I had the great privilege of being invited to a soul(full) 21st birthday party yesterday for the child of a friend who had passed on after a mere day of life. Her mom, an amazing woman, has always celebrated her daughter’s short life on her birthday and several other times of the year. Yesterday would have been her 21st birthday. It was the 21st anniversary of the worst day of her parents life turned into a joyful celebration. It was a remembrance that I believe any soul would be touched by. We drank mimosas, we hugged, we talked, we cried, we laughed (often) we ate  (a lot) and her beautiful mom and dad had a chance to feel joy and sorrow over the passing of this milestone.

Each day we are gifted with the opportunity to take what life deals us and make the most of it. Sometimes and some days we wallow in the misery, but every now and then life hands you a chance to celebrate. The fact that this child lived on earth for mere hours doesn’t matter. She touched her mom and dad, and as a result, many others  so deeply in that short time, that her memory is truly eternal. Out of terrible mind numbing loss has come great gain for those closest to the family. We have gained a new view on life and death, a new understanding that people don’t really pass away they simply change forms, and an ability to tap into the deep well of joy in each of us; regardless the hand we’ve been dealt.

This lovely couple  raised two beautiful daughters – both of whom remind me often of what their sister would have become and with giggling eyes teach us all that life truly does go on. We will never understand why her life was cut so short, why her parents were asked to feel such pain, but that doesn’t quite matter today. What does matter is the fact that this gorgeous soul came and made a great mark on those who loved her and passed the love along. Her short life has touched many that are stronger today for her short existence. I could feel her soul wrapped around each of us yesterday. I felt her in the sunshine on my face, the whispers in the wind, the tears on her mom’s cheeks and the joy of simply being together to celebrate this occasion.

I raised my glass yesterday to a dear soul who still converses with her mom in subtle ways. Today, I raise my glass to my dear friends who have taught me how to live and love in a whole new way.

Happy Birthday dear girl. Your life made a difference.