A friend died yesterday morning. My entire music community is mourning the loss. She was a most precious and kind soul to everyone she met in our community. She will be sorely missed. I have multiple pieces of her jewelry, that she made. I wrote a poem in honor and memory of her. She fought cancer for 3 years, but lived out her greatest desires in those years, she fought with such courage and strength, and with a smile on her face as she continued selling jewelry, and traveling out of state to see bands she loves. John Mayer and Bill Kreutzmann, of Dead and Company, gave her a shout out due to a show that had been canceled, that she had gone to great lengths to see. Her friends and our music community had donated funds so she could attend this show. She was interviewed by Rolling Stone magazine. She is an inspiration to me to live with courage and strength, most especially during times of the greatest adversity.... she was 50 or 51 years old. Her last words quoted were that she would see the band this summer at their final show, their final tour. Well, she didn't make it that far, but she did see the band in Mexico and filled some of her bucket list while still here. She is a model for how to thrive, despite adversity and sickness.

My poem for her:

Love is everywhere
Find yourself first
Love yourself
Be kind to yourself
Give yourself a big hug in times of trouble, you can make it through
Live your best life and fulfill your greatest desires and dreams, even in times of adversity and strife
Love others and do unto others as you would have done unto you
Be yourself at all times
Value your inner wisdom and it will always guide you
Find your strength and be courageous
Smile at the world and the world will smile back at you
Love prevails and never fails