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:

1. We are stronger than we think we are

2. It's never too late to start over and create a beautiful new life for yourself

3. Appreciate everything - sunsets, cats, the ocean, the little and the big things

4. Love can find you when you least expect it and make you feel like a “schoolgirl” again

5. Never forget to let your family and friends know how much you love them

6. Life is too short to whine and complain, so why not be positive most of the time

7. When you do hurt, it's okay to talk and cry openly

8. Never stop learning new things

9. Follow your dreams - write a book!

10. 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.

Natalie is the one in the cheerful dress! This is from an even where our writing group met up.

This picture tells you so much about Natalie, she was FUN!

Love you, Natalie, you will be missed!