1960’s

It’s 1991, and I’m working at a federal government agency in Toronto as part of my university co-op program. That’s when I meet a very sophisticated French co-worker, who introduces me to this song.

I will forever associate it with him. His demeanor, his actions, his taste in music all of it fascinated me. We shared a quiet bond over melodies, and the experience was quietly endearing.

Every time I hear The Girl from Ipanema now, I am transported back to those brief, elegant moments of connection music as memory, music as friendship, music as a kind of grace.