THE UNOPENED THANKSGIVING CANDY BOX

I met Rose Mass in 2014.  She was a small, dynamic, older lady. I was a stranger to her and to the City she loved. She became a good friend.

She and I seemed to have had similar life experiences. She shared my zest for life and for living, fearing no stranger or new experience.

In her youth she broke quite a few glass ceilings before we understood what a glass ceiling really was.

She wore her "titles" of student, teacher, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother as well as dear aunt with dignity and humility, yet always independent and seeking justice in many ways.

She was a loyal and encouraging friend to many with whom she shared wide interests:  from bridge, to tennis, to music, to reading, to food, to politics and to  humorous asides which she used to break intense moments.

Her love of travel took her on a a freighter trip to sail the sea, She saw much of the world, visiting with still more family as she went along the way.

Toward the end, it was difficult for her to remain mobile. She did so with the love and help of her four sons, their prodigies,and a loving capable care giver.

I would stop in to visit with Rose every once in a while and when I did, I would take a small token
that could please her.  She seemed glad to see me,  always reminding me that I should have voted one way or the other.

Ten days ago, I bought a box of Thanksgiving candy to take with me for Rose.  I never did get to visit  her. As I write this, I learned that Rose Mass had died and the Thanksgiving Candy remains unopened.

During this holiday and this time in the history of our country, it seems worth remembering that
my friend leaves behind a virtual army of people whose lives she affected in a positive way, reminding each one of us that the richness of life is here for each of us to enjoy regardless of who we are or what we may have.

MAY THE HOLIDAY BE A GOOD TIME FOR YOU AND  YOURS.