So tonight a client treated me to dinner.
I’ve been carrying a gift certificate for this restaurant in Massapequa for I’d say 2 or 3 years. One of my favorite clients gave it to me as a Christmas present a while back and for the first year never got a chance to use it. It was a restaurant I’d never been to and always figured eventually I would go and try it out. Since then my client was diagnosed, and passed away from cancer. Whenever I would rifle through my workbag I would see it and see her handwriting and never thought I could use it. I would look at her handwriting and feel her energy. It’s one thing to know when a client has thought of you or mentioned you in conversation, but to see proof of someones existence, and even them addressing me in writing, made me feel connected somehow with her even after her death.
My friend mentioned going to the restaurant tonight and after all the years it’s been open, I still have never been there so I agreed. After locking my car and starting the walk to the front door, I remembered my gift card and went back and took it from where it’s been for the last 3 years. Like a safe that holds a treasure of sorts. I wasn’t sure if it even had any value on it. Like maybe it expired, but when I looked it over there was no date or anything on it.
I enjoyed a nice meal with a good friend and was thinking about how my client wanted this for me from the beginning. Not to waste the gift but to enjoy it with a friend. As she was to me. I explained the story to my friend and felt like we were able to share the experience with my client, and celebrate her. It made me feel sad for the loss but also happy in feeling like she was a part of something. After all this time, she gave me a beautiful gift.
I kept the envelope with her handwriting. That will stay in my workbag. If not just as a reminder of her, but a reminder of love. Of giving. Of life.
Thanks Marilyn.