I met Henry when we were eight or nine years old. Both of our families had places in Wintergreen, and our families became fast friends when a very young William introduced his dad to mine. Shortly after, Henry and I became fast friends. Henry has been on my mind a lot recently, and I decided to share one (of many) fond memories that I think encapsulates his generosity and spirit.
One summer night both of our families went to dinner at The Edge restaurant in Wintergreen. The Edge has a beautiful view of the mountains, and sits on one side of Dobie (a ski slope), while Henry’s condo sat on the other side. As we all shuffled into the restaurant and found our seats around the table, it took less than two minutes before I whined about how cold I was. “Corinne” my dad said, “I told you you were going to be cold! You should’ve brought a sweater like I said.” Without hesitation, Henry spoke up and kindly offered to go get me a sweatshirt. If my dad wasn’t already upset with me, he sure was now by the look of his disgruntled glare he shot at me. My dad told Henry it was such a nice gesture, but I would be just fine. Bashfully, I agreed with my dad, but Henry wouldn’t hear of it. He assured me it was no trouble at all, then got up from the table. A few moments after he left, I looked out of the restaurant’s window and saw Henry walking across the ski slope to his condo on the other side. After fifteen minutes or so he came back with a smile and a sweatshirt in hand.
When this happened, Henry was no older than ten years old. To this day it amazes me that a ten year old boy was willing to do such an obnoxious task with no sign of annoyance. Henry, even when he was young, was unlike anyone I had ever met. He radiated kindness and selflessness in a way unmatched to anyone I know. He was kind hearted then, and his kindness only grew with each passing year. Henry impacted my life in ways unexplainable, and I will forever be grateful to have known such an amazing person. Now, whenever I go to Wintergreen, I can’t help but to think of this time and countless other times I shared with my dear friend Henry.