Durbel, hermano, voy a extrañarte profundamente.
I was so sad to learn about the passing of a friend and colleague, Durbel, who served as the Country Director of Plant With Purpose’s work in the Dominican Republic for many years. His legacy leaves tens of thousands of people better off, not to mention countless farms, forests, and water sources restored.
Durbel was a PRESENCE. When he spent some time in California a few years ago, I wound up getting to play guide and translator a couple times, and he was a joy to be around. I especially enjoyed a particular game of Codenames shared with him and a Haitian colleague that we somehow made work across languages.
A couple weeks ago, I learned about another friend who passed away. Another friend who I knew through my work… who actually visited the Dominican Republic and spent time with Durbel. The work moved her to want to work in storytelling and sustainability, which is how we got connected. Over the years, I got to see her accomplish exactly that. She worked as a communications manager for a sustainable food org.
I’m lucky to get to do work I love. But the best part comes in the form of the people I get to connect with. Always need to make sure to appreciate that in the moment.