YOLO

I've been reminded of learned a lot in the last 24 hours from a beautiful, petite Chamorran woman who's laughter and spirit could make your heart soar.  We aren't related and I didn't know her all my life, but MLW and her family helped to make Texas home for me.  Today we held her hand, thanked her for being an incredible light in our lives and said goodbye.

There are certain people that come into our lives for specific purposes; it's wild to think of this ride that we're all on and the people that hop on our paths.  A flutter of the thoughts over the last twenty four hours spin through my head as I now sit quietly while my baby sleeps and I say yet another prayer for a woman who meant so much to so many.

It really all comes down to love.
You Only Live Once.
Patience is a virtue.
Strength doesn't always come in muscle.
Everyone has their role, especially in times of struggle.
Faith is Power
Release comes in many forms
Blessed be the family that can hold on together
Support Dreams
Take Time. Make Time.
Talk. Don't Talk. Pray. Meditate.
Make Plans, even those plans that are hard to make


I had more on the list in my head as I drove back from Dallas thinking of this remarkable woman and how much she means to my family, but really it comes down to this:

Dear Mary Lou,
Thank you for welcoming us that cold December day in 1993 as we arrived in the Texas town that I could not yet call home. You raised children that I could immediately call friends, you took me under your wing and you almost instantly became my Mom's Best Friend. The warmth of your love and the sense of family that we were all able to share (not just at holidays) is something that we will all cherish forever.  Easter egg hunts became extra competitive with "golden eggs", every holiday meal included rice and games kept us laughing late into the night.  One of my favorite memories was a Christmas so many years ago where everyone was "home for the holidays" and you and my Mom were beyond excited.  It still makes me smile to think of the twinkle in your eyes that this blended family we'd created had come back together again!   Your faith and passion in your beliefs and your compassion for every human being is not a quality easily found; You are one of a kind.

I pray that Cameron loves me as much as your children love and cherish you.

I am forever grateful to you MLW.  You will be missed dearly.
All my love,
Nicole