Rise to the Challenge

Yesterday I went to a funeral for someone I admired very much. She was an inspiration to all who knew her - warm, calming, vibrant.

The kind of person who glowed from within and made everyone feel special.

I miss her very much, as all of those who knew her do.

I was lucky enough to have a dear friend I had not seen in months join me, sit by me, as I felt my part of the grief. I knew I would know people there, but I reached out to Heather because I just didn't want to sit there and cry to myself - and because well, Heather.

And the fact our friend had died.

Debbie, our friend, was someone I had lost personal touch with since I didn't work downtown any longer.

We used to be part of an AOPi Alum lunch-bunch. I totally looked forward to those lunches because I met some pretty great women at them, most of all Debbie. I keep hearing her laugh, seeing her smile and recalling how she GUSHED over my Boo Boo La La when I brought her to our lunch over maternity leave. "Lisa - she is so BEAUTIFUL!  Look how everyone is captivated by her!" as we walked through the skyway.

Sure, I kept up on Facebook - but I had not seen her in a while so I was pretty shocked that the cancer she had found all those years ago had taken it's final toll on her bright spirit.

As I stood there listening to her nieces and nephews, brother, friends and the minister I felt her there.

I know she was there - with her Father.

She issued a challenge.

I felt it in my bones.