On Friday night I received news that a friend of mine who has been battling cancer was in the hospital. The word hospice came up in conversation and my heart dropped. That night I scrambled to get as much information out of our two mutual friends as possible. An actual game of telephone. I know you have been there, you don't have all the information and you can't get it from the source. You feel scared, confused, sad, angry, insert other emotion here. I have known this person over 30 years.
The next morning I woke up knowing I would drive to Orlando to see her after my journaling meet up in the morning. I have been doing this for a long time and during the summer months it is hard to get anyone who wants to brave the heat, bugs, and a blank journal page, but one brave soul came out We hiked and found spots along the way. He gave me great ideas and we had an absolutely wonderful conversation. Being out in nature with like minded people nature journaling is all I have ever wanted this endeavor to be about. To slow down, connect better to nature, meet new people and just savor, well being alive really. It filled me with such gratitude and certain type of peace that had me ready for the rest of the day ahead of me.
It may sound trite but it is true. Because he does not know I am writing this I won't use his name. but he really made my morning a lot better. I made sure to tell him such before we parted ways. I have met so many wonderful people doing this and I am so grateful. There is another gentleman who has been a huge supporter and a woman who is also a huge supporter, helped me at an art fair and brings supplies for my kiddo whenever I see her. You all make me grateful I started this endeavor and I hope to grow our tribe.
