We lost another good one <3

I talk a lot about showing up, being present, making a difference in the lives of those who travel the same path as you on your journey. Not just the close ones, but those who we bump into along an ordinary day. The importance of these small moments with others matters much in the grand scheme of things. 

Early into working at Tournesol, a lady who worked at the shoppe just down from us invited all of our people and all of her people to dinner and games at her home one evening mid October.

Her house was decorated for Halloween with pumpkins galore. She had her abundant display of vintage jack-o-lantern buckets lining the area above her kitchen cupboards. The atmosphere of her home was welcoming from the front porch and into the warm interior.

All around the house she had hidden other jack-o-lanterns. We had the opportunity to guess how many there were. So we chatted and hunted and laughed. Along with this fun game, there were delicious treats and drinks placed in the cutest arrangements everywhere. After we counted and ate, talked and ate some more, we played some crazy card game someone brought. 

It was a fun evening and even though I was new to my own store and didn’t know some of the other guests from her store, I felt welcomed and loved. When I thanked her sincerely for her kindness and all the work she had put into having us, she waved me off. It was her pleasure to fill her home with friends and family. 

Whenever I went down to shop the store where she worked or she stopped in to ours, no matter how intent she was on what she was doing, there was this kind of pause and then a refocusing in on greeting me. She always called me by name and genuinely asked how I was doing. Talking to her was so nice, every time.

In every conversation with every person, you could tell she was listening. Really listening. She was funny and kind and confident without being bossy. Her sense of humor was contagious. And if you think she was one of those really bubbly people, she wasn’t. She just had a way of engaging that left you feeling better when she walked away than you had before. 

So on Sunday, when I got the news that she no longer walks among us, the world felt a little bit sadder. It isn’t like I saw her all the time. I never hung out with her or felt like I might like to call her for coffee. But knowing I won’t see her again carries grief. 

I think of all the people who were her people. The ones she did have coffee with and hang out with. The ones who have a score and more memories than I do.

Her family, both nuclear and extended.

The many others like me who just loved her smile and her wit and the way she seemed to hug you just by chatting with you. 

So I will say again, you never know the lives you touch.

You never know how just smiling and being more interested in someone else than you are your own self can make a difference in this world.

Looking people in the eye; asking them how they are, taking the time to listen and then not having to add your own story is an amazing contribution to planet earth. 

We will miss you Gay. You were one in ten zillion. They broke the mold and we are all better for having known you <3