciation! I am sure you’ll be appreciated upon joining the workforce full time. 😄 That’s awesome! Did you follow up with her afterwards to see if she got her driver license? 😄
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Hahaha she told me she would get in touch with me whenever she’ll have it 😊
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It’s always nice to be recognized for the work we do, and motivates me to do a better job recognizing my colleagues for a job well done. thanks for the post.
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I completely agree with you, Jim! Thank you for your comment.
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