08/26/2026
I’ve been thinking about the people who have helped me through this transition, and I need to say something about my friend.
Long before we ever decided to close fernaCHer, Hazel started helping me one day a week at the store simply because she loved being there. She helped with special events, made food, greeted people, served drinks, helped customers—whatever needed to be done. Nothing was ever above her, and she never expected anything in return. She never asked for anything. Never hinted. I’ve watched her work in ridiculous heat without complaining, usually asking, “What’s next?” or “What else needs to be done?”
And when I tried to pay her, she refused.
When we decided to close, Hazel kept asking if I needed help. Of course, I kept telling her I was fine and had it handled. Eventually, she stopped asking.
“When are you going to be there?”
She told me to let her know, she’d tell me her schedule, and she’d be there. And she was.
Closing fernaCHer has been harder emotionally than I expected. There were days when that increasingly empty store felt pretty lonely. Having Hazel there kept me focused, kept me moving and, honestly, just made those days a little easier. One day while the movers were there, I was overwhelmed. Everyone needed answers, decisions and direction. I was pushing myself to keep everything moving while also trying pretty hard to hold myself together. Hazel saw it before I ever said anything. She stepped in, started giving direction and kept things moving. No big conversation. No need for me to ask. She just recognized what needed to happen and did it.
That’s Hazel.
The funny thing is, Hazel and I don’t always see eye to eye ideologically—and we probably never will. But I’ve also been reminded through all of this that friendship doesn’t require agreeing about everything.
Dependability, kindness and loyalty aren’t ideological. They’re demonstrated. They’re showing up when it’s hot. They’re asking what’s next. They’re noticing when your friend is overwhelmed and stepping in. They’re helping simply because someone you care about could use another set of hands.
And expecting absolutely nothing in return.
That’s the kind of friend Hazel is.
fernaCHer may be closing, but thankfully Hazel isn’t going anywhere.
And I’m pretty damn glad to have her in my corner. ❤️
