The Truth About Mrs. White

Have you ever met someone and made an instant connection?  Do you think that's happenstance? Coincidence? Pure luck? Or an alignment far beyond your understanding?

Ya'll are probably tired of hearing about Fellowship Square...but it remains one of the most life sculpting places of employment I've ever had.  It was the breeding ground for several relationships that are dear to my heart.

The truth is Tamarra White and I only spent time together, in person, once.  Many moons ago I was part of the grassroots efforts to get Yardi's care plan service going in every CC building.  (Did that ever happen?)  The monster project required several masterminds to collaborate.  Yardi specialists Suzette, Tamarra and Kathi came to Tucson from Phoenix and we spent an entire day in front of the computer.  Overloaded by the data entry we had a lunch break off campus.  We broke bread at Guadalajara Grill and I also broke a tooth while biting into a corn chip.   We talked for a bit during our project and exchanged an occasional email here and there--that was the catalyst for an unsuspected friendship.  

Thanks be to social media!  Over the last couple of years Tamarra and I have gotten to know one another in an incredible way.  We became "friends" on Facebook and then Instagram.  I like her photos and she likes mine, we leave comments and even go so far as to instant message.  We've gotten to a place where we divulge private situations and even pray for each other!! With the click of the mouse we've shared gains, losses, joy, sorrow, health scares, new life, new homes, new jobs and big moves.

I love snail mail and Tamarra makes the most beautiful cards.  She's blessed me with Random Acts of Kindness, and having experienced a very cold winters night in  San Antonio, Tamarra made me a blanket to keep me warm on those freezing nights. I was overjoyed when I heard she and her beau, Lance, were coming to town to visit their youngest son stationed at Fort Hood.  I left work early yesterday, scooped up Naysia and we sped downtown.  I could hardly wait to walk into the famed Casa Rio along the river and see her face.  

To touch and to be touched is of great importance to me.  My instinct when I see people I care about is to hug them.  Our embrace, both coming and going, only solidified the connection that we have.   Tamarra mentioned this was only our second face to face and I was immediately and silently thankful.  This is the kind of friendship that can only have been custom built by God himself. 

We sat across each other and once again shared chips and salsa.  We talked about the city, work, family, life experiences, our futures, things of the past and exchanged prayer requests.  We learned we have even more in common.  I can't help but believe that if they hadn't have had a long ride before them we would've talked well into the night.  Our parting was filled with sweet sorrow. 

The truth about Mrs. White is that she is someone who has brought--and I'm sure will continue to bring joy to my life and I am grateful that our life paths have intersected.  

Thank you Lance and Tamarra for bringing a great reminder of home to us and for taking time out of your vacation to bless Tenaysia and me. 

P.S. Food and service at Casa Rio was great