Goodbye, Natalie
Today I learned of a friend’s passing. She died in her sleep, no warning to her loved ones. Natalie was healthy, happy and an inspiration to many. She was 57 (I believe) and had three children, a loving boyfriend and a precious cat, plus friends and family that adored her. I can’t believe she’s gone.
Natalie was a member of the writing group I meet with daily M - F. We’d met in person once and she was so fun to hang out with. Hearing of her death this morning felt like a gut punch followed by a heart ache.
What I learned from her life:
We are stronger than we think we are
It's never too late to start over and create a beautiful new life for yourself
Appreciate everything - sunsets, cats, the ocean, the little and the big things
Love can find you when you least expect it and make you feel like a “schoolgirl” again
Never forget to let your family and friends know how much you love them
Life is too short to whine and complain, so why not be positive most of the time
When you do hurt, it's okay to talk and cry openly
Never stop learning new things
Follow your dreams - write a book!
Sudden deaths are extremely difficult, sudden unexplained deaths are even worse
Natalie wrote a book called “Everyday Self Care and Your High Needs Child” It's full of excellent ideas for taking care of yourself whether or not you have a child with high needs.
I recommend it to everyone.
Speaking of books - I have a publication date: APRIL 6th! I am excited and nervous and still have lots of last-minute things to do. Thanks for being supportive of me during this adventure. I think Keven would be very pleased and proud of me - he wanted his story to be told and to hopefully stop someone else from taking a turn down the dark path of substance use.
Love you, Natalie, you will be missed!