As we celebrate the upcoming holiday season, we have been busy, little elves decorating and preparing for all the things! The magical smells of cinnamon, spice and pine, oh my! The tinkling of bells as the reindeer moves about our FGS reindeer ranch pen? Adorable. You actually thought for a split second I had reindeer. You're so cute. If only.
Beyond all the chaos and decorating, Scott and I have been navigating another loss in our life. Andrew Ross. No words can express our sorrow. His life is such an intrical part of our story at FGS. He passed away November 1st and we are truly heartbroken.
Andrew was the first person Scott met at FGS. He actually interviewed Scott for the General Manager position 12 years ago when Mrs. Davis was the owner. They met at Starbucks at Southpoint. Scott and Andrew immediately hit it off and Andrew wanted him to meet with Mrs. Davis at her home. Two days later at her kitchen table in Chapel Hill, Mrs. Davis offered Scott the mighty task of GM. I think she offered it because Max, her dog, approved as well! The next morning, Scott met the team and that was our beginning story at FGS.
Andrew was our fan. He was the go-between for Mrs. Davis. Scott had lunch with her and Andrew weekly for years and years. They laughed at the Cheesecake Factory over dessert. They laughed and shared stories at her kitchen table. As much as Mrs. Davis was our biggest fan, Andrew was second in line. He loved Mrs. Davis deeply and cared for her until her passing last year. He was just that kind of man and friend.
You would not find a person who loved as fiercely as Andrew did. He was honest to a fault yet kind. He stood up for the underdog. He cared deeply for his family. He was a good friend. He embodied our core values and didn't even work directly with us. Excellence. Integrity. Teamwork. Professionalism. Customer care. He was this and so much more.
Our story will never be told without Andrew in it. His life was far too short. We are thankful for our last dinner with him over the summer where he shared his future hopes as he was navigating a new life outside of caring for others. Yet, we all know that was his passion. Andrew, you are loved and will never be forgotten at FGS.
Hug your loved ones fiercely. Check in on them. And I'm talking about the humans, not the plants. But we do have plants to cheer us up when disappointment and loss happens. And free hugs. We have those too.
