A Launch Toast, Maybe…
Only people who are capable of loving strongly can also suffer great sorrow, but this same necessity of loving serves to counteract their grief and heals them. — Leo Tolstoy
This, much like every other milestone I’ve encountered, is truly bittersweet. Arriving at something wonderful that’s rooted in trauma is a little difficult to fully celebrate.
If it wasn’t for my mother’s death, I wouldn’t be here.
And I like it here.
In fact, I love it here. Even today when I’m so tired I can’t stop crying for more than a few minutes at a time.
Because of this horrible disease, I have made life-long friends. I am more compassionate. I honed the ability to see beauty and joy in even the most mundane or frustrating parts of my life. I am a better listener. I am a more thoughtful parent and friend. I love more deeply than I ever thought possible.
I credit my mother with teaching me most of the fundamental things about community and civility and problem solving. I’ve brought all of those lessons to this endeavor, which was rewarding but also slow. It’s taken so long, in fact, that I’m starting to have hot flashes, but please let’s keep that between us.
Starting this business, building Brilliantly Warm, has taken more from me than I ever could have imagined and given me knowledge and resilience in return. This is also bittersweet.
15 years ago when my mother died, it was hard to imagine all the reasons I’d have for living. Seven years ago, when I was in bed recovering from my mastectomy, I knew I had to do something more meaningful with my life if I was ever going to let go of my pain.
It is in the love I’ve found for the women I seek to serve, for the people behind the scenes supporting me, and for myself that get me out of bed in the morning. While it’s yet to be seen if the business is a success, I believe that because of it, I am a success.
While I am by no means at the end of this effort, I am turning the page to a new chapter in my life and in this business. Thank you for bolstering me.
Here’s to you. Here’s to love.
Here’s to being warm again.
