Not A

Her name has only one syllable, and that is appropriate

Because Gail is not a complicated woman. We met on a cold November morning when she served me breakfast eight years ago.

She did it without fanfare, but efficient courtesy while quietly welcoming me to the dining area she commandeered daily.

From that moment on, Gail always remembered I like my coffee black and hot. She never forgot my name, and I never had to wait to get her attention.

Despite the winters that seemed endless, Gail, a highly independent woman, traveled daily by public transportation to insure the many elderly occupants of our residence were well fed both for breakfast and lunch.

Although scrupulously courteous, she never made excuses or apologized needlessly. Rather she quietly expected that diners understood when they had to wait for her attention while she took care of others. She rarely indulged in small talk, or superficial chit chat, and I doubt if a word of gossip ever crossed her lips.

Gail never crossed the line of professionalism, but that didn’t deter her from quiet acts of kindness. She constantly recovered lost canes, and returned forgotten scarfs often abandoned in the dining room. She delivered missing cell phones to many forgetful residents without a word of complaint for the inconvenience.

Gail left abruptly yesterday, and I know not why. I do know she will be desperately missed not merely at mealtimes, but as a welcome companion on the road of life we all travel.

She was a tower of strength throughout the time we shared and an inspiration to we whose meals she served.

May the wind be ever at her back.