Mary Rubino

Anyone who has ever spent a significant amount of time with me probably knows that I don’t bop out of bed with a smile on my face when my alarm goes off every morning. I do like to get my full 14 hours. When I eventually roll out of bed and stumble into the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth, one of the first things I see is a little stuffed giraffe that Anne sent us last summer, and it never fails to bring a smile to my grumpy face. Lindsay’s “power animal” has always made me laugh, and I can’t think of a better or more bittersweet way to start the day.

When I actually stop and think about it, there are little pieces of Lindsay everywhere I look. Whether it is in pictures or keepsakes, bright jewelry or shiny dresses, she has woven her little ways into my life in a way that keeps her close to me every day.  She reminds me to turn off the tv and go outside.  She reminds me not to apologize for what I want or who I want to be. Sometimes she reminds me that the gym is boring and Chick-fil-A would be a better long-term choice. She reminds me to check shopbop new arrivals daily and to browse the 70% off section for deals. She reminds me not to settle. Not in work, not in life, not ever. Sometimes she even reminds me to recycle – not always, but I’m working on it.  Most importantly, though, when I think of Lindsay I remember to be happy. It’s funny how something so simple could require a reminder, but I think sometimes we all need one - and no one was better at it than Lindsay. Happy birthday Linds – miss and love you always.