Four Days of Rain

It's been rainy and grey for so many days. It seems like the rain will never end. Sadly, it is quite fitting. Last Friday I learned that a dear friend from work had passed away, and I'm reminded of the Stevie Ray Vaughan song that mourns, "the sky is crying."

Jean was an amazing woman of great energy and compassion. She was nearly 75 years old and still worked full-time. She could run circles around all of us, worked so hard, and was unbelievably nice to our guests, even the rude ones. Our Gifts department will never be the same.

A few memories of our dear Jean: Her nails and make-up were always in place and impeccable. When she had something important to say, she would grab your arm and squeeze for emphasis. I'm always cold, so the warmth of her fingers was welcome. One of my favorite memories of Jean is the day she told a customer to just chill out when he pitched a fit about being asked for his phone number at the register. She could make a mean Snicker Bar Salad and was always so generous when we had any sort of pot lucks or events at the store.

Family was Jean's top priority, no question. She loved her three kids and all her grandchildren so much. She talked about them often and brought in pictures and articles. One of her daughters came to the store with her three kids from time to time; when I met the others today, I felt like I already knew them. They lost their mom so quickly -- I hope they are able to find peace soon.

One thing Jean taught me that I will never forget and I try to put into practice: never walk past someone you know (or maybe you don't know) without greeting them. It drove her nuts when employees would come to work in the morning and walk past her -- or any one of us -- without acknowledging her. She had a kind heart. Her sudden passing has stunned and saddened so many who knew and loved her.

The rain continues. I'm surrounded by the sounds of my very happy boys singing at the dinner table. I think back on my terrific day at the Loft and Minnesota Book Awards Saturday, and I know it's time to really get serious about my writing, my passion. I can't let another day slip away.