Today was supposed to be a day where I write a playful post
and announce the winner of my most recent giveaway.
But today...
...today is different now.
Today is the day I watch my best friend lay her mom to rest. Someone I've always considered my second mother ended her battle with cancer on Sunday.
While a huge part of me is engulfed with feelings of sadness for Julie and her family, I can't imagine how elated her mom is to be done with this life and to be starting an entirely new canvas in a place where sickness and cancer don't even exist. Can you even fathom a world without sickness?
Death is hard. Funerals downright suck. And knowing that life is about to drastically change because you've lost a family member will scare the shit out of you. It's not something I would ever wish upon my worst enemy. Ever.
BUT...
With a whopping 26 years of life experiences, I've come to
handle death much differently...
So to my sweet, sweet friend, Julie:
BUT...
With a whopping 26 years of life experiences, I've come to
handle death much differently...
So to my sweet, sweet friend, Julie:
Today is not easy. It will never be. It's okay to cry. It's okay to be sad, and you know what, it's okay to be pissed off at the world and ask "why me?"...but you know what? While we're all here mourning the loss of your mom, she's looking down over us all (with my dad, of course). She's happy and darn it, she's finally healthy so don't be sad. We're the lucky ones. I may be a tad bit bias but between you and I, we pretty much hit the guardian angel jackpot. Two angels to watch us every step of the way, to leave us "pennies from heaven" when we need them most and to bring a smile to our face when we bring up our fondest memories of them.
Ya...we're the lucky ones... :)
So if there is ever anything in this life I can teach you, I hope this is it: from the most incredible sweet tea to ever grace this earth to the countless times we laughed as she choked on "too much pepper"...momma Joni still has a lot of life to live...but that part is up to you. As long as you talk to and about her and carry on her legacy, she'll hang around for much, much longer. And that, my friend, is a promise. <3
Ya...we're the lucky ones... :)
So if there is ever anything in this life I can teach you, I hope this is it: from the most incredible sweet tea to ever grace this earth to the countless times we laughed as she choked on "too much pepper"...momma Joni still has a lot of life to live...but that part is up to you. As long as you talk to and about her and carry on her legacy, she'll hang around for much, much longer. And that, my friend, is a promise. <3
Hugs. So beautifully written. You are a good friend.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, You said all of that perfectly!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for both of your losses. It's amazing to see the strength and comfort you are giving your friend.
Truly inspiring!
My Prayers are with you and Julie, and your families through this tough time. As Jill said, this was so beautifully written, and you can feel the love you have for your friend. xoxo
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your friends loss. This is very well written and you are a great friend!
ReplyDeletestephanie that is the most genuine and beautiful message about death I have ever read. prayers sent you, julie and all those that loved her Mom!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry! My other mother passed away last week from her battle with cancer, as well. It's very hard and difficult to understand. My thoughts are with you and her family.
ReplyDeleteLifting you up today girl...so sorry for your loss
ReplyDeleteBEAUTIFUL post love. You are so right..she has so much more life to live and it's just the beginning of her amazing life in Heaven. Please give Julie a big hug for me and imagine me hugging your cute butt too. I LOVE YOU!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss. Cancer is a terrible terrible thing and my heart breaks for your friend. May you be a source of comfort for her and may you both feel encouraged with the thought that you will see her again in heaven! Take care!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. Prayers to y'all in this rough time.
ReplyDeleteSo incredibly sorry for her loss - sending prayers and hugs all of your way. <3
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet post. Thoughts and prayers to all of you - such a tough time.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a heartwarming post. I'm so sorry to hear about your friend's mother. I hate that as we get older it seems like these things happen more frequently. Prayers to you and your friend!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry Julie :(
ReplyDeleteThank you Steph, for being such a great friend for her right now.
Hugs and prayers with you both.
this was so beautifully written. you are a blessing to your dear friend.
ReplyDeleteJulie, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers above for you and your family that you may be able to gain strength during this difficult time.
Sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your friends and family.
ReplyDeleteLove you Steph, and I have julie in my thoughts today. Beautiful post, she is lucky to have you as a friend...
ReplyDeleteThose are such beautiful words of encouragement. Praying for Julie!
ReplyDeletelove you steph. Give julie and fam a hug from me and youre right.....theyre looking down on all you guys :-)
ReplyDeletethis was beautiful stephy! Hope everyone is okay and im praying for julie and fam <3
xoxoxo
Beautiful :). I love the "We're the lucky ones" part. That's how I feel when I think about my daddy in Heaven. I have someone up there looking out specifically for me. And it is definitely hard and it never goes away. But someone God finds a way to make it alright. My prayers will be going out for the family and for you!
ReplyDeleteSo beautifully written!! Hugs to your sweet friend and her family!
ReplyDeleteGushing tears. I really don't even know what to write in response to this post. I am so sorry for the loss of an amazing woman in your life. I can't imagine what your friend is going through right now. My truly heart breaks for her. I will keep you all in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for the loss! Julie is one lucky girl to not only have her mom and your dad watching you two but to also have a friend like you! The letter to her was sweet. I will be praying for both of you!
ReplyDeleteFrom someone who has lost her own mother, I know what a hard time it is..I'll say a prayer for Julie and her family today. sweet post and you're right..we have some sweet angels looking over us :)
ReplyDeleteThis post + PMS = hot mess express. Thoughts and prayers to you both today.
ReplyDeleteJulie, her family, and yours are in our thoughts and prayers today. I lost my dad not even two years ago, and it is insanely hard - but this post is beautiful & so true, Stephanie, and she's so lucky to have you as a dear friend. xoxo
ReplyDeleteOh no so sorry to hear about Julie's loss :( Sending much love to her family and you
ReplyDeleteso sorry to hear dear girl. prayers for julies family and you. xoxo
ReplyDeleteThis post has without a doubt brought tears to my eyes! I so so sorry for the loss! I know its hard & hurts, & that it always will but @ least now she is at ease & no longer feeling pain. I am thinking of your best friend, you & family members that had to attend the funeral & cope with a loss!
ReplyDeleteThinking about you and your friend :) Hugs! xoxo
ReplyDeleteSO sorry to hear about your friends mom. What you wrote is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteHow sad....but how beautifully written this post is.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you all, especially Julie! Sending lots of prayers her way!!!