• Janine:  I wish I could give you a BIG HUG today.  You and Sara have been through much but you have much to be thankful for.  I hope to see you in 2025.  We are blessed in many ways and lets not forget that.  Please stay in touch and let me know how you are doing.  Your friend,  Janet 

As we're moving into the holiday season I was thinking about my last one with Dan; it was 2020. With the Covid lockdown in full force (especially in San Mateo County), work restrictions, and the EDD failing miserably, money was very tight and getting into the holiday spirit was definitely a challenge (for me at least). 

Taking a walk, a skate or a bike ride, were some of the things Dan enjoyed and on this particular day he went out for a walk and came back just minutes later with a beautiful Christmas tree as grand as any we had had.  I was stunned. I knew how broke he was and asked how he did that--and so fast--it was extravagant! Well, right across the street from our place was Honey Bear Trees (of Canby, Oregon). He recounted that he told them (undoubtedly in his genuine and charming manner) that he needed to get a tree for his mom and that he only had $20.  Not only did they give him his pick of the lot, they gave him a squeezie of honey (which I finished off in the tea I had while making his ofrenda this year).

Anyone who knows Dan knows what a great gifter he was, I think Gavin mentioned it in an earlier post. He could somehow intuit just the right gift  for those he loved, and that day was no exception. 

For me, his presence in this life was the greatest gift of all. 

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About acts of kindness I received from Casey, and their impact on me:

I have so many vivid memories from my childhood growing up with my best friend Casey.

Two weeks ago I felt this strong urge to try to find him to reconnect again after someone had mentioned nickel arcade games. I remember Janine took us to a penny or nickel arcade once and this sparked excitement to find a way to reach out to him.

I asked my mom if she still had contact with Janine via Facebook, but after she looked around a bit, she shared the news with me. I am heartbroken that I missed the opportunity to reconnect with Casey throughout the years.

Casey and I did everything together growing up. When he moved to Portland I remember missing him so much that I begged and pleaded with my mom to let me visit. My mom put me on my first plane ride by myself to Portland to visit. I think I remember visiting his cool new indoor school and Janine taking us to this toy store (the seemingly odd memories you carry with you along the way). 

I hold some of those memories with Casey very near to my heart and I hope that by sharing them you feel close to him again. 

Love,

Abby

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