I met Angela in Minneapolis many years ago and we had a good formal conversation about our new product we were displaying but Angela went further as she asked about my background in business and the organization industry.
Soon I was elected to the Board of Directors of the National Association of Professional Organizers and at our first meeting I sat next to Angela and we became quick friends. Later that first night Angela said she needed to go to the drug store. Since I was the only one on the Board who got a rental car for the meeting, 30 miles from the airport, me and three other ladies headed off to find a drug store that is open after 10:00 p.m. As soon as we got back in the car Angela said, "I want some ice cream." So we traveled all over the place about 10:30 at night to find an ice cream place.
This became a ritual and for the next four years, every time we met, we made ice cream runs with all the laughter and fun that friends have.
We both respected our boundaries, knew that what we talked about stayed private, and some sensitive things we spoke of only briefly, but the friendship was so much more powerful because of it. We talked about family often and oddly in our last conversation we talked for over an hour just to catch up. We talked politics, family, NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers), other NAPO people who were on her mind, and my church activities. Just before we hung up, I now recall her saying that she was looking forward to working with me again and to tell Lynnette she said, "Hi". I never did tell Lynnette that as I figured it was a nice closing comment which I hear from many conversations with people. I was wrong.
I say all that because part of our closing conversation was that she wanted me to be at the next national convention just so we could make some more ice cream runs. We laughed!
I encourage every one who reads this to call someone who may be near or far away. You never know when it could be the last conversation you'll ever have with them. Cherish every relationship because when you lose a friend suddenly, you will have heavy sorrow but great memories and understand the plans they had which were cut short. That is more important than the next deal you might make. Call now!
I miss you Angela Wallace!
