Ardath stands tall for community

Happy Friday! We’re going a little short today in honor of Ardath Prendergast.

It’s common to poke some fun at Ardath, the diminutive chamber vice president who is winding down after a brilliantly successful 16-year career.

Ardath stands about 4-foot-nothin’. But she’s the tallest person in the room based on her service to the community.

Ardath’s official title is vice president of government affairs and projects. In reality, everyone knows Ardath as the person who Gets Things Done.

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There are three kinds of people in this world. Those who don’t even try, those who say they try but leave the heavy lifting to someone else, and those like Ardath, who see opportunities where the rest of us see challenges.

Personally, I considered Ardath my chamber den mother. Particularly after leaving the Chronicle and venturing on my own, it was Ardath who kept me in the loop.

The Tallahassee trips are legendary Ardath success stories. You can’t imagine the complexity of pulling that off — dozens of Citrus County business leaders spreading out throughout the Capitol, meeting with various agency directors. Guess who puts all that together? Ardath.

I’m not the most organized person on the planet. I’ve often reached out to Ardath, days before some event that I’ve forgotten, begging for inclusion. Nearly every time, Ardath found me a seat.

(It wasn’t foolproof. I tried that last-minute plea for a Pillar Awards ticket only to learn from Ardath there was a waiting list. Can’t win every time.)

She’s also very kind. I’ve had some differences with various chamber folks in the last year, but Ardath always made me feel comfortable and appreciated.

Just wanted to say thanks, Ardath, for being a true Citrus County leader. You make us all look good.

— Not a day goes by (untrue) when someone doesn’t ask, “Hey Mike, when are we going to start seeing those Travels with Bunny blogs?”

Well, here’s the funny thing. We went out on a test run last week and immediately saw a problem. Taking notes while driving is generally frowned upon, and I knew I’d forget half of what I wanted to write, so I needed a recorder. I tried the phone but forget about that. Can’t record and Bluetooth music at the same time. 
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Our photo last Friday came from Duval Island in Floral City. I expect these drives to uncover all sorts of fun adventures. Bunny hasn’t objected yet.

— Today, incredibly, marks six months since Deb passed. In some respects, it’s getting better with time. Sometimes though, I just stop in my tracks when I realize she’s gone. My emotions reside just below the surface.

I understand now why the experts say everyone grieves on his or her own time. My relationship with Deb was intensely personal; so is the grief. I find myself staring off into the distance wondering what to do next. It still feels untethered.

I miss her presence so much.

That’s a wrap on the week. Have a great weekend, friends.

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