I remember

It was August of 2005 when I walked into that library crammed with books, there wasn't a nook or cranny between them on the shelves. And, curiously waiting for the new librarian, were the clerk and the computer tech. He was a bright eyed and bushy tailed, whipper-snapper. (I say whipper-snapper because the scales have tipped and, as of late, I am always the eldest in any given group it seems.)  He was young, with big brown eyes and enviable lashes. He wore a knowing smile together with his "uniform" khakis and a polo shirt.  As I dragged in my boxes, plastic containers and even a desk into my new work space, he quickly informed me that he would only help or carry items because I was in my "honeymoon" period of the job. That's how it all began.

It has been said that “friends are the family you choose for yourself.”  But sometimes circumstances and situations make the choice for you, like in a work environment.  One might find that in a day to day type of routine, you get to know people really well even if they are not open about their life. You learn their moods and quirks, likes and dislikes, and if you pay attention, you get to know what they are really about.  Some of these colleagues may even become especially dear to you even though you don’t really socialize with them outside of work.  We humans, well I at least, have a tendency to get attached to people, I grow fond of them and they take up a little corner of my heart; even if I don’t see them or talk to them every day. That in itself is a mystery entirely!


Well, one of these friends/colleagues is no longer with us. I imagine he must have looked at Jesus in the eyes and with a firm handshake, asked for a tour of the place; asking questions and offering any knowledge he has regarding Heaven. He will be greatly missed. Today he would have turned 37. He was an avid traveler who’d likely seen almost the whole planet already, even at his young age.

I quilted his name on this because he was all I could think of and pray about while I was working on it.

This post is just a montage of random memories I have of him.  If you have a memory to add, please do, just leave out his name for respect towards him and his family.  

In those first days at work, once my desk was set up, he saw the pictures I had of Colorado and we quickly realized we shared an experience,   and had a place in common; we skied! He skied blue and black trails and I stayed on the greens, albeit on different mountains that is. On his next trip, he brought me back a snowball souvenir, I still have it.

During lunch, he even scouted out ski trails, virtually, on the mountains we were familiar with. Recalling past adventures or planning out new ones.  Over the years, Colorado provided us hours of conversation, vacation planning and online shopping for the right gloves. 

  

 

 He also printed out my corner of Colorado one day and taped it to my desk, this little frozen lake.  He was very thoughtful like that.
 

 

He brought us whatever we liked to eat, because he would remember. He was very generous and detail oriented.  Friends and food go together, right?
 

I remember he would pay one day then I would pay the next. "I don't nickel and dime" he would say, if you tried to pay him back.

He always remembered what you liked and brought it even if you said "no."


 

 

He introduced me to the Philly Cheesecake at Flanigan's.

 

 

And oriented me to a great "mom and pop" (as he used to say) pizza shop he frequented, which now my friends and I frequent too.

After the winter Olympics one year, after hearing me go on and on about the ice skating event, he made sure that I went to see the Smuckers on Ice Show.

 

Who does that? Someone who wants you to enjoy life a little everyday, just like he did.

 

He was a mover and a shaker; he worked hard and played hard. He was all about family, friends and good times.

He was loved by everyone, was put in charge of everything, and he is greatly missed.  Thanks for everything. XO