12/16/2022
𝕮𝖍𝖎𝖈𝖆𝖌𝖔
I may not always love the weather in Chicago, but I always love the people. It's one of the primary reasons I chose to move out here after having worked in most of the largest cities in the country...I called it, "Midwest Hospitality."
It's that "Midwest Hospitality" that has kept me here for so many years, despite the long, grueling winters. That said, while I've had a very small core group of friends and family whom I love, I always felt like something was missing...until this year.
It started with . I was looking for a place to workout that would be friendly to my multiple injuries, but what I ended up gaining (besides pain relief) was a community of caring, supportive and genuine people. Then we launched Mmmm...Just Enjoy., which gave me the opportunity to finally work with many people again (not just because of Covid, but because I had been consulting for years)...and not just coworkers or clients, but many people and communities outside of those I had spent time with before.
I feel fortunate to have been able to be a part of so many fun events, art gallery openings, fundraisers and tastings with inspiring local businesses, artists, musicians and more. It is through these connections that I was generously gifted this Chicago necklace. We were pouring our wines at the Sentrock Elmhurst Art Museum Opening when I met an attendee, . We got to talking and at one point I commented on how much I loved her necklace. Without hesitation, she offered to give it to me. Shocked, I of course said no at first, but after she insisted, I accepted. It was one of the most beautiful moments this year...having someone who didn't even know me give me such a thoughtful gift.
Since then, I have worn the necklace many times, most importantly because it reminds me of her generosity and this Midwest Hospitality that is so special and now makes me proud to be a Chicagoan.
