Monday, April 14, 2014

Inspiration & Loss

I think God brings amazing people in our lives at critical moments because He knows we need a little help or encouragement, sometimes you don't recognize how special relationships are until life changes and you don't have them anymore. But what stays with you are lessons and memories that you have for the rest of your life.

The past few weeks have been difficult as my Grandpa passed away and it was also the 6 year anniversary of the passing of my high school mentor and basketball coach.

My grandfather, was thoughtful and kind, was also a huge encouragement to me, he lived a very full life and had many hilarious and interesting stories to tell from his 98 years of life. I know what a blessing it was to have him in my life for so long and I am so thankful for that.  Encouragement and interest from a grandparent is always so special and I'm so happy to have that for so long.

one of my favorite pics of us together




I was never super interested in sports until I discovered basketball in junior high, I wasn't very good starting out, but my wonderful Coach molded and encouraged us, and pushed us hard, because she saw potential in us, that I don't think we even saw in ourselves. Eventually after a couple of seasons we got better and everyone's strengths started to emerged and we became better because we relied on each other and worked as a team(we even made it to state). As we got older and graduated she still encouraged us, and believed in us as we began new chapters in our lives. I still struggle with her loss to this day, but I try to focus on the awesome memories I have and think about ways I can impact people and encourage people like she did.

her smile was always contagious


a yearbook page from my senior year



These two people that were so different, made such a huge impact in my life and while it is natural to be sad at their passing I know I will see them again.


I am reminded that we all have a purpose, God has blessed everyone with special gifts, things that you are good at, talents that you can use to help and encourage those around you. You will never know what a huge impact a little effort can make to encourage someone to help someone in some way that you are capable of because of your skill because of the talent God has blessed you with. As a terrible procrastinator, I am challenging myself to be more deliberate and make time to intentionally help & encourage others. I'm trying to remind myself to not put things off and do them later. Because whether you have 33 years or 98 they go by in the blink of eye, so make it count and try to encourage those around you.<3  

3 comments:

ALLIE NYC said...

Oh I am sorry for your loss, but I am so glad to see you honor your elders like this, very nice.

Allie of ALLIE NYC
allienyc.com

simply bev said...

I'm so sorry for your loss and very glad that you have such wonderful memories to hang onto. They'll always have a place in your heart!

Laila said...

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I recently lost two people very dear to me also and my thoughts have been swirling around a lot. I like what you say about trying to think of the things your coach did and impact people in the same people - it's such a great way to relive people's memories and feel close to them again xx

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