Two years ago, my aunt Debbie suffered a debilitating ischemic stroke which rendered her without sensation in the dominant side of her body. Many will remember she was my business partner who often darted about the store with bras hanging from her belt loops. On days she worked, she greeted everyone who crossed our threshold and carefully packaged up purchases at checkout. She shared stories and patiently listened to others.

Unfortunately, the recovery process from a massive stroke is arduous at best. She endured setback after setback, including mini-strokes and now ongoing health complications related to a sedentary lifestyle.

Debbie was never big on smiling, and my dad and I used to crack jokes when we took pictures to make her laugh. There were often dozens of deleted pictures where her expression more closely mirrored a hostage in a proof of life situation than someone excited to celebrate another successful year.

However, since the stroke, she never smiles anymore and instead retreats inward, avoiding speaking some days altogether. The loss of her mobility and autonomy causes her immense pain and grief. She does not receive adequate support from her immediate family, and it breaks my heart to watch her spiral.

This holiday season, I want to brighten her spirits, and I need your help. I want to create a digital scrapbook of her time at the store that she can view whenever she feels lonely or sad. I hope reading and revisiting those memories reminds her of the kindness she gave to the world and the impact she made.

Here’s how you can help. Use the Contact Page and send as many of the following at you would like:

• Memories or stories you have of interacting with Debbie.
• The ways the store, especially her involvement within it, improved your life.
• Well-wishes, advice, or words of wisdom about her recovery.

Please feel free to include photos or video messages. (Note: You cannot attach them in the initial email, but I will respond with how to include those.)

Generosity is never a wasted act, and Debbie needs a lot of goodwill this season. Let’s close 2023 by helping a woman who may not know what day it is but who always remembers our customers and the business we grew together.