Sunday, April 14, 2024
Patty, I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your mother. Her legacy of kindness and love will continue to inspire us all. Please know that Omar and I are here for you and your family and will continue to pray for all of you during this difficult time.
Some of my fond memories of Ms. Sally
Many years ago, I had the perfect opportunity to finally meet the wonderful Sally Campbell. I flew out to New York with my best friend Patty Campbell. I made sure I had a fresh batch of my famous cookies to take to her. “Geez” . . . try taking a large package of white powder sugar cookies sealed in a plastic bag through security at the airport. They treat you as if you’re trying to smuggle drugs lol. I kindly asked them not man handle Ms. Sally cookies as they inspected them. I used to mail them to her for the holidays, she loved them!
I was so excited to finally meet her in person and give her the cookies. I stayed at her house for a week and had such a wonderful time. We went out on the town, shopping, dining, and site seeing. I thought it was so cool how she ordered a taxi to drive us around. I had never seen anything like that, being from California, we all drive our selves. Ms. Sally had her own personal taxi driver I felt spoiled being driven around with Ms. Sally. She was such a classy lady. I admired how she treated everyone with kindness and made sure to tip them generously.
On one of the days, I picked up some groceries to cook her dinner (Mexican dish). I think I scared her with the all the food and noise I was making. She kept asking Patty what is she is doing in there, why she is making so much food, what’s all that noise. I think I even had music playing while I was cooking (you must have music on…right? lol). I’m used to cooking large portions and knew we were going to have company so I wanted to make sure we had enough food. Now that I think about it, it kind of reminded me of a scene from the movie “When Fools Rush in” lol.
Sally was gracious enough to try it out but I think it might have been a little too spicy or she was still in shock from all that commotion. Everyone else seemed to have enjoyed it. Moving forward I decided to stay out of the kitchen LOL. I also made sure when I got home to send her some more of my cookies that she so LOVED!
My husband and I used to correspond via snail mail throughout the years. She touched our hearts through her warm conversations, and beautiful penmanship. My husband got a kick out of her love for the great Michael Feinstein. The funny thing is he would listen to it every now and then. Sometimes he would turn up the volume and call Sally to tell her he listens to Michael Feinstein too. She was tickled to hear that, they would end up talking for hours. But honestly, he did take a liking to his music and still listens to it every now and then.
Ms. Sally, please know that you touched our hearts with your kindness, and warmth in so many ways. Omar and I will miss you terrible. Until we see you again wishing you love and peace.
With great honor, love, and respect
Nina and Omar
