Gardner and others

FAMILIES LINKED BY LOSS CHOOSE TO SPREAD KINDNESS

Information and image from WINK News A mother’s way of honoring her daughter is inspiring others who have been hit with loss. Paying it forward is helping two families who are linked by grief. According to “WINK News,” Dani Krater loved life and loved spreading joy to those around her. Tina Rubin is Dani’s mother. “She was one of those people that that was always saying, ‘I’m sorry,’ or ‘Thank you,’ or,” Rubin said. “You know, you never really heard her talk really negative about anyone. Always, you know, trying to help others.” Kindness ran through her veins, that is until COVID-19 took over her body. She died in November of 2020. Dani was only 30 years old. However, her family keeps Dani’s memory alive by spreading acts of kindness. Most recently, they did so on November 3, which marked one year since Dani’s death.

One of those acts of kindness reached Cara Teehee in North Port at work. “There was a picture of a girl, and it said, ‘A love that touches others lasts forever. Please accept this act of kindness to honor our beloved daughter and niece, Dani Kater,’” Teehee said. She also knows what the pain of losing a loved one suddenly can feel like. Her brother, Alex, was murdered in 2008, and her family spreads kindness in his honor. “People lose loved ones every day. And you just never know what that person that crosses your path is going through,” Teehee said. “I think it made the day easier for me. Um, you know, knowing that you’re doing something for someone else. I think that’s how I will get through,” said Rubin.

These two families are forever linked by loss. “I think she’s looking down. And that she knows that, you know, when you’re trying to keep her memory alive by doing these things,” Rubin said. Cara cannot accept gifts while on the job, so she spreads kindness further by passing it along to someone else. Dani’s family hopes to continue the trend in Southwest Florida and across the U.S.

LOCAL DINING GUIDE FOR THE SOUTHWEST REGION

With as much cooking that many of us have done (and will do) this holiday season, there’s no shame in dining out for a few meals this month. Below are a few area restaurants that are sure to become your new local favorite.

Laishley Crab House - 150 Laishley Court, Punta Gorda

This riverfront restaurant offers fresh seafood and sushi dishes. Items include soups, salads and entrees such as Tuscan Shrimp Pasta, seafood platters and sandwiches. See the full menu at laishleycrabhouse.com.

Perch 360 - 101 East Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda

This rooftop restaurant offers seasonal tapas plates with beer, wine and cocktails. Perch 360 offers both a breakfast and dinner menu. To see the full menu visit perch360.com.

Prime Serious Steak - 19665 Cochran Boulevard, Port Charlotte

This steakhouse is a local favorite for its use of dry aging for each of its steaks. The menu includes chicken, seafood, sandwiches, porkchops and seafood, as well. Visit primeserioussteak.com for more information.

Cuban Taste Restaurant - 3880 North Tamiami Trail # E, Port Charlotte

Cafeteria-style and no-frills, this Cuban eatery offers hearty and authentic tastes of the island. Menu offers depend on the day of the week, so be sure to plan accordingly. Find the menu and more by searching Cuban Taste Restaurant on Facebook.

Farmers Market Restaurant - 2736 Edison Avenue, Fort Myers

This restaurant is known for creating Southern comfort food staples using ingredients from the nearby Fort Myers farmers’ market. Items include farm fresh omelets, seafood and other sandwiches, and more hot dishes. Order online or see the full menu at farmersmarketrestaurant.com.