Celebrating Whitny

In the 33 years that Whitny was alive she packed more experience, love and happiness in to her life and the lives of those around her, than many do in twice that time.

I'll be honest, I didn't know Whitny well.

I remember the first time I saw her.  It was at Peanut's Red Egg and Ginger Party.

I very discreetly whispered to B, "Hey who is the hottie over there with the 2 gorgeous boys?"

There was something about Whitny that drew people to her.  

She's gorgeous and her smile and laugh were contagious.

We chatted occasionally via Facebook.

I've kept up with her progress and updates and the journal entries her mom made regarding Whitny's treatment for gastric cancer.

Whitny traveled around the world, exploring and living in places like Morocco, India, France, Germany, Poland, Nepal, Cyprus and Australia.  

She was a young wife and mother and her boys are nothing short of incredible.

Later she managed working, nursing school and raising two boys as a single mom.

Doing not even a portion of that whilst running around like a chicken with my head cut off, I find that quite impressive.

A few years ago she met B's friend Bruce and they fell in love.

They married a few months after Whitny's diagnosis and watching the two of them, hearing their stories, well it's just pure love and beauty.

It doesn't seem fair that they had less than a year to be married, or that her boys had their mama for so little time, or that there are so many people in the world that won't have the opportunity to meet her.

I barely knew her and still Whitny inspires me.

Today family and friends gather in a park to celebrate her life.  

If you are in Sacramento you may spot the large gathering of people wearing bright colors.

You may hear the laughter and the sound of stories being shared.

In the afternoon look to the sky and watch the balloons float through the air as they are released by her children, her husband, her brother, her parents and all those who love and were inspired by Whitny.

Today I will release a balloon here in Orange County and I will think of all the things that Whitny would like for the rest of us.

I will remember to hold my baby and husband, to laugh and love and explore.

I will enjoy life, remember  what is important, be comfortable with myself and I will not fear what is in store for me.

What will you do today to honor and celebrate Whitny?