A big, haven’t-seen-you-in-a-while hug.

The kind of hug that lingered after the embrace was done.

That’s a Sally Goodrich hello.

After a long time battle with cancer, Sally Goodrich passed away Saturday, Dec. 18, in her Vermont home. She was a woman of fierce determination and immense grace. Through her mission to understand and heal with the people of Afghanistan following the death of her son, Peter, in the terror attacks of 9/11, a school was built in that country.

She spoke frankly with compassion and conviction about the people of Afghanistan. She opened her home to Afghan students and when most women her age were planning their retirement, she became a mother of teenagers. Sally never stopped giving.

On the Axis of Good crew, we all have our Sally stories. For some it was the makeshift sandwiches she always offered – the ones made from various half-loaves of bread and meats. For others it was her “Hello my darling,” greeting always followed by a hug.

We will miss you.