Happy Friday evening everyone,
How are you all doing on this fabulous Friday? It’s been a while since I posted here on Love Life, but I think of you all the time. Whenever I write here, I feel like I’m home. Sure, I love my other platforms, and I’m thoroughly enjoying building my other sites, but Love Life… this is my true home. This is where it all began. Our journey together.
A lot has been going on in life, but first, how are you doing? I’d love to hear from you, so shoot me a text or drop me a comment and let’s catch up.
I’ve been working super hard on starting up my business, Eternal Echoes, but now it’s time to make a few adjustments. It’s time to set some concrete boundaries and, more importantly, stick to a real schedule. I’ve decided to embrace the fact that time management isn’t my strongest skill. I figure if I acknowledge what I don’t do well… accept it… then I can begin to change it.
I have my calendar on my desk and some really cool to‑do lists on my wall so I can visually see what I’ve committed to. I set up my desk in the one place I swore I wouldn’t put a desk, our bedroom, but for now, it works. Downsizing meant John got a room for his office so he can have the quiet. The other room is Grant’s, and the loft is too open, so I was getting distracted. One day I brought one of my desks into our room, tucked it into a corner, added both my monitors, and suddenly it became a cozy little space. I’m settling in nicely and enjoying every moment.
I bought two signs for this new adventure of owning a business and needing time to “work” it. Now that I’m posting over on YouTube (Dawna – YouTube), I can’t have John walking in during recording. I need quiet. So, I bought a sign for the bottom of our staircase that says, “Recording in session, do not disturb.” And when I’m writing, I have a door sign that says, “Working, please don’t disturb.” So far, both are working, for the most part.
It’s funny… when I started Eternal Echoes, I thought I could dive head‑first and launch big because there is not only a need, but a want, especially for older folks or those battling life‑altering or life‑threatening issues. People want to be heard. They want their stories preserved for their loved ones and I love to not only listen but write them.
Have you ever sat with an elderly person? At some point, they take you down their memory lane. Their past is important. The stories people of age have to tell, or the wishes and dreams of those fighting for their life… they deserve to be shared.
One of my greatest blessings is when someone chooses me to listen to their story. It’s not always easy. It’s not always glamorous. But it is a blessing. For some older ones, it takes patience to keep them on topic. Their memories take over and they can lead me on many wonderful journeys. That’s the hardest part about writing for people, limiting the time we spend on stories. Don’t get me wrong, I could spend a lifetime listening, but that’s not how a business works. So, I help them choose the story that is their absolute must‑have, the one they want to leave behind as their legacy.
I haven’t yet had the opportunity to work with someone younger and nearing end of life. I’m not sure who God will entrust me with first, but whoever it is, I hope I can capture the wishes and dreams they want to leave behind for their child, children, partner, or loved ones. I think right now, God is molding and preparing me for what I’m sure will be my most precious letter.
I started Eternal Echoes because of my Aunt Billie. She trusted me with her story. She trusted me with her most important moments, and I only hope I captured them in a way that made her proud. She never got to hear the words she shared with me read back to her. She wanted that moment with her daughter. What she didn’t realize was that asking her only child to read her memoir meant Sherie would have to face the truth that her mom’s time was near.
Oh, she knew… Aunt Billie was 100 years young when I handed her the completed copy, but when the one person left on this earth who truly loved you from the inside out is being asked to read your life story… that’s an ask most can’t do. Sherie couldn’t bring herself to read her mom’s legacy until days after she was gone.
I was told this kind of work wouldn’t be easy. I was told that writing legacy stories, memoirs, obituaries, even eulogies would weigh heavy on me. And it does, but not in the way I expected. Each story I’m blessed to hear is just that… a blessing. I love storytelling, and the best stories are the ones that were lived.
There are times I cry when writing someone’s story, not because it’s sad, but because it’s shared with such depth, such truth, such humanity, that it stirs emotions I can’t quite explain.
My friends, I love writing. And I hope to make a difference in someone’s life. I pray to bring comfort to the real storyteller… the one sharing it with me.
Well guys, that’s about all I have for tonight. I just wanted to stop by, say hi, and catch you up on my crazy life.
Until next time, don’t forget…
Love Life++ Hugs
With presence, purpose, and a heart learning to unfold,
Dawna‑Rae
may your heart return to itself again and again
P.S.
Every story matters, including yours. Don’t forget that.
Love Life with Dawna 