Wine really is for lovers
Yesterday, it rained a substantial amount in Napa where I am currently. Wine countries around the world are no doubt mourning its LeClair. I am not the only person who Valerie took a chance on and believed in. In so many of us, she saw potential, and kindness, and growth, and it made me want to work harder and realize it for myself, too. I learned many things from the school of Val: fannypacks are totally utilitarian. Do shit you love because life is too short to not. Always spring for the gel nails when you can. Karaoke like no one is watching. But truly, the best thing I ever learned from her was this: people are valuable, and they deserve to be treated as so. Don't ever underestimate how much it means to tell someone you care. That they're doing a great job. That you remember to include them and make them feel wanted. Val did that for so many of us and that warmth will never be forgotten. Encouragement at its core is a form of love, and the amount of it that radiated from her was breathtaking. She may have been my boss's boss, but she was still one of us. It is crushing to know someone is ripped from you so suddenly, but there is one thing I have found solace in: in these past few hours, the amount of "I love you"s and check-in's with my TF family has been phenomenal. I like to think this is a direct result from all who Val touched and inspired. Our time together was so short - but the memories I will keep close to my heart will forever be sacred. Riding in the van to my first Burning Man and getting stuck in playa traffic listening to "Bubble Butt" for 6 hours. Going on a giant swing and that guy on Ecstasy wearing a leopard thong. Singing "Please Don't Go Girl" at karaoke and ending the song with 20+ people huddling all together drunk and crying and laughing, all in a sweaty group hug. Your infectious laugh and killer smile. I found the email Val wrote to everyone the day she graduated from TF: "Take good care of each other, listen to each other, enjoy each other, and learn from each other." I can't think of a better mantra to look to right now in the pain of my grief. Val, you were one classy AF lady. I am honored to have known you. You made my life better from the moment we met and I can never repay you for that. I can only hope that all the time I spent being inspired and motivated by your animal squad goals, food goals, career goals, travel goals and relationship goals, will be put to good use to make you proud up there in the stars. I am gonna miss you so fucking much.