The gesture is described several ways. “Random Acts of Kindness” or maybe, “Paying it Forward.”

In any case, I was in a really good mood on this sun-drenched Saturday morning, looking forward to driving up to the tulip fields in Mount Vernon. On the way, I stopped by my nearest Starbucks drive-thru and was getting a serious dose of caffeine for the long drive.

I was one car away from placing my order and couldn’t help but notice that the driver in front of me had one of those personalized license plates that told the world he was a serious Washington State University alum, or “Coug”, as they’re known around these parts.

For some reason, I thought to myself, “I should buy this guy’s drink!” So, when it was my turn to order, the barista greeted me with the usual, “Good morning, what can I get started for you?” I responded with, “Before I order, I’d like to buy the guy’s drink in the car in front of me. I’m a University of Washington Husky and you can tell him that I’m just doing it in pursuit of world peace.”

She laughed and said, “Sure, I can do that.”

I ordered my Grande Americano, no room, and watched as the guy pulled up to the window for his order. I saw the barista explaining the situation, there was a pause, and then the guy waved his arm in the air, to say thanks!

It felt great! It would be an act of kindness that he would tell others about, how a Husky bought him a drink at Starbucks just because he was a Coug.

I watched as the barista handed him his drink. And then another drink. And a bag that I found out later from the receipt on my app that contained a pastry and an oatmeal.

It was a bit more than I had planned to spend on the gesture. But, then again, it was a reminder to us all that world peace will not come cheap.

Tim Hunter