The Magic of Connectors: Kindness That Brings People Together
We’re back in Tucson, soaking up the sunshine and enjoying our stay at one of our favorite 55+ resorts. There’s something comforting about returning to a familiar place — a spot that instantly brings back memories of our first visit last March. That trip taught me just how powerful first impressions can be, especially when kindness is at the heart of them. From the start, this resort impressed us with its endless activities and the friendly faces who waved as they strolled or cruised by. But beyond the amenities and smiles, there’s something even more special here — a community of connectors. People who make it easy to feel welcomed, included, and part of something bigger than yourself.
There are people in life who have a knack for greeting newcomers, listening and learning about them, then connecting them to others. They have the gift of helping everyone feel seen and welcome easily creating an atmosphere of belonging. We have met a few such people on our journey but none more than at Voyager Resort in Tucson, Arizona. Let me introduce you to Lori and Mark. They are two people with whom we had two separate, memorable interactions last March, yet helped us feel the same way- welcomed and wanted.
James and I ventured to the pickleball court early one morning (for reference, we consider 8:30 a.m. to be early.) I was apprehensive because I had played pickleball only once and I struggle with learning in front of an audience. Lori was one of the first people to greet us. All 5 ft 2 inches of her. She recognized that we were new (the dazed looks on our faces probably gave it away) and asked about our experience. After finding out that we were beginners she happily said that I was going to play on her team. She found two others to play as well making sure they knew I was new and to help me learn. The next two hours flew by. Lori gently coached me, introduced me to more people than I could remember, made sure I was on teams with others who would be helpful, and checked in at the end of the day. “Did you like it? You liked it, I can see by your smile.” She was right. I did like it. She sent us off with a “see you earlier tomorrow!” as we limped away in search of Advil.
The experience with Pickleball could have been so much different if Lori hadn’t taken us under her wing. She took ownership of our experience doing everything in her power to make sure we came back day after day- which we did. One day she was explaining the differences in paddles. Then she handed me her very expensive one and said, “try this.” I fell in love… unfortunately! She told me to play with it the rest of the day so I could feel the difference from a beginner paddle to a more advanced one all the while using my cheapy. Funny thing was, she played really well with my paddle too!
Lori created an environment of belonging for us. Each day we were greeted with the same warm smile, jubilant welcome and offer to help if we needed anything. Later in the week we played with others who leaned more toward competing than teaching. We rewarded them with an easy win and a short game. If they were the ones we encountered the first day I know I wouldn’t have returned. When we mentioned that we loved the resort, Lori gave us her number and encouraged us to come up and visit her and her husband and look around her house in case we were interested in purchasing something at the park in the future. Lori is not only an ambassador of the game, she is an ambassador of human kindness. We’ve come back to the resort a couple of times since then, and each visit reminds us of the kindness we received that first time. Now, we make it a point to welcome new arrivals just like she welcomed us — passing along that same warmth and connection that made us feel so at home.
Mark was at the pickleball court our first day as well. His wide brimmed hat and wider smile encouraged us in several games. I knew that he could crush me with his skill yet he chose to slow down the game so I could learn. We found out that we lived very close in the park so he invited us to join happy hour with “the gang.” Mark stopped over at our rig to make sure we knew we were welcome and to show us the way. Happy hour was a fun event where Mark introduced us to many more people, all interested in us and wanting to make sure we were having a good time at the resort. Our interactions with Mark showed us that connectors are interested in people (rather than working hard to be interesting), going out of their way to make others feel welcome as well as helping those they meet feel a sense of belonging. Mark is this kind of connector and an ambassador of comradery.
Through our travels, we’ve discovered that kind people are everywhere. But connectors — they take kindness to a whole new level. They’re the ones who pause, engage, and bring people together in meaningful ways. From guiding the experience on the pickleball court to a wave and campfire invite at the campsite or a smile and inside scoop on the trail, they find opportunities to help others feel welcomed and part of something special. Our first experience with Lori and Mark, and the overall culture of kindness at this resort, are what keep drawing us back. It’s a beautiful reminder that connection is contagious. I bet you have had an experience with an amazing connector or you yourself are one. Please share your story below!
