Happy Wednesday evening, friends.
I hope your week is going well. We’re already halfway through, and I’m wishing you a weekend filled with either good company or a little breathing room — whichever you need most.
As for me, I’ve got the Bingo Bash coming up with some of my girl tribe, and then a birthday party on Saturday for my friend’s little girl. I won’t stay long, but I’ll definitely stop by to wish her a happy 9th birthday.
Tonight’s post is going to be a short one. I just got home from spending the evening with a friend. We worked on quilts and shared a chocolate chip cookie in honor of her daughter’s birthday. The thing is… her daughter passed away two years ago next month. She would have been 46 today.
I was really glad I went. My friend is alone, and on days like this, sometimes you just need someone to sit with you so the evening doesn’t feel quite so heavy. I can’t imagine losing a child — no matter how old they are. It feels so out of order, like it goes against the way life is supposed to unfold. A parent shouldn’t have to bury their child.
Earlier today, I picked up a little butterfly for my friends garden. Butterflies always make me feel like my dad is near. When Bree passed away, I helped my friend sort through some of her daughter’s things, and on one of those days I told her that butterflies remind me of my dad. Not long after, two butterflies showed up in her garden. I told her I was sure my dad would make sure Bree was okay. So, the butterfly felt like the right thing to bring her today.
And tonight… my heart is full in that quiet, steady way.
Last night’s post seemed to land with so many of you, and your responses stayed with me all day. The YES’s, the “nice writing on this one,” the private messages, and even the scripture someone sent me about love — every bit of it reminded me why I share my story at all.
We’re all just trying to make sense of our lives, and somehow when we speak our truth out loud, it gives someone else permission to breathe a little deeper too. Your comments told me the words met you where you were… and your reflections met me right back.
Thank you for reading.
Thank you for showing up with your hearts open.
Thank you for walking this out with me — together, in real time, with honesty and grace.
Love Life++ Hugs,
Dawna — becoming, with a little more grace each day
Love Life with Dawna 