Following the North Star
Today my heart is heavy.
A dear friend passed away this morning. While some would call her a friend, she was family. Our daughters grew up together. We traveled together, celebrated milestones together, and shared dreams for the future. She was more than someone I knew, we have been woven into the fabric one another lives.
As I process this loss, I find myself reflecting on what I call the North Star.
The North Star does not remove the storm. It does not eliminate uncertainty, grief, frustration, or hardship. What it does provide is direction. It reminds us of where we are headed when emotions, circumstances, and challenges attempt to pull us off course.
Today I am reminded that two things can be true.
I can grieve the loss of someone I love.
And I can remain grateful for the gift of having known her.
I can feel the weight of responsibilities, projects, deadlines, and obligations.
And I can remain focused on what matters most.
I can acknowledge the cost of gathering with family.
And still be thankful for the opportunity have family to gather with.
As I prepare for an upcoming family reunion, complete books that have been years in the making, and reflect on the blessing of family, I am reminded that getting things accomplished matter, but people matter more.
My friend left us with a simple request. She did not want people to focus on a service remembering and celebrating her life. She instructed her family to live.
What a powerful legacy.
Live.
Love deeply.
Spend time with family.
Make the phone call.
Take the trip.
Pursue the dream.
Forgive.
Laugh.
Create memories.
Show up.
Be present.
Life is precious, and tomorrow is not promised.
Today, my North Star remains the same: faith, family, purpose, and legacy.
The grief is real.
The gratitude is real.
The loss is real.
The blessing is real.
Two things can be true.
As I honor my friend today and so many others, because grief has no expiration, I choose to remain rooted and grounded in what matters most. I choose to keep my eyes on the North Star.
And I choose to live.
In loving memory of a beautiful soul whose life reminds us all that the moments we share with one another are among life's greatest gifts.