Our First Thanksgiving

Luckily, the champagne was flowing so I wasn’t quite so nervous and possibly the reason I can’t remember a word that I said!  What I do remember, however, is looking across the long table and seeing no one else but Rand.  This was one of the first moments I remember realizing I had found the man I was going to spend the rest of my life with.

Once the toast was over and the meal was under way, Rand came and knelt beside me and whispered how much he loved having me sit across the table from him.  Then, in a way only Rand could do without sounding critical or in judgment, he gently let me know that I forgot to mention some very important people in my toast.  Soon enough, he had the kitchen staff in the dining room for a round of applause. 

After lunch Rand told me, “Never forget about the people behind the scenes…whether it is at home or in business, these are the people working hard to make the rest of us look even better. They are the ones that deserve your appreciation.”  He then gave me a quick kiss and said “and you are the one deserving my appreciation for putting a smile on my face.” 

This was one of the first of many lessons I learned from Rand throughout our years together and it certainly translated across everything we did down the road…including the work we are doing now at The Palette Fund.  Whether Rand was in his office meeting with other CEO’s or down on the factory floor talking with a machine tech, Rand treated everyone as equals and as if they were the most important person in the company.  In Rand’s reality, at that moment, they were. 

Rand’s amazing ability to teach without judgment and his love for watching those around him learn and grow is something we also focus on throughout Palette’s mission.  For Rand, like many things he did, it came effortlessly from his heart.

The end of our first Thanksgiving weekend together culminated with a magnificent boating excursion to the annual White Party at Vizcaya with many friends.  Rand had told me some amazing stories and wonderful memories about this day and he wanted me to experience it as well.  This was our last Thanksgiving in Miami and it was the last time Rand would make it to the White Party.  Although it happened 7 years ago, I can picture us in our matching white (as seen in the top photo) coming back home under the sunrise like it was yesterday. I was 24, falling in love and living a dream that not even I could dream up. 

During this time of giving thanks, I am thankful that I listened to Rand as he taught me invaluable lessons throughout our years and thankful that I continually appreciated our life together and the love we shared every day.  Six Thanksgivings were not enough but created memories that will stay with me for a lifetime. 

Happy Thanksgiving All.

One More Day –

T