While my husband and I were still dating, I took a work trip to New Orleans–his previous home.
Since he’s a New Orleans expert, I asked if he wanted to come along to also show me around.
While en-route to my final destination, my aunt–whom I was close to–passed away.
I did not see it coming and I was just stunned. The Hyatt French Quarter sent up a bottle of wine and muffaletta. I curled up on the couch in our (thank you, Hyatt!) suite and consumed all those items without a word.
Oh, and the extra-spicy Zapps they sent up too. That was a mistake. I’ll admit that. Though it’s hard to be sad when your mouth was on fire.
But I spent most of the time numb. I could barely remember networking with everyone I was supposed to network with. I didn’t know how to react or what to do.
Bill didn’t know either.
But he ran to the store and came back. And gave me my favorite souvenir ever.
A stuffed alligator. With specific instructions that *this* alligator isn’t for eating.
I cracked up. Probably for the first time on the trip. Which I think also helped get some crying out later on too.
But it was what I needed to break the numbness. Plus, that’s the happiest looking alligator I’ve ever seen.