“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold,
it would be a merrier world.” — J.R.R. Tolkien
Not all archives are filled with gifts from strangers. I’ve passed these shelves a dozen times, but never noticed Claire McCann’s sign until today. Everyone loved Claire, and she loved them back. She also loved what she did. So much, in fact, that after retirement she came back as a volunteer. Claire was a tiny woman – not even up to my shoulder – but her heart barely fit into the room. She loved cats and took in strays. The vet broke into tears eulogizing her limitless grace at her memorial. That was Claire: caring for the ones no one else cared for. Finding her little sign was a little like running into her at the elevator again: a sweet familiar smile and an honest, “how are you?” I was – I am – thankful for Claire.
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