September 6, 2012

I was working my way through my address book this morning, and came across the name of a friend of mine from my first years of living in NYC.  She was a member of Synergy Fitness (later Boom!) which was my first job in NYC.  We had become friends by talking over the front desk there about life.  She was in a constant battle with breast cancer, and even on her worst days on Chemo she would be at the gym.  Her disposition was always sunny and optimistic, and she was always very honest when speaking of life and hope. 

After coming upon her name in my address book, I decided to Google her to see if she had a LinkedIn page or perhaps another social page.  She was a lawyer, so I also thought she may be linked to a website.  Anyway, the point is that I had not spoken to her in several years, and thought it would be nice to connect and have that dinner we always used to talk about having together.

The last time I saw Regina was in 2009.  I was staying with Darryl on the Upper East Side, and had run into her on the street while she was walking her dogs.  We spoke again of having dinner together, and she gave me her card.

I have kept her card in my wallet ever since.  I knew that I would want to contact her when I returned to the NYC.  What I didn't know at that time was that Regina must have been very near the end.  I remember it was warm when we last met, and upon my search this morning I discovered that she passed away 8/26 of that year.  A few months later, Darryl and I were in DC.

Regina was a darling person, and I will always remember how lovely it was to be in her presence.  Her card really represents her well:  Direct.  Happy.  Colorful.

Her family has made sure her legacy will live on at www.reginajabbour.com.  I can't wait to get home from work today so I can listen to Regina sing; a pleasure I never got to enjoy while she was here.  R.I.P, Regina.  I miss you.