I only knew Maria for a short 7 months; I first met her while interviewing at our workplace. Her smile left the biggest impression on me that day. When I started working just 3 weeks after her, she trained me and we spent so much time together those first weeks and for the next 7 months to come. I was in awe and so envious of how much she had already learned and could teach me, how organized she was. That first week, she brought me out to drinks, and we chatted for hours, getting to know each other.
We quickly became good friends, learning everything we could about one another. We sat next to each other and went to lunch together at her favorite sandwich shop, Redbarn, more than we would care to admit. She'd always buy me a Coke when she'd run out for lunch, our favorite soda. Every morning, walking in, she'd greet me with a big smile, "Hi, friend!" We'd work from home together and walk out together.
We even ditched work early one beautiful VT summer day to hit the beach. She wanted to work on her tan, but we got caught in a rainstorm shortly after we sat down on the sand. We laughed so hard at our failed plans and just hung out at her house the rest of the day.
Maria taught me the beauty of loving your friends openly and deeply. She never let me get away with not being a touchy person, always hugging me. We spent countless Saturday mornings at the farmers market in Burlington. We didn't need anything we'd just like to look, but one day she bought a beautiful pair of earrings. I helped pick them out, and she tried them on and asked for my opinion.
I took the day off work for my birthday, not planning on doing anything. She refused to let me do nothing, took a half day off work herself, and surprised me with a trip to the spa, just the two of us. We got lunch and drinks and spent time in the hot tub.
7 months was all it took for Maria to change my life forever, to show me how a true friend shows up and makes you feel included, supported, and loved. She was a light, always smiling, and had a contagious laugh. I could go on forever about all the memories we made in just 7 months.
On her final day, we went out to dinner at Burlington Beer Co. with our boys, who we always loved to make fun of and give a hard time. We chatted about her upcoming trip to Portugal and Italy, gossiped as usual, and shared many laughs over yummy food and good drinks.
I will love you and miss you forever, friend. Thank you for always showing up for me.
I share my deepest condolences with Ryan and her family. There are no words that can be shared to heal the pain of her loss.
All my love, Morgan Lamendola.