This week, I won’t be doing a live show because I’ll be in Columbus, Ohio, attending the funeral of my life-long best friend.
I was with Lisa the weekend before last and stayed at her home as I often did. When I left her around noon on Sunday, she was perfectly fine. She was off to a bridal shower, and I was headed to a different one. I flew back to Birmingham that evening.
Less than 48 hours later, on Tuesday morning, I received a call that she had passed away in her sleep. WHAT?!?!? It didn’t seem possible. Lisa was one of the healthiest people I knew—no medical issues, on no medications. The official cause of death was an apparent heart attack. Needless to say, my heart is shattered.
Lisa and I met when I was 10 years old, and our families have been intertwined for four generations. My grandmother even dated her grandfather in high school! We knew each other’s history like no one else—childhood, elementary/high school/college, careers, families, friends, boyfriends, marriages, divorces, the birth of children, the loss of loved ones, and countless adventures. You name it, we did it together.
This sudden loss has reminded me of one crucial lesson: cherish every moment with those you love. Don’t take anything for granted. If someone wants to spend time with you, talk to you, or make plans, say yes. Take the call. Plan the event.
Even amidst this heartbreak, blessings have surfaced. In the past year, though we lived far apart, Lisa and I saw each other every six to eight weeks. We even had three more events planned before year’s end. I’m grateful I was just with her, and that I had the chance to meet her newest grandbaby, nine-week-old Isla. And most importantly, I can communicate with Lisa’s spirit anytime I want.
That’s the key takeaway here: learn how to communicate with your loved ones in Heaven. Whether you choose one of my courses or someone else’s, just do it. Research shows that this spiritual connection is the most effective way to heal grief.
Please keep Lisa and her family in your prayers. And if you could, please say a prayer for me too.
Sending lots of love,
Julie
Sending love, hugs and prayers. What a special bond. If possible it would be fun to hear her adventures on the other side.
Much love 💕
Sending so much love to all of you. We had a very short friendship but I loved every minute. And even started coming to Fabulous Fridays.