"The world didn't stop the day you died. But mine did. The sun kept shining, and the clouds kept moving as I stood there in the wreckage of a life I knew would never be the same."

Today marks another birthday that James celebrated in heaven.

I've shared this story before, but it bears repeating because it captures a profound truth about grief that sticks with me every day.

After James passed, as my parents and I walked out of the hospital into what felt like a new world, the contrast between life and death struck me. The hospital was bustling, a stark contrast to our quiet devastation. While waiting for the elevators, a family with a newborn passed by, oblivious to our sorrow. Looking at that baby—so full of potential at the start of their journey—I was painfully reminded of the cruel, beautiful cycle of life.

I used to joke that the first 14 years of marriage were the hardest—that's how long I was married before I lost James. Marriage requires constant nurturing, as does navigating life after your partner has gone.

Widowhood is like being thrust into an alternate reality where the one person you counted on to help you face life's challenges is forever gone. I've faced tears, anger, and sadness, but amidst that, I've also experienced moments of profound beauty and growth.

This "new" life of mine isn't bad; it's just radically different from the one I envisioned. Living through widowhood is a masterclass in rediscovery, a daily exercise in piecing together a new normal.

To everyone bearing the weight of grief, remember, you are not alone. We tread this path together, step by step, navigating through the chaos and beauty life offers, transformed but undeterred.

Listening to the audiobook "From Here to the Great Unknown," I anticipated a journey through the glamorous yet tumultuous lives of one of music's most iconic families. I didn't expect the profound resonance I found with my own experiences—realizing that grief and life itself, in their deep and unyielding grasp, recognize no boundaries of fame or fortune. The emotional impact of this realization was deeply moving.

Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough beautifully weave a narrative that lays bare the universal nature of human emotions and relational challenges. Their experiences, particularly Lisa Marie's recounting of her marriage to Michael Jackson, are not just celebrity stories but reflections of the human condition. This relatability made me feel understood, as I've experienced similar emotional distancing and adopted similar behaviors in my relationships. It's a stark reminder of how relationships shape us.

Lisa Marie's dreams of her late father, Elvis, also struck a chord with me. She dreamt of trying to warn him about his death, mirroring dreams I've had of my late husband, James, where he hadn't really passed away. These dreams capture the book's essence, illustrating how the specter of loss lingers and shapes every aspect of our lives thereafter.

Enriched by Julia Roberts' compelling delivery of Lisa Marie's words, Riley Keough's narration added a profound layer of authenticity and emotion. Riley's eloquence and clarity in sharing her and her mother's stories allowed the emotions to resonate deeply with the listener.

"From Here to the Great Unknown" is more than a memoir; it is a testament to the shared experience of grief that transcends the divide between the public and the private, the ordinary and the extraordinary. It reminded me that behind the veneer of celebrity, the heartaches are as accurate and profound as they are for any of us. This book is a must-read for anyone who has felt the shadow of a loved one's absence, offering reassurance that we are not alone in our journeys through mourning and memory. It's a connection we all share.

Buy the book here.

 Hey there, Besties! 🌟

In this grand, unpredictable journey we lovingly call life, we're bound to encounter a myriad of lessons, some tougher than others. Today, I want to chat about a universal truth that's as undeniable as it is challenging: You will be mishandled.

It's a peculiar facet of human interaction, isn't it? People, in their complex simplicity, will mishandle us. Sometimes, it's because they haven't walked a mile in our shoes or even glanced at the path we've tread. They see us through a lens clouded by their perceptions, unaware of the stories etched in our hearts.

But here's where it gets even more intriguing. Some will know our stories, perhaps even better than their own, yet they choose to mishandle us. It's a paradox that can leave us bewildered, nursing our bruises in the quiet of our souls.

Before we jump to conclusions or let this dishearten us, let's take a moment to reflect. As personal as it may feel, this mishandling speaks volumes more about the person on the other end than it does about us. It's a reflection of their journey, their struggles, and the lessons they have yet to learn.

Why does this matter?

Understanding this helps us navigate these interactions with a bit more grace and a lot less hurt. It's not about excusing their behavior but rather about protecting our peace and recognizing that their actions are not a measure of our worth.

This understanding is crucial in our 'Earth School,' where every experience is a lesson in disguise. It teaches us empathy, resilience, and the importance of setting boundaries. It reminds us that while we can't control how others treat us, we have the power to choose how we respond and who we allow to impact our journey.

Here's the takeaway, Besties:

Life's going to throw its curveballs, and people are going to mishandle us. But remember, we're in the cozy crafting corner of life, where every tool and material, no matter how odd it may seem, has a purpose. Let's use these experiences to grow, refine our ability to love and be loved, and shine even brighter.

As we continue to renovate our lives, let's remember to be kind to ourselves and others. After all, we're all works in progress; art pieces still needing to be finished. And in this beautiful mess, we find our strength and our light.

Until next time, keep shining, keep loving, and keep crafting your masterpiece. 🌍✨