08/29/2026
A little over seven years ago, I was doing the Market at Icehouse Amphitheater for the first time. It was a warm, beautiful day, and I was set up at the very end of a row of vendors. As I was getting ready, I noticed the woman setting up next to me. Her display was immaculate, filled with handmade soaps that I could smell from where I was standing. When we met for the first time, I proceeded to make my way through her soaps, smelling each one intently before moving on to the next. I couldn’t stop until I had smelled every single scent she had available. And just like that, I had found one of my very best friends.
As adults, we’re lucky when we find those rare people we immediately connect with. The ones who somehow feel familiar from the very beginning. With Virginia, it reminded me of being a kid on the playground and suddenly meeting your new best friend. There was no effort involved. It was just us, talking about anything and everything for what seemed like an eternity, or at least until our voices went hoarse.
I will never forget her smile. It was infectious. I couldn’t look at her smiling without feeling my own face spread into a smile to match hers.
She had this way of shining so brightly that her presence alone seemed to bring light wherever she went. She made people feel seen. She made people laugh. She made ordinary days better simply by being part of them.
Seven years wasn’t nearly enough time with her. Actually, an entire lifetime wouldn’t have been enough. My heart is broken that I didn’t get more time with her, but I will spend the rest of my life grateful that somehow, on that warm day at the market, our booths happened to be next to each other.
The world won’t be quite as bright without Virginia’s smile in it. I don’t think you could ever replace a light like hers. You just carry some of it with you. So I will.
Rest in Peace, Virginia. I hope you’re enjoying an ocean breeze, a lighthouse in the distance, and all the peace you deserve.
And if I can spend my own life shining even half as brightly as you did, that will be enough.
I love you, Boo.
