No More Sidelines

Jade has had such a deep impact on how I live my life.  She is always in my thoughts - first thing in the morning and lastly before I go to sleep.  She has become such an inspiration to me on how life is meant to be lived.  Looking back on Jade's life it became so apparent that Jade was incredibly present in her life and she was intentional about experiencing as much as she possibly could. 

I think that most people often get caught up in the rhythm of their lives and simply allow the current to take them.  But Jade took life by the reins and made the most out of every moment.  She brought joy and spirit to even the most mundane moments.  She turned hurdles into purely fun things that she managed to soar above with pure delight.  She radiated happiness, bliss, and made everyone feel seen. 

So, with all of the thoughts of Jade's life dancing in my head, still I've been deeply grieving.  But I felt that the best way to honor my beautiful niece was to live like she did.  I mean to really LIVE!  Have fun!  Do things that I wouldn't normally do--like sign up for a 5k Run. 

I don't even like to run, but I found myself signing up for a 5K and next thing I knew there were more and more friends and family of Jade who also signed up to join in on doing something fun just for the heck of it.  I knew the moment that I was signing up for that event, that Jade would have absolutely loved it.  And when race day came, I couldn't have been more excited to enter that race and walk/run it in her honor and with her joyful spirit. 

The other change that I've been making is saying "yes" more often when there's an opportunity to do something.  I'm done living life on the sidelines.  Living Like Jade is the best feeling in the world.  So I hope you say "YES" more too.  Enjoy the precious life that you've been given and do it for Jadey. 

—Aunt Mimi