.256 Mandarin Mathouchanh

It’s been years since Mandarin and I have spent time together in the same city, but even just speaking with him on the phone for this project brought me back to how calming and grounding his presence is. When we met, I was only in San Diego for a brief period of time and yet Mandarin quickly became someone I looked so forward to seeing. He’s kind, patient, incredibly smart, and deeply sweet.

Mandarin, thank you for always listening to my crazy stories and jokes and for always being so patient with me. Thank you for being so welcoming and inviting with both your personality and smile. Thank you for always treating people with such compassion and respect. Thank you for inviting me out in SD and for giving me such amazing and fun memories with some fabulous people. Thank you for that morning at Snooze and for your super bright mind and perspective. I’m truly grateful to have met you, to have experienced your humble and inspiring soul, and to call you a friend. Thank you for the kindness you put out in the world, and thank you for being you.

-BD