Is hanging outside my bathroom door and it’s the first thing I see when I open my eyes in the morning and the last thing I see at night. It’s my daily reminder to find the beauty. And that life is short. And sometimes cruel. But also beautiful.

This blue robe was my last birthday gift from Renee. It’s identical to her own that she said she wore when lounging around or cleaning house. It never fit but I didn’t have the heart to tell her. And I didn’t have the heart to tell her I don’t lounge, and I clean at a feverish pace involving some form of gymnastics that requires pants and tops and shoes. That was February – she was gone in June. Gone to the great beyond. Gone from her husband and sons. Gone before her time. Before we were ready. But she was ready – she did her very best to hang on. She assured me on our last visit “it’s okay, Katie.” Words I didn’t agree with but for once didn’t argue. I knew in my heart she was right. She was tired.

This blue robe is my reminder to be a better friend. To tell my friends I love them. To make them laugh and hand them Kleenex if they need to have a cry. To hold them up if they are unsteady on their feet and just be there. I’m the kind that needs a reminder. My ability to keep moving forward is fueled by my ability to put blinders on and only look at what’s in front of me. In front of me now. One blue robe. 💔