Dear Sarah and David,
I am not sure if you will continue to receive these notes, and I hope that I am not adding to your pain by posting here today.
2020 was cruel in so many ways. My own small battle with the pandemic left me a bit disconnected from many in our industry. I am keenly aware that many months have passed since you laid to rest your exceptional mother and wife, but having just learned of her passing, I felt compelled to add a few thoughts.
I was honored to be one of those who peppered her beautiful and short life. During my early travel career, Robyn and I worked in different divisions at what was then Greenwich Travel, then TV Travel, and finally Wagonlit. Even early in our careers, Robyn was highly-skilled and respected- the absolute "go-to" for so many there. I am sure that you know all of that, but Robyn's business acumen was surpassed only by her kindness and care of others. Even when she was not feeling her best, she focused on making certain that others felt appreciated.
Although we took parallel paths many years ago, Robyn to PepsiCo and me into the world of hotels, Robyn has always been so generous with her precious time. When I found myself working for Marriott, she and I had the chance to reconnect. Her work responsibilities were vast and the lifting, heavy, but Robyn was always generous with her time and spirit. Her grace and beauty, inside and out, were calming and inspiring.
Over the years, I have fondly recalled the business lunches we shared; Picking the restaurant and menu and breaking bread with Robyn was always more than a meal. Robyn made that ninety minutes a reprieve, a temporary escape from the pressures that awaited us.
She was a fascinating person, but above all, Robyn was humble, kind, and considerate. Her hand-written notes were almost upstaged by the note cards with the rendering of that Dennisport home she spoke of with such love. It always seemed to me that Cape Cod nurtured her soul, but her family was her heart.
I believe that her faith was strong and hope that you have been able to find peace in her memory and your faith.
My sincerest condolences,
Carolyn
Carolyn Fielding
carolynpfielding@gmail.com
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