An Open Letter from the Cafe Racer Staff

Comments

Thank you, Nicholas.

TVDinner on June 2, 2012 at 1:49 PM

What a beautifully moving tribute. Thanks for that, and may your grief give way to joy as you watch the world embrace your re-emergence, Cafe Racer.

emma's bee on June 2, 2012 at 1:51 PM

So sweet.

DOUG. on June 2, 2012 at 1:57 PM

These words from a song by God's Favorite Beefcake have been running through my head the last couple of days. Words I feel commanded to live by because Drew said so...

"Tell me a story about happier days
back before the world became wild and crazed
Full speed ahead, if you can see through the haze
Keep hoping til the sky turns blue."

tacomagirl on June 2, 2012 at 2:09 PM

Thank you for pulling light out of the darkness. I promise to take these words to heart.

Lissa on June 2, 2012 at 2:17 PM

Such grace, eloquence and love shown by everyone writing from and for this community. You are lucky to have each other.

I will gladly visit this epicenter of kindness and creativity on my next trip to Seattle.

rob! on June 2, 2012 at 2:30 PM

Thank you for this very moving and personal message.

annabellio on June 2, 2012 at 2:36 PM

thank you, baby. we love you so much and your words are beautiful. x

colly on June 2, 2012 at 2:54 PM

Thank you for personalizing this for the ones that were hurt. Big hugs to you. I can't stop crying.

clashgirl1 on June 2, 2012 at 3:13 PM

Sending prayers and divine love light energy to everyone at cafe racer. Our hearts are with you as you are our brothers and sisters and we feel your hearts pain and shock and even the joy and gratitude that wells up from knowing how loved you all are. And you are, so so loved. My family is here with Amma, the mother of compassion (at a spiritual retreat in Bellevue) and we are asking her to surround you all with love and grace. She is fully aware of the tradegy and gave darshan to the bishop presiding over the vigil on Thursday night and continues to talk of this and plea for all of humankind to remember their hearts- you couldn't be in better hands, with a divine saint like Amma holding your hearts, and gathering her thousands of devoted children into praying for you all- Gods grace cannot help but shine upon you. Beautiful job writing Nick- I hope you plan to share more of this talent with the world. Om Namah Shiva, Cat-.

Ammagirl on June 2, 2012 at 3:32 PM

Nick,
Will do. I'm in the 'hood (live just up the street).
Good on you and Cafe Racer.

lark on June 2, 2012 at 3:44 PM

Just when I thought I'd finished crying.... lovely. <3

kittenalarm on June 2, 2012 at 3:46 PM

I didn't know any of them, and I've never been to Cafe Racer. Still, I'm crying - and smiling - at such a wonderfully written tribute. Thank you. And... I live just down the street, so I'll be visiting when you are ready to open Racer's doors again. In the meantime, thank you for keeping your hearts open.

withcamera on June 2, 2012 at 4:27 PM

Not long ago, I saw a huge group of motorcycles and scooters riding together towards Discovery Park. Was wondering if that ride is associated with Cafe Racer. If so, it's a pretty cool tribute.

Gern Blanston on June 2, 2012 at 5:34 PM

I'll be back in to play music when you guys are open.

Best place everrrrrr.

Rujax! on June 2, 2012 at 5:41 PM

Thanks nick! Love and kisses to all!

Banned on The Seattle Times on June 2, 2012 at 6:15 PM

Wow...So sorry for your loss. I have never been to Seattle or been to your Cafe. You wrote a beautiful letter. I just want to send my love. Stay strong and God Bless. OHIO

jeannie947 on June 2, 2012 at 6:17 PM

Your heart and honesty will mean we all will take time pay our respects. You truly understand the meaning of being a Seattlite. We our are family for better or worse and we support each other. Lot's of love and Hugs from Sunset Black Monday!!

yuppiesstillsuck!! on June 2, 2012 at 6:28 PM

Thank you Nick.

kutis on June 2, 2012 at 6:38 PM

Although the post makes no mention of Gloria Leonidas, I'm glad to see that the fundraisers will include Ms. Leonidas's survivors.

seatackled on June 2, 2012 at 6:45 PM

Thank You Nick. Your letter will represent the essence, heart, goodwill, honesty, compassion, fun loving, wonderful collective living room and loving community that is Cafe Racer for those of us who want to explain to family and friends what an incredibly special place made by everyone involved it truly is. Heart!

Shawn Ferris on June 2, 2012 at 6:51 PM

Thank you for your willingness to share yourself and your friends with us. We are so many total strangers who feel we now know all of you and share your grief and loss. Your words have finally broken the dam and opened a flood of tears. I fear they'll never stop. But maybe, just maybe, a Mimosa and a really dirty joke will pull me out of this nose-dive.

theresa-marie on June 2, 2012 at 7:01 PM

The Racer IS the best place in Seattle. And from the "Friday Afternoon Old Bastard's Meeting", all should help, and welcome the survivors back. We'll be back every Friday afternoon. Heal soonest.

darkcycle on June 2, 2012 at 7:29 PM

Very very well put. I can only imagine how tough this was to write. I have never been to Cafe Racer but this has made me take a step back and appreciate things and people more.

My best to you

ttmix on June 2, 2012 at 7:40 PM

Very, very well put, and absolutely beautiful. Thank you, Nick, for opening up and letting us all in. It's times like these I am so grateful to be a Seattlite--grateful, and damned proud. Sending lots of love and hope your way, to you and everyone hurting, and ultimately healing, though the latter may take what feels like an eternity.

I'm confident no one touched by this tragedy will every be the same, and shouldn't be, but the sky will turn blue again, in time. So sorry for your loss, Racer. I've never been, but you can bet I will be when the doors are open again, to show some love, support, and find out what everyone keeps going on about. Best place in Seattle? And I've never been there? This must be rectified.

Hang in there, guys.

BeHiJessie on June 2, 2012 at 9:38 PM

BeHiJessie on June 2, 2012 at 9:39 PM

Oops. Didn't mean to post twice. :)

BeHiJessie on June 2, 2012 at 9:40 PM

"Kim had the best smile in the world, and now we need to pick up the slack."

You're bustin' me up here. I don't know any of you people or your place, but it's within hailing distance -- I saw you gathered as I drove by earlier today. I can't imagine the depth of your loss, and you probably can't either, but you will. Be strong. Your advice here is right on. I'm very sorry for your loss.

Fnarf on June 2, 2012 at 10:27 PM

ditto the post # 13, only I live in Tacoma. Last time I felt like I do now was at the Seattle Center Water Fountain just after the world trade center. Your letter was as beautiful as the memorial that was errected at that time. Just being there felt right and very comforting, as did reading your letter. I am very sorry for your loss and pray for everyone involved in this tragedy.

jo lacy on June 2, 2012 at 11:35 PM

So many victims, terrible terrible loss not only to Racer, their families and their frie
nds, their neighbors, but the entire Seattle community. Beautiful heartfelt letter, thank you for having the strength, the courage to openly share. Prayers going up for each of you. This is international news because of our increased gun violence; just know that so many caring people throughout the United States feel for Racer. God bless you. Condolences.

LindaSoriano on June 2, 2012 at 11:56 PM

What a lovely tribute to your friends, to your home away from home, and to our world. I live in west seattle and I have my own little cafe, home, and heart that I visit almost every day. I know, first hand, what a place like cafe racer means to the people who need a little light, some love, a cup of coffee. I'm so sorry for your pain and for the loss that has caused it. I hope your memories give you comfort. Peace to you and your cafe racer family.

Jeri on June 3, 2012 at 12:15 AM

Thank you for your beautiful words. The level of loss & devastation is incomprehensible. So many aching hearts throughout our city. Having worked up the street at the Sunlight Cafe for 12+ years (over a third of my life), I feel a deep kinship with many establishments in the Roosevelt district, Racer in particular. Our families have collided on so many merry occasions, sharing laughs, drinks, music & good food. Now, so many in our community can barely see through their tears. Thank you for giving direction to the sadness - for reminding us all to find a smile & support each other with love. I will see you tomorrow night at the fundraiser - one of many benefits to come. (I am also thankful to see Gloria Leonida's inclusion.) Warm, neighborly embraces to each of you in the Racer family.

Cheryl Richards on June 3, 2012 at 12:55 AM

Through tears, all I can say is: nice one. Sending you strength and sincere condolences.

kerri harrop on June 3, 2012 at 3:55 AM

I never heard of Cafe Racer until the tragedy, even though I grew up near Maple Leaf Park, just 1/2 block off Roosevelt Way. As it turns out, many of my friends knew some or all of those slain. This has touched me in a way I can hardly describe. It feels so personal. I feel like I lost something before I had the chance to find it. It's haunting. I am so sorry for your losses. Thank you for writing this, for sharing your world and theirs.

Jeaneen on June 3, 2012 at 4:14 AM

Jeaneen on June 3, 2012 at 4:19 AM

This letter probably says it all as to my brief experience with Cafe Racer. I worked on Roosevelt for a brief time at a ND's office that hard to take most times. I would find my relief by walking to Cafe Racer for coffee. One day I was feeling just low and having one of those girlie ugly days. Drew (?) open and held the door for me as I was coming in and made a comment about me being an attractive African American woman and more of me should come to the cafe. The cafe agreed in unison which I just never stopped being thankful. Me living in Renton and quiting the job about a week and a half later was probably why I never came back. Just this quarter I switched to NSCC and would drive by there often and would always smile at the fact the same people continue to go there. Now I know you were all a family. I promise to have a Pabst and play as loud as I am aloud GFB record with my boys and tell dirty jokes (not that hard since I do that often), always walk into my neighborhood coffee place and flash my pearly white (with braces now) and hug Len if he's not hugged out.

StacyMFJ on June 3, 2012 at 7:43 AM

Simply beautiful

Daggy on June 3, 2012 at 7:54 AM

ljlkjlkjlkj

Glenn Doom on June 3, 2012 at 8:27 AM

That was me testing out how to comment, sorry.

ANYWAY, Nick--beautiful letter. It's easy for the bereaved to forget how to be encouraging, instead of wallowing. And encouragement of our fellow human is always what the deceased would want, isn't it?

I'll see you at Racer tonight.

Glenn Doom on June 3, 2012 at 8:34 AM

Thank you for this letter and sharing it with all of us. We are behind Cafe Racer 100%, whatever it takes for healing and restoration. Prayers continue!

Sonshine on June 3, 2012 at 8:49 AM

Thank you so much for writing and sharing this Tribute Letter with us. We support Cafe Racer 100% , whatever it takes for healing and restoration.Prayers continue and looking so forward to open doors again.

Sonshine on June 3, 2012 at 8:56 AM

Lovely tribute to Cafe Racer's place in the neighborhood and to those who called it home. I only know of it from my son who, with his housemates, went there several times to enjoy music and the relaxed atmosphere. I was concerned when I drove past and saw the bars on the windows, and immediately felt it could be indicative of the brutality that might be inside. Apparently, the brutality was outside, and the bars could not protect those inside. I wish you diligence in providing a safe respite from the ills in the world. Your suggestions are remarkably positive and loving. I will assuredly order a Kimosa (even though I am not in Seattle), and try to pass on the smile you described......

rachel777 on June 3, 2012 at 12:49 PM

When someone tells me...oh Seattle, it is soo provincial...I have to say to that yes, and in that when one of us suffers we are able to connect with it on a human level...I deeply love this city and how we respond emotionally...our ability to feel, grieve and show support....I was close by on the day of the shooting, and could feel the call to gather in the collective...I have lived in very large global cities, and returning to Seattle is to return to the multiple communities that we are....your writing is very connective...thanks, Steel

chthonic on June 3, 2012 at 2:07 PM

so great! you're all so wonderful and i'm so happy to share and be able to perpetuate the love in this community.

erinbirgy on June 3, 2012 at 7:43 PM

Thanks, Nick! <3 Miss Jen

kodamaghost on June 3, 2012 at 8:47 PM

Thanks, Nick. I love you. - Miss Jen

kodamaghost on June 3, 2012 at 8:51 PM

I am a second grade teacher in a school in the vicinity. After the violence broke out, all our students were locked safely inside. The next day my kids were full of questions. I shared with them what can happen, though rarely thank God, when brain activity over-fires in the anger center. They wanted to know if he was angry because he didn't have friends. Their compassion warmed my heart. I can't imagine what the parents of the man who did this must be going through. They need our prayers and love as well. Even though the Roosevelt neighborhood has been a home for me since the '80's, I had never heard of the Cafe Racer previously. Now I know, because of all of you, that it is an epicenter of love. I deeply honor that. Now I will honor and support not only the cafe but the wide, wide community it serves. Thank you to all who birthed and nurtured this place, for doing so as an act of service and love, for honoring life. May the grief you feel create an even deeper container for and commitment to love.

naturehealsthesoul on June 4, 2012 at 12:22 AM

Very lovely words Nick.

julief on June 4, 2012 at 9:15 AM

thank you Nicholas! So sweet, honest, open and true!

jeniferpi on June 4, 2012 at 1:57 PM

I will try to bring the spirit of this letter and your recommendations back to Portland, a city in which Joe once lived.

But I will be back, again and again, to Racer.

With love to all of you.

Vaune Albanese, sister of Joe, fan of Drew

Vaune on June 4, 2012 at 5:45 PM

Thank you, Nick. Racer was my sanctuary for the year I lived behind it, and all of the people there were so exceptionally warm and lovely. Drew in particular was so special - I still can't believe that this is true.

If any good can spring from this tragedy, I feel that your words of love, your eloquent expression of the importance of honoring who these specific people that we lost were, will help it come.

intelekshual on June 4, 2012 at 6:25 PM

You're a wonderful writer, Nick. Don't know you or any of the folks there, but wish I did. Your loving and generous nature shines through the portraits you've drawn of the cafe and your friends. Your words are a gift to us all.

caroleenstra on June 4, 2012 at 6:26 PM

Nick, beautifully expressed. It was a horrific event, one felt through many people from around the world. Our condolences to you and all those who are suffering during this time.

yours truly on June 4, 2012 at 9:17 PM

That was such a beautiful tribute. I never had the pleasure of meeting any of those wonderful people or "bellying up to the bar" but your words made me cry as if I knew you all. Take good care of each other and I will make a point of stopping in when you reopen and I am on the west side of the mountains. My condolences to all of you. I am so truly sorry for your losses.

Donn on June 6, 2012 at 1:05 PM

Thanks Nic.....I miss working with you guys so much.

lisajoyfromtexas on June 6, 2012 at 6:36 PM

Wonderful words Nick.
I miss everyone of you so much,Just be run in i've talked to Amy,Chris,Geoff,Jill and Abraham.I'd love to have a sitting with You and Nora,Whit and Ben very soon.
From my entire heart,I love you guys.

AnthonyPositano. on June 7, 2012 at 1:00 PM

Beautifully articulated. Endless blessings to all of the staff, family and friends. I love that place and the people that dwell there are the thing I love most about it. I feel inspired to create and cultivate the moment I walk through those doors. Sending love.

shawfamilystone on June 8, 2012 at 7:15 PM

Kim was my cousin and you are absolutley right, she always had the biggest smile! We will dearly miss her laugh and the way she could brighten up a room with her presents! To all who have suffered in this tragedy, keep a big smile on your face and never forget them or the evil that caused this heartache and hurt will win! Live everyday like its your last, and, love without end! Godbless! Tracey. Albany,Georgia

truckerman on June 9, 2012 at 7:32 PM

An Open Letter from the Cafe Racer Staff

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