A Mother’s Way Forward: Gavin’s Treasures

“You never move on. It’s just going to be different.” Tova Keblish

This was not an easy column for me to write.

I met Tova Keblish on Sunday, inside her shop, Gavin’s Treasures, on Main Street in Center Moriches. From the moment I walked through the door, I felt it. This was not just a gift shop. It was a sanctuary. A place filled with warmth, intention, and love. And behind every beautiful item was a mother’s story I knew would stay with me long after I left.

Writing this column was hard for me. But it felt important—because supporting Gavin’s Treasures means supporting Tova. And supporting Tova means honoring a son whose light continues to shine through everything she has built.

Tova was born and raised in Sayville and now calls Eastport home. She studied Social Sciences at Farmingdale State College, never imagining that her life would one day be reshaped by unimaginable loss.

Her son, Gavin, was her only child.

Gavin graduated from University at Albany in 2014 and went on to work as a counselor at Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York, a nonprofit serving children, youth, and families across New York City and Long Island since 1929. It was a role perfectly suited to who he was. Gavin listened—truly listened. He noticed people who were alone and made sure they felt seen, welcomed, and included.

Living with ADHD from a young age, Gavin found focus and freedom through motocross, beginning around age five. His racing number was 65, a number still remembered by those who loved him.

Six years ago, Gavin was invited to a friend’s birthday party in Montauk. Someone offered him a Vicodin for pain from a serious prior injury. He didn’t know the pill was laced with fentanyl. He trusted someone. Eight days before his 24th birthday, Gavin died.

In the aftermath, Tova was in shock. She left her job. She couldn’t function.

“I needed a beautiful distraction in a positive environment,” she said.

That need became her direction.

In 2018, after studying business at BOCES, Tova opened Gavin’s Treasures at 333 Main Street in Center Moriches. She describes the shop as inspirational, spiritual, and memorial—with a little bit of fun and beauty mixed in. The merchandise is unique and locally sourced: crystal bracelets (the shop’s biggest seller), crystals chosen for their energies, locally made candles, oils, and thoughtfully curated handmade items. The store hosts tarot card reader events, sound healing therapy classes, crystal-charging workshops, oil spray classes, and even visits from Santa during the holidays.

“It started with the loss of my son,” Tova shared. “When one finds themselves lost, they need to find a direction. This has become my direction.”

Just as meaningful as the shop is Gavin’s Bench, located at the corner of East Moriches Boulevard and Seatuck Avenue in East Moriches. The landscaped memorial features a purple bench—purple symbolizing lives lost to accidental overdose—a large stone, trees, plants, lighting, and a memorial plaque that reads:

“Gavin’s Bench is dedicated to everyone who would like to talk to a loved one either here or there. Gavin listened to many—the world is missing a larger-than-life person.”

When I asked what she feels Gavin is saying to her now, her answer came without hesitation:

“You got this, Mom!”

This column was tough to write—but it mattered. Because Gavin’s Treasures is more than a store. It’s a living tribute. A place where grief has been transformed into beauty, purpose, and connection. And a reminder that love doesn’t end—it simply finds a new way to speak.

To learn more, visit www.gavinstreasures.com, stop into the shop, or follow Gavin’s Treasures on Facebook and Instagram for events and updates.

And if you ever find yourself at the purple bench in East Moriches—sit. You are welcome there.

(Side note: The person who illegally sold the pills received a life sentence in prison.)