I had the pleasure of meeting Tara at Paychex, we first started out as coworkers but slowly we developed a close bond, like sisters. She was always looking out for me, protecting me, lift me up when I am down and always there for me. She was my family, I would make sure to return the same care, love, and friendship she bestowed upon me.
I remember how she comes into the office each morning in her tennis shoes, open up the cubical cabinet, change her shoes then stroll over to my cube in a cool manner and if I happen to be standing she would use my shoulder as an arm rest (yes she was that much taller than i am... in heels!). She would always smile because doing so makes her feel super tall. I would remember the witty comments we exchange before starting our day, our weekly friday training in the cold training room.
It was stressful and yet we still manage to develop a mean to communicate via facial expressions when we were on the phone with our clients, we share our laughs, frustrations and plans during lunch. Lunch time is always epic with Tara, I still remember her Chik Fil A order "number one combo, no pickles with cheese and butter, large sweet tea no ice with polynesian sauce". Her choice of snack are those chocolate covered cashews. During our downtime we would search and compete to find the ugliest shoes on the internet.
We share the love for food, I know when we head to El Paso in Fairfax she would get carnitas. She didn't like Chipotle for lunch because they would always screw up her order.
I will never forget our week long senior school training in North Carolina, and the epic road trip. Work is never complete hearing stories about her lovely daughter Evan. She was so proud of her and I will never forget the funny stories back in the day with her husband John
Tara would always remind me to not look down at myself and I will always remember "when you get knock down Lisa you replay the Tara tape". In her honor I will work even harder to believe in myself and to make the most of what I have. Thank you Tara for everything I love you and miss you very much.