Fearless. Fun. Forever Mine.

Jessica. One name with so much to offer. I believe two things to be true in life. The first one is that if there is one thing we’re good for, it’s our word. The second is that if there is one thing that follows us, it’s our name.

Now over half  my lifetime ago, she came into my world. She just walked right in. She didn’t knock on the door. She didn’t ask for permission to enter. She didn’t disrupt. I’ve attempted to remember the first time we spoke or how we came to be so close – that moment still escapes me. Perhaps because it was so seamless and knowing life without her in it would be a completely different life all together.

We all have these pivotal points that define us – she brings me many. Often, I start off my days with a few short words that are calling for my attention by the sound of my phone beeping. Ah! The sound of kindness. Who would possibly think of me first thing in the morning? And why? But she does. I see her take on life with all that she has to give and she does it so fearlessly. I have so much to learn. I wonder how one person can be so openhearted even when others have done her wrong. I wonder how one person can be so hopeful when there are no “real” signs to where she’s going. I wonder how one person can be so giving when there’s sometimes nothing left to give. And when everything changes, she never does. So bold! So robust!

I stand in her presence and feel her laughter shake all that is still. She finds ways to move a person and what they might have thought was solid ground. Who knew that freedom could be so easy? Who knew that so many tears came with laughter? And so quickly? Who knew I had such a thirst for joy? She’s contagious and her free spirited ways are unforgettable. Truly unforgettable!

The days keep on coming and she keeps on moving in strides of  loving and living. I really do have so much to learn. It’s been said that God loves you just the way you are, just not enough to let you stay that way. She shows me just that. You mean the world to me Jess, you always have!

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” ~ Leo Buscaglia