Eight years ago today my cousin Madeleine passed away from cancer. She was in her early 30s and a mom of two small children. It was a tragedy.At the time I was also a mom of two in my early 30s.
Her death hit me like a ton of bricks. I had a good job but a long commute. I left my house in a rush around 7:30am every morning and got home in time to kiss my babies good night.
Maddy's death made me look at my life more clearly.
It could be me and I didn't want to be so absent from my children's lives.
So, I decided to make a change. Within a year of Maddy's death I had quit my job and began my journey as an entrepreneur. Little did I know at the time that UrbanMoms.ca would lead me into the amazing world of what is now known as "social media" and down a path I could never have even imagined. It was the path of inspiring women, creativity, and community.
Madeleine's death was a tragedy. We all miss her laughter and light-hearted spirit. Man that girl could make me laugh!
What I learned from her death is that life is not linear. Anything can happen. But more importantly, you can change its direction too. And often, when you do, amazing things can happen.
Today I mourn the loss of a wonderful woman, a beloved family member and a fellow mother but I also give thanks to her for the turn my life took and the lifetime of perspective she allowed me.
To read The UrbanMoms Story click here: http://www.urbanmoms.ca/story.html
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"It could be me" is the most powerful statement I know.
Jen, I feel like I know Maddy through you and Erin and all the goodness UM has brought me. You made something good and strong and beautiful out of her death. She is right by your side at your desk as you work hard to bring community to so many. xoxoxo
What a wonderful and lucky thing it is, to be shaken to the core by something - sometimes it's the very thing that indeed, sways us from the line we thought we needed to walk. And just look at what's come of it? Kudos, Jen.
And I'm sorry for your loss... for yours and for Erin's, and for your whole family who must miss this special woman every single day. Always and still. xox
you can miss her so hard every day yet you can still bring her into your life everyday with joy and happiness, too. i'm so sorry you all had to lose her...warm thoughts and many hugs to all of you.
thinking of you guys today Jen. x
Maddy's death spread a message of "it could be me...or you..or any of us" to an entire community. I'm thinking of you, your sisters, Erin, Maddy's kids and your entire family today. Sharing her story has made such an impact on so many.
What a wonderful story and tribute to I'm sure a wonderful lady.
I too have felt the tragic loss of my SIL to cancer. She was 41 left behind 3 children, my brother and a whole host of family and friends so bitter to lose someone so young and vibrant.
CANCER SUCKS!
Great post and tribute to Madeleine, Jen. I've been thinking lots lately about the wonderful family members lost in recent years - especially Maddy and how it changed us all so fundamentally. I don't know how to put it into words, just...so sad.