Su and Melissa ❤️

Today marks 27 years since my dear friend Su was tragically, violently taken from us. I have mourned her longer than she lived. A week before she died, I woke up from a dream of her that moved me to call her and profess all that was in my heart for her, everything that she meant to me. I told Su I would never have survived without the shelter of her. When I got the call a week later that she was missing, I knew so deeply that she was gone, that my dream was a direction I had followed.

I learned at the age of 23 that some people are part of you, mixed up in your roots and when they leave, there is a hole in you. I sat and thought about who else was there inside of me, making me who I am. I picked up my pen and wrote a letter to my friend Melissa to tell her how she was in my heart. Two years and four days ago, her dynamic light was taken from this world.

I’ve lost both of my parents, held their hands as they died, I’ve lost two of my most significant friends. And I count myself lucky to be here, fearing all that we are all fearing together now. I am here, so fortunate, with my children and husband. I take none of my blessings for granted.

The advice I gave my children before their father’s recent surgery was to not leave anything on the table. I try to follow this advice myself. I don’t always succeed.

Love to you ladies and to all those who love you.

Don’t leave anything on the table.