221 words

Twenty years ago, an obituary of just 221 words captured the life of a man whose death left behind his wife and four daughters. As I reflect on the past two decades without his gentle presence—without hearing his deep laugh, witnessing his generosity, and listening to his dreams—I find myself wondering:

What if the markers of success are not only highlighted in achievement, but in the hours we volunteer for those who experience our community within the margins, the intentionality of using our PTO, and the time we set aside for wellness appointments for ourselves and our loved ones?

I wonder if true success lies in being fully present with the people God has placed in our lives, in the moments we take to heal and nourish our souls, and in the way we keep showing up, even in our failures, to pursue kindness, integrity, love and humility.

We humans are so good at striving.

Famed poet Mary Oliver writes in The Summer Day, “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"

In celebration of my dad’s wild and precious life, I made space today to savor a strong cup of coffee I know he would have loved, spent my lunch hour in community, cried over a very timely song on the radio, enjoyed the sweetness of cupcakes, opened a bottle of Prosecco, and ended my day with the loves of my life – my three boys and husband.

Maybe the real markers of success are found in the experience of this moment, right now—the good, the stressful, the uncertainty of what’s next.

Drink it in if you can.

Drink it in.