Last week, I scheduled a meeting with a colleague who works on the disability related challenges among refugees and displaced persons. She suggested a coffee shop, somewhat halfway between her home and mine. I was lucky to find parking and showed up a few minutes before our scheduled time. As I entered the coffee shop, I was greeted by an incredible warmth and energy that I had not experienced in quite some time. The person at the coffee register greeted me with a big smile and an authentic cheer. The server behind her did the same. I felt that there was something extraordinary about this place. As I stood in line to place my order, I noticed the sign on the wall. This place was built to provide employment to those who suffer from Downs Syndrome and Autism. The workers at the coffee shop were given a chance to have dignity, purpose and inclusion. Their grace lit up the place. The air felt like a warm blanket on a very cold day.

The place made me think about lots of........

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