This weekend was a whirlwind of emotions, from grief to joy, from reflection to celebration. Losing a friend unexpectedly serves as a stark reminder to reassess our own lives. Are we living to the fullest? Are we nurturing our dreams and relationships?
Here’s how it unfolded:
Saying Goodbye to a Friend
The weekend started on a somber note as I attended the memorial service of a dear friend. She had battled breast cancer for four and a half years, showing incredible strength and resilience. What struck me was how her family mentioned that she had given them four and a half years to say goodbye, knowing how difficult her passing would be for them. However, even when we expect it, the loss of a loved one is always unexpected in its finality.
Her transition happened suddenly in just a couple of weeks, catching everyone by surprise. As I sat there at her memorial service, I couldn’t help but be moved by the slideshow of pictures showcasing her vibrant life. She was a true go-getter who had purchased the California Women’s Conference from Maria Shriver in 2019. Her passion was to empower women to live their happiest and healthiest lives, ticking off items from their bucket lists.
Reflecting on Life
As I drove home from the service, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own life. How am I spending my time? What conversations am I engaged in? Who am I surrounding myself with? What are my unfulfilled dreams, and am I taking steps to achieve them? These questions swirled in my mind. Losing someone unexpectedly prompts us to pause and assess where we are in life.
I encourage you, too, to take a moment and consider these questions. Are you pouring words of strength, positivity, and ambition into your own life? When did it become okay to not live life to the fullest, to let fear and resistance hold you back?
A Sparkly Afternoon with Chloe
From the solemnity of the memorial service, I transitioned to a moment of pure joy in the afternoon. I took my two-year-old daughter, Chloe, to our very first mother-daughter event, “Cherish Minnie.” The event was a delightful mix of tutus and tennis, hosted at our church.
Chloe was beyond excited, wearing her first tutu, and I donned a long pink feathery skirt. We dressed up, sang worship songs, danced, painted, met princesses, and had snacks. It was an unforgettable experience, and what made it even more special was that it was just Chloe and me.
Usually, I spend one-on-one time with each of my children, but this was the first time Chloe and I were out in public without her older sibling, Phoenix. The experience was magical and reminded me of the importance of cherishing these moments with our loved ones.
Bringing Home a Piece of the Magic
Chloe was so captivated by the glittery pink carpet laid out at the event that they decided to give it to her. Now, as I write this, our front porch is adorned with a pink, glittery, and sparkly carpet that extends from our driveway to our front door. It’s a reminder that every day can be special, not just reserved for special occasions.
Conclusion
So, dear readers, I encourage you to take a moment for reflection. Embrace the sparkly moments in life, and don’t wait for special occasions to create memories. Every day is an opportunity to live your best life, and I hope this weekend’s experiences inspire you to do just that.
As always, feel free to share your thoughts and reflections in the comments or on our forum. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.
Stay sparkly.
xx,
Kerry
