07/30/2026
This week has been heavy. (Posted with permission🖤)
I've found myself reflecting more than usual. Thinking about how quickly life can change. How things we spend so much time worrying about suddenly don't seem to matter as much.
Someone I had the privilege of working alongside in public education- a friend, coworker, and a boss- experienced every parent’s worst nightmare. She lost her 22 year old son.
Her baby.
I had the privilege of getting to know her son, Aiden during his senior year of high school and continued to follow his successes after graduation and through my friendship with his mom, Eryn. Aiden was hard-working, respectful, kind, and determined. He had big dreams, and more importantly, he wasn't afraid to chase them. He was building a life he was proud of, and there was still so much more ahead of him.
Last night I walked through my flower patch to pick a bouquet for Eryn.
I've picked flowers for many different occasions, but I've never picked one that carried this much heartbreak.
As I walked around looking for the best blooms for my dear friend, I couldn't stop thinking about Eryn. I kept wishing there was something I could do or say to take an ounce of her pain away. No mother should ever have to say goodbye to her child, regardless of age. I found myself wishing there was something I could gather from my patch that would somehow lessen the weight she is carrying.
But there isn't. No bouquet is big enough. No words are enough. I only hope she knows that every flower was chosen with love, every stem was cut while praying for her and her family, and every bloom carried thought of both her and Aiden.
This week has reminded me that life is incredibly fragile. We get so caught up in the next thing, the to do lists, the deadlines, the housework, the stress- that we forget tomorrow is never promised.
Be present with the people you love.
Tell them you're proud of them.
Say “I love you” one more time.
Take the trip.
Make the memory.
And if you have a dream sitting in your heart, don't keep waiting for “the right time.” Chase it. Work for it. Live fully. Aiden did, and I hope that's a part of his legacy that continues to inspire those who knew him.
If you're the praying kind, I would greatly appreciate it if you lifted my friend Eryn and her family in prayer. Pray for peace that only God can provide, for strength to face each new day, and for the comfort of knowing they are surrounded by so many people who love them.
This week has reminded me that flowers are beautiful, but people are precious. Don't wait to love them well.🤍
