Quite the confession, coming from me, I know. Sure, the donuts are out-of-this-world-to-die-for-puts-any-grocery-store-and-most (all) other-donut-shops-I-know-of-to-shame, but that’s not enough. It’s about the customer experience. It’s always been amazing, but today they went a step further. They made me feel like family. I might have been crazy Aunt Becky who might need a prescription or two, but family, nonetheless.

I had called and left a message for a donut cake order. Yes, donut cake, not the other way around. This was for my husband’s 40th birthday. He’s one of those people you can’t buy anything for. Not that he wouldn’t like an iPad or a new watch, but he truly doesn’t like to know someone spent a lot of money on him. That makes it hard to buy ‘special occasion’ gifts that won’t be immediately returned. Also, he’s not a huge fan of sweets, and he eats less cake than I shave off and cram down my gullet after the first slice has been served to ‘even out’ the edges. Not true of the donut cake.

My husband has been talking about the donut cake for the past 17 years. He used to get them as a kid in North Dakota where he grew up. You can imagine my delight when I learned Sweethearts had started making donut cakes. I’ve been planning for months to surprise my husband with one for his milestone birthday this year.

A few days before the special day, I ordered the donut cake, then I went about my normal business. That business included working at a new ‘day’ job for 12-14 hours a day. On top of that, there’s writing, and hosting a house full of family who flew in to celebrate my husband’s birthday. The day before the special day, Sweethearts called me to clarify some questions about my order. Many times. They really, really wanted to reach me, because if they couldn’t get the questions answered (I hadn’t actually spoken to anyone at this point), they wouldn’t be able to fill my order.

I was stuck on conference calls and in meetings from about 6am that day, until 3pm. Sweethearts closed at 2pm. We were planning to leave for the Grand Canyon early on Friday morning and come home late.

Sure, I could buy a cake somewhere else, but I could not buy a replacement for that donut cake, not in any sense of the word. I was CRUSHED. I was cranky. I wanted to cry. The one thing I wanted to give my husband that would be meaningful, was no longer available to me.

I called Sweethearts, even though I knew they were closed. I may have been a teensy bit bent out of shape. I left them a gushing message about how much I loved them, and by the way…how could they? I was counting on them! I needed them! I hung up with tears in my eyes and a sinking feeling in my stomach. It was like being mad at your best friend, or your favorite pet, or having to ground your child for the first time. I wanted to run back to them and say…never mind…I still love you! But, it’s not all about the donuts. My husband matters, too, and this was his special day.

At 2AM I received a call on my cell phone. My brain was screaming – pick it up, it has to be Sweethearts! They know how desperate I am. I’d just worked 14 hours, though, and no matter how badly I wanted to speak with them, I couldn’t make my legs swing out of bed. But, they called back at 6AM. They had gotten my plea in the middle of the night and had taken care of it for me. They didn’t hold it against me that I had freaked out in my voice mail. They were lovely to speak to. Enthusiastic. Caring. There for me. My husband would have his donut cake, and I would eat it too.

I realize those donut artists get up in the wee hours to start their magic everyday, but that doesn’t make how Sweethearts pulled through for me any less meaningful. I have always loved their donuts, but it’s more than that. It’s about the people. It’s about the experience every time I interact with them.

Thank you, Sweethearts, for caring about our relationship. It’s nice to know it’s not entirely one-sided.

Oh, and Happy 40th birthday to my forever sweetheart! I love you too, babe!