Celebrating Life

Yesterday I attended  a gathering of friends, family, former coworkers and former students celebrating the life of a woman , who in one way or another had touched all their, or should I say our, lives.  
I knew Valerie for just about 2 years, not long enough.   I was always impressed by how she didn't let age or health stop her from living a remarkable, full life.  She was up for anything.  She had the greatest stories to tell and told them so well, and I loved to listen to her recall something funny.  She was a tiny woman with a big presence.  She loved to wear (and buy) anything red.   
  The last time  I saw her, Shawn, Bill, Valerie and I went to the movies to see "Florence Foster Jenkins".   Shawn had brought along a CD of FFJ and we played it in the car on the way to the theater....we laughed the whole way.  We laughed along in the movie and after,  we ate Fried Chicken and a splash or two of Southern Comfort.  The simplest of days, but a memory I'll have forever. 
​I learned a few things from Valerie's example.  First, be up for anything.  Don't let opportunities go by, enjoy life.  Secondly, in life and in her passing I am reminded once again of the amazing gift we all have in the friends who become our family.  And although there are many other things I can take away, the most important lesson?..... there's always room for something red. 
​XO Valerie, we'll miss you.

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