If you missed knowing Missy Shorey, you missed out on something very special.

Missy, who passed away at the ungodly young age of 47, was an American original.

We first crossed paths when we met at a long-ago Spring Conference held by the PRSA’s Counselors Academy.

It was clear from the get-go that, while we were in the same PR world, we were worlds apart in our respective POV’s on life. But we never let it stand in the way of our becoming fast friends who routinely shared the good, the bad and the ugly of agency ownership.

I last saw Missy when we shared the stage at the 2017 Counselors Academy Spring Conference.

Our topic was something along the lines of: “How to counsel your clients in the aftermath of a Trump Tweet attack.”

Needless to say, Missy offered a suggestion that I immediately took umbrage with and countered with the counsel that I’d recommend to clients. We sparred back-and-forth for what seemed like forever and agreed to disagree.

Immediately after the panel ended, Missy ran over to me, gave me a big hug and said, “Wasn’t that a blast! Let’s grab a drink.”

Classic Missy.

Unlike so many of us, she had the rare gift of not letting political differences get in the way of cherished personal and professional friendships.

I’ve had the fortune to meet several American originals in my life in PR. Dandy Stevenson, my late personal assistant of 15 years was one. Missy Shorey was another.

The great thing about American originals is that, while they may go the way of all flesh, their memories will live forever.

I will miss you so much, Missy. But I will never forget you.

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