A life well lived

Last Tuesday I got a call that my first cousin Tracie Holland had passed away. At age 39, the doctors said her "insides" were equivalent to a 78 year-old. She suffered from tuber schlerosis, epilepsy, and kidney failure. She'd been living with only 1/3 of a kidney for years, and when it failed last week, it triggered an epileptic seizure. Poor thing, she'd been bleeding profusely a week before that, and her body was just done. She died in her mothers' arms after a few minutes of a very weak pulse and her mother telling her to "go"... home to her beloved grandparents and to her fiance' Daniel, who'd died in a fatal car accident nearly a decade ago.

Unable to work the past five years due to her seizures, she chose to do family history all day long. She treated her siblings to movies, babysat their children, and gave friendship and kindness to all. She was a pure soul, a good example of priorities and enduring to the end.

On Sunday, my older sister Teri and I were asked to attend and assist with the dressing before the funeral on Monday. We both had never done this and had much trepidation. Boy, were we wrong. It was a beautiful, spiritual experience. The room was filled with peace and hope - for the Resurrection and for a reunion with Tracie. There was such respect towards her body, towards the human body as we all realized what a gift that is. I was blessed to attend.

The whole experience/ trip was valuable - so much reflection about life's priorities, loved ones, and the preciousness of every single day. I'm grateful to be alive. To be healthy. And to have the example of great ones who have gone before.

Returning to CO is always special because everywhere we go, people recognize us, know our parents, and our grandparents. Its such a warm, connected feeling. I grew up in AZ, disconnected from extended family, so to come here and feel linked to generations is significant.

My parents grew up here, the San Luis Valley in southern, central CO; a mere four hours north of Albuquerque and 4 hours south of Denver. Sanford - population 817 - is the same today as it was back then. Farming communities, cowboy hats, friendly waves and smiles. This NYC girl couldn't get over how friendly and spacious everything was (even though I've returned there and visited almost every year of my life)!

I flew to Denver, then drove down with my sister Teri's family. We spent 48 hours in the valley, then headed back last Monday night. I'm so glad I was ble to go! Death is tragic, but it prods spiritual exploration and growth, makes us grateful for life, and brings families together. Thank you Heavenly Father, for each day, for the Resurrection and for eternal families. Thank you Tracie, for a life well lived. You are a stellar example to us all.