A Ray of Sunshine

I had been working in a cellular store for two years when I was transferred to a new location in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I was getting used to my new co-workers and becoming familiar with the store’s regular customers. One customer in particular stood out from the crowd from the moment I met her; Cathy. All of the employees of the store knew her and affectionately referred to her as “Ms. Cathy”. Cathy would come in regularly to pay her bill or to ask questions about her bill. While visiting the store, she would socialize with everyone in the store and ask us about things that were going on in our lives. 

Cathy would bring the sunshine in with her every time she would visit our store. Personally, I became attached to her because of her kind nature and positive attitude. When it was time for her to upgrade her phone and give a smartphone a try, it was my pleasure to assist her with learning the new technology. She embraced learning new things and she always had a desire to do things herself. 

During the summer months, Cathy would make special trips to the farmers’ market to pick up fresh fruits to make us delicious pastries and treats from scratch. I appreciated her thoughtfulness, especially when considering the fact that she did not have a car. Each trip to bring us treats meant she had to take multiple bus rides just to get to our store. And she did this out of love. 

After completing my bachelor’s degree, I decided to take a job in Florida. I had to break the news to Cathy, but we committed to stay in touch. After three years of regular interactions, Cathy was more than my customer; she became my friend.  Moving to a new state was challenging. I did not have friends or family in Florida, and relationships that were once strong began to suffer due to the distance. I was lucky though, because I had Cathy.

“After three years of regular interactions, Cathy was more than my customer; she became my friend.”

Within the first few months of me moving, Cathy had hand sewn a beautiful beach bag for me to use here in Florida. When I received that package, it cheered me up and reminded me that someone back home was thinking about me. Her thoughtfulness meant everything to me. 

I have been in Florida now for four years, and our relationship is still going strong. Now I think of Cathy as family. She has transitioned from being my customer, to my friend, to my family. Today, I lovingly refer to her as Aunt Cathy. Until this day she still sends me care packages with things that she has sewn for me, and she has even mailed me her world-famous banana bread. I am so fortunate that I had her in my life at a time when I was going through a difficult transition. My life is enriched because she is in it, and I am so grateful for her kind heart. 

Thank you, Veronique, for sharing your story. If you wish to share your own story, please email emma@loveforourelders.org.

Veronique Ruiz

is an IT project manager for one of the largest telecommunications companies in the United States. Her career has connected her with people from around the world. She says she sees the beauty in bringing people together through technology. To Veronique, nothing is more important than the lasting relationships we build with others!