It arrived without fanfare, almost unnoticed, after all it’s not a day that I want to define me for life. Yet, there it was proven by the calendar, quiet and gentle, but here. I had no strategic plan or desired outcome. I would simply hold on gently and let the day and my heart guide me.
In the years since that first one, we have danced a dance of quiet respect. I nodded in passing as I pressed on with living and it reminded me that it would always be a part of my life. I never knew how I would feel so I learned to be gentle with myself either way. If tears threatened, I allowed them to fall and if I felt like dancing in the sunshine, well I did that too.
And now it has passed, another marker added to my history. I did not choose it but I own it as mine. The good and bad anniversaries standing as a monument that I am here living life in all its glory; pressing on toward the mark of my high calling. You announce yourself as day to remember loss but I choose to remember and celebrate life.
Posted via email from karenswim’s posterous
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July 20th, 2009 on 3:55 am
Hi Karen, thanks for sharing this private moment with us so quietly and respectfully. I’ve been thinking of you and missing you. Hope you’re okay.
Much love, Joanna
Joanna Young´s last blog ..Write Like a Black Belt: Guest Post by Lori Hoeck
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July 20th, 2009 on 7:40 am
Hi Karen, I can only repeat what Joanna said: I’ve been thinking of you and missing you, and I hope you are okay.
Hugs,
Ulla
Ulla Hennig´s last blog ..PollDaddy ratings and polls
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July 20th, 2009 on 8:47 am
Hi Joanna and Ulla! I miss you both too! It was a bit of a leap for me to share this but somehow it felt right and good to do so. thank you for sharing the moment with me. I am really doing good these days. I went through some challenges but was continually reminded that pressure creates diamonds. I’m not quite a sparkling jewel yet but getting there.
Karen xxoo
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July 20th, 2009 on 8:01 pm
Be strong (and I know you are) – you are not alone, and you are in our thoughts.
Brett Legree´s last blog ..the rocking chair.
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Karen Swim
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July 22nd, 2009 at 9:28 am
Brett, you are a good man and a good friend! I found such strength in your comment, thank you so much for being here.
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Brett Legree
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July 24th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
Thank you Karen – you, too, are such a great person and a wonderful friend. There was nowhere else I wanted to be, but here.
Brett Legree´s last blog ..the rocking chair.
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July 21st, 2009 on 10:37 am
Hi Karen,
hugs, big arms wrapping all the way around and holding on.
everything shapes us.
You are more of a diamond than you think my friend.
You sparkle.
We can see it.
We can see it, we can feel it and sometimes when friends hang out with you they come away sparkling a bit more themselves.
You ARE a diamond girl.
Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirations´s last blog ..Bird Brain Power
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Karen Swim
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July 22nd, 2009 at 9:29 am
Wendi darling, I felt my body unfold in response to your comment, as my heart lifted with joy. You are such a blessing and every encounter leaves me more convinced that you are a woman truly fulfilling her purpose in life. Thank you so much honey!
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July 21st, 2009 on 10:48 am
Wendi, what beautiful words, you’ve got me in tears!
I am one of those people who feels more sparkly when I’m near you Karen, and let me echo what Wendi said so beautifully: you are a diamond x
Joanna Young´s last blog ..Communicating Without Words
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Karen Swim
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July 22nd, 2009 at 9:30 am
Joanna, that Wendi is a treasure and has such a way of grabbing you with her words. Thank you Joanna for being such a good friend to me. I treasure you more than you know. xx
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July 21st, 2009 on 2:09 pm
Coming to this post belatedly, and I’m in awe of you once again. Many of us have our own anniversaries, and you are a shining example of how to handle them with grace and insight. Thanks for sharing, and know that the light you shine in the world is very bright indeed!
Kellye Crane´s last blog ..PR Consulting Questions? Let’s Share
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Karen Swim
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July 22nd, 2009 at 9:33 am
Kellye, whenever you come you’re right on time! This human experience is one that draws us together, eh. I remember your beautiful tribute to a friend. We’ve all lost but I count us pretty darn lucky to have had these wonderful people share a piece of our lives…and we then take their gifts and multiply by sharing them with others. Thanks Kellye for your friendship, insight and always sunny personality!
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