Take Me Home...

I'll be heading to my beloved West Virginia this week and while this would normally bring joy to my heart, this particular trip will be filled with sadness and grief. A dear friend of mine, Margret Ann Smith, passed away today after a battle with cancer. Mags was the chef and owner of The Red Fox, the amazing restaurant I was blessed to work at for several years during the 90's. An amazing woman, Mags always made us feel so welcome and appreciated.

She watched over us all and during the Christmas season, when so many of us were far away from our families, she went out of her way to make us all feel like family. It's been over a decade since I lived there but not a day goes by that I don't think about those beautiful mountains and the place I love so much. I got to see her last October, a little over a year ago, and spent a lovely evening having dinner with her. As always, it was like I had never been away.

I will see many people that I have not seen in years and while it will be great to be with them, I just wish it were under different circumstances. I suspect that there will be a very large turnout this week as she had a large family in Elkins and loved ones all around the east coast. Most of the people I worked with have moved on to other places but I'm sure they will all find their way back to the mountains this week as we say goodbye to a dear friend. We love you Mags!

This is for you kiddo...