Just before Christmas I made a call to a woman at a well-known university in Rochester, NY to follow up on an on-goining conversation we started back in May. I met her via phone and our conversations, while founded on the basis of professional matters, were friendly. During one of our earlier conversations I mentioned my trip to Rwanda (in June with Kids Play Intl), she was interested and supportive of such an adventure. When I returned, I received an email from her asking about my trip so I called her and we spoke at length about my journey and the impact it had on my life. While I was aware that she was battling cancer (she shared this in early on), I didn’t realize just how advanced the disease was. I just assumed that eventually I’d meet her face-to-face. Time passed, summer was busy and we didn’t talk. Fall passed too and unfortunately, when I called her direct number, a man answered. I asked for her and was informed that he had replaced her. He carefully chose his words. He asked the purpose of my call and how I knew our “mutual friend.” Sadly, he explained that she had passed away in October. He too was clearly harboring the same respect and appreciation for this kind woman and felt a connection to me through this short and limited “friendship” I shared. Since our conversation, he’s been incredibly helpful professionally and I appreciate that. Continue reading →