Hospitality is a funny business – one sees all sides of people since they are temporarily living with you. Working in a hotel – especially in Ogunquit, where a busy summer crunch can put you under a lot of pressure – takes a certain personality. Trying to find those good people is another challenge. And every now and then, they find you.

This past winter such a person joined our team. She loved our hotel, she had grown up in the area, had moved to Florida and through the ways and means of life, had returned to Ogunquit. She knew our computer system, she had worked for an outstanding property for years, she had the energy that comes with youth and her personality was brighter than Florida’s sunshine.  Our guests instantly loved her at our front desk.

Today, we lost this wonderful person from our lives from cancer. One can point to many reasons that this could happen – poor access to health care, lifestyle, an advanced cancer type. An endless list. Though it could be any or all of those things, that list doesn’t matter. What is truly important is that she has peace – for the many laughs she gave us in a very short time and the many people she made smile so effortlessly, the quick passing was a blessing to her and her family. Though difficult to believe and more so to understand by how quickly and suddenly such a young person could be lost.

Ogunquit is a wonderful place to visit. And while today at the Meadowmere we are saddened and mourn the loss of our friend, the sun is predicted to come out today and our guests will head to the beaches, shops and attractions. Perhaps she’s just sharing a little more of her Florida sunshine one last time with us from a better place.

Our thoughts, prayers and support go out to her family from ours.