In memory of a very special woman in my life, my stepmother

On January 5, 2017, my beautiful stepmother passed away from a very long & courageous battle with cancer.

I’ve missed writing to you but life changed directions the past few weeks and I shifted my focus on time with family.  Prior to Christmas, the doctor said those unwanted words, “The cancer is growing, the chemo isn’t working and we are out of options.” She literally had been on every chemo possible for the past 9 years without any breaks.  Truly a remarkable, strong, and faithful woman of God that trusted Him with every high and every low.  She taught me strength and what it means to really live!  

Through the past few weeks leading up to her passing, as well as after, it’s interesting to identify what seems like 1,000 emotions you go through.  What an eye opener that going through this hardship and testing of my faith, I’ve had to really buckle down and put into practice all of the very principles I teach with Living Faith First!

I found myself really embracing emotions, slowing down, taking a break from “life” for a little bit.  A few times I tried to pick my routine back up such as going to coffee shops to start to put together a blog or work on my program content, only to find one place didn’t have wifi and the next time, I had left my laptop at home.  So I honored that maybe it’s not time yet and that’s perfectly okay.

If you follow me on social media, I’ve posted a few heartfelt posts about what a wonderful woman she was but also how she is forever in my heart.  Those were her last words to me that I’ll never forget.

So even though she is no longer here to be able to pick up the phone, hear her voice, laugh with her, or pick her brain, her integrity and strength will continue to form me in my walk in life.

Healing takes time and everyday you wonder how to pick up the pieces.  But let me share some of most important things I have learned through this….the key is to always, always, always be present in every moment of every day.  Don’t let people, moments, or memories slip away.  Always be open to who you can inspire & impact daily and also give love.  Life isnt about what we often think it is 🙂

xoxo