I am the last original cashier at the Redmond Fred Meyer store, which opened in November 2002, and I’m moving to another location. I started working there two months before the store welcomed you folks in to shop. I am honored to have been instrumental in its birth, growth and development. But what I’m really honored by is the beautiful, warm reception I personally received from you dear Redmond shoppers — and your children — as I tried to serve you well as your cashier. I cannot fully express my gratitude for how warmly and lovingly you embraced this smalltown boy from Michigan.

I know that I touched some of your hearts, but you’ll never know how deeply you touched mine during my years there on the job. I did not know Redmond all that well before 2002, other than that it was there. I surely was not aware of the great number of beautiful souls who dwelt there. Thank you so much for revealing yourselves to me. I have wanted to bring just a little more happiness into your lives, just a little more lightness to your hearts, not just as customers, but mainly as person-to-person caring and sharing.

I’m not seeking praise here. If you saw a bit of good in me, it’s only because you have so much in your own heart. If you sensed genuineness in me, I give that credit to my very healthy upbringing in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and my first 37 years of life there. Back there, a child learns to live honestly, work hard and not to pretend to be “someone you ain’t,” because everyone knows you and your family anyway, so you “ain’t gettin’ away with it!”

If I had one bit of advice or encouragement I could leave with you, it would be this: As you go about your busy lives, you will encounter many strangers — most with downcast looks on their faces or stressed-out expressions. Please say a cheery “Hello!” and show them a truly warm smile, OK? Any city’s face will look even brighter if more of us could do that. Redmond folks do it better than I dreamed I’d find there. But I still have seen a need for more uplift of spirits.

Thank you again for the love, support and loyalty that many of you have shown me over the past 12 years. I will miss seeing and visiting with many of you.

Dave Ryynanen

Edmonds