Some might say it’s silly and some would say boring. No matter what they say, my long tradition of Saturday morning’s at Panera (@panerabread) was as integral to my mental health as the gym. When I started the journey of my health, I found myself needing to find a place to go to get away for some “me” time. My me time might include bible studies or journaling, but could be sitting with some iced tea on the patio with Tucker. I enjoyed Panera for the comfortable booths and the outside seating. The sun and fresh air was the peace my soul needed.
Panera with Tucker
Many years later, I was still at Panera on Saturday mornings enjoying the same things but with Tucker, my pit bull puppy. Anyone who knows me is sure to tell you I would fall for any dog. They find a way to my heart. Until I met this sweet boy, I swore I would never own this breed. I had fallen into the media frenzy of how vicious this breed was.
My son brought him home one night when he was about four months old. I was persistent that he was not staying. We took him to the vet and found he wasn’t chipped, but the vet said he was in excellent health and had been well taken care of. I posted on Facebook and put up signs to find the owner. Remember he was not staying!
And Yet He Stayed
He followed me around everywhere. He had to be as close to me as my clothes. If he couldn’t find me, he would be wandering around crying and whining. He had the sweetest disposition. Everyone said….don’t name him, or he will end up staying. Notice he has a name. After a couple of weeks of searching and no response from his owner. I caved and he was staying. Tucker was staying! I didn’t know what an important piece he would be in my life.
Why does Tucker matter in the Panera story?
Many of my mornings on the patio at Panera were with him. I wanted to get this sweet puppy socialized. He’s scared of everything! I am not sure what his history was, but I knew he needed a whole lot of love. One thing I know is this dog has become my closest companion, besides Keith of course. He licked away many tears and snuggled away many lonely nights. I’m not sure I could have managed those years without him. Tucker was the reason I walked through the door during very difficult times. Tucker needed me, but I believe I needed him more. I have many blessings in my life and I consider Tucker one of the top.
And Now Keith….
And then it was Keith and Tucker that sat with me at Panera each Saturday morning. He loved it as much as I did. Selena, our favorite Panera team member, always had our order ready when we walked in the door. Our order was easy for her because it never changed….cinnamon crunch bagel and asiago bagel. Coffee and Tea…always the same. Toby the manager was welcoming and always around for a great conversation. He became a friend we will never forget. We had a favorite booth. Keith had to sit facing the front door, protectiveness is a top five quality of his.
Our “Day on the Coast” date started here. Breakfast on the patio feeding the ducks. We were so comfortable with one another from the start. Keith and I say that we got closer in that place. Some of our best conversations happened in those booths. We talked about our past, our present and future dreams together. Deep discussions on life and how we would deal with it. Talks about the hurt and pain and overcoming it. About how we do things differently now and in our future. We’ve talked about fear of failing in this relationship and our will to not have that happen. Instead, we continue to build and strengthen from what we’ve learned.
That place that brought me peace, brought us closer together. We grew there and continue to grow today. What a blessing to me that a place that had such meaning for me now had strong meaning for us both. I looked forward to sitting in that booth each Saturday across from the man of my dreams.
It’s Different Now
Today looks different! Keith and I are in a different place, many miles away. We dated, got engaged, married and started traveling. Tucker is still with us and more attached to us than we could ever imagine. When we went back to Katy, TX, we would always stop in at our favorite place. But, like I said….Today is different. Our favorite Panera has closed its doors. Our favorite people there have moved on. We miss it but will always remember those days with fondness and love.
Looking back on the time at Panera, I am amazed at the changes in my life. I laughed and cried in those booths. I made major life decisions and sometimes made no decisions at all. Sometimes, it was just about the need to be in a place with myself, without the noise of my life invading my mental space. It was the place I found that I could have the necessary “me” time to heal and grow. It absolutely was not my only place of peace….just an important one of many.
Everyone’s place is different, but “Me” time is essential. You’ll find some great information on the necessity of “me” time and how to make it a part of your daily life in our post titled How To Find Me Time. I encourage you to find a place that works for you to begin or continue your journey to a healthier you.
