a short tribute, with nayonaise on the side

this is the saddest thing I've heard in a while, and I'm reading about it 16 months late:

I never needed a bag, I always had my timbuk2. I came to see you before work, between classes, after my internship, and whenever else I got bored and hungry. I never needed help in the bulk section, I only ever wanted carob chips and dried lentils. I bought a t-shirt, which I forgot to wear on the days it would get me discounts. your member-employees were pretentious but well-meaning, but so was I. I was constantly broke, but it was cheaper and more fun to visit you in the end than it was to hop a bus to whole foods or trader joe's. I was sometimes that annoying customer who came in as you were closing, but I didn't mean it, I just got caught on a delayed bus. I tried so many random delicious things that you sold me, and figured out what I actually did and didn't like. you showed me progressive magazines, local products, bulk beauty products... and you gave me a comfort zone far away from my two other favorite health food stores.

despite my current location and lack of excuse to visit phoenix... I'll miss you, gentle strength.