I don’t often receive surprise packages in the mail. I can’t say “never,” but it’s definitely a rarity. In late summer last year, I was treated to such an act of kindness when a box arrived at my doorstep.

And what was inside the box blew me away.

I wear my emotions on my sleeve–unapologetically–and when I opened it to find a note from my friend Susan saying, “Your essay inspired me to create something special for you,” tear ducts burst open, releasing a briny stream down my face. The good kind of tears. The best kind, in fact. The kind that are triggered by love and connection and friendship. I was floored. It was a gorgeous depiction of the mountains symbolized in my essay, “Moutain Climbing for Beginners,” about my journey with my husband, Ken, from his cancer diagnosis in late 2009 to his death in 2011.

It was extra special because Susan knew Ken. Though she and I worked together when we lived in LA, Ken didn’t meet her until we moved back to Chicago. And he met her in an unlikely place–something that was also “very Ken.” Susan’s mother had passed away, and I’d burned all my vacation time on the prep and move back to Chicago. I felt terrible I couldn’t make it to the service to show her my support and give her my condolences and a hug.

“I’ll go for you,” Ken said to me. And, that he did. He’d never met her until he introduced himself to her at the service to tell her we were both thinking of her, but he knew what she’d come to mean to me. I know she was appreciative, and I was grateful, and it was just the kind of person he was. And, it really is the kind of person Susan is, as well.

She created the centerpieces for Ken’s soiree. They were beautiful, and I was so thankful for her seeing to that kind of detail, ensuring the day would be beautiful–which it most definitely was. Susan was my boss when Ken’s cancer returned. Her warmth and caring were unflinching as she helped me navigate work challenges to ensure I had the time I needed to care for Ken. She has been a cheerleader and spirit animal for me since pretty much the moment I met her in the Accenture lobby. Our friendship has spanned years, as well as the breadth of the country.

I haven’t worked with her or seen her for quite some time, but our brief text exchange when I excitedly shared my essay with her resulted in something just as beautiful as our friendship. I’m so grateful for both, and for the years of friendship we’ve shared…with more to come!

Every single human being is bound together by grief and loss. It’s something we have in common, and it’s something we can’t escape. It should be communal and shared. If you’re lucky enough to have a “Susan” in your life, give her a hug and tell her how grateful you are to have her in your life. I certainly am grateful to have my Susan–as well as the other amazing friends and family who have shared my journey with me.