An ad for Coldwater Creek popped up on my browser earlier and immediately triggered thoughts of my former boss R. She was in her early 60s back when I worked for her and I recall how startled I was when we first met because of her strong resemblance to Shirley Temple (as a child). It's been over twenty years since R and I parted ways. She was one of the most loving people I have come across in the workplace - there was no one R did not get along with and conversely, there was no one that did not love R. I was one of the fortunate recipients of her warmth and affection. On a cold or rainy day she would give me a ride to the bus stop. Knowing that I was going to be alone for the holidays, she gave me a small care package - containing little gifts all handmade by R.
There was not a single redeeming quality about the job but having R as my manager, friend and mentor made it worthwhile to stay. And R always wore Coldwater Creek clothes - it was her favorite brand. Then there were these fantastic and elaborate brooches that were R's signature piece of jewelry. She could make them work almost all year round on any kind of outfit. So many people come and go from your life specially at places you work - it is all but impossible to carry more that a highlight reel in your memory of the time you spent together. But R was different - she was a bright, dazzling, kind, and funny. You remembered a lot of detail because she made the moments count. I dug up her email and realized it had been six years since I last reached out to her and had never heard back. While that made me sad, it did not prevent me from trying once again - maybe this time I would.
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