I wrote my last blog post 2 months ago. It was a couple weeks before Christmas. I had expected the holidays to be a joyous time like they’ve always been for as long as I can remember. Unfortunately, it was the most difficult time of my life.

My father did not make it to see Christmas and losing him has been beyond difficult to accept. I was a true daddy’s girl, and my dad was ALWAYS there. I can’t think of any milestone he missed. My track meets as a kid, my birthdays, every event for my kids — he was there. I could literally call him same day to come to my house to watch my kids for me, and he would drop everything and come. I could count on him not just to show up, but I could count on his love. I expected my dad to live a long life well into his senior years. I always thought he would be here when my children went off to college. I thought we’d be together this summer enjoying some crabs, while he cracks jokes and I laugh hysterically. I assumed he would be here when my 50th and 60th birthdays would come around. My dad was only 58. I thought I would have so much more time with him. I have learned now more than ever that time simply is not promised.

I miss my dad so much, and the pain of losing him is not something I can describe. As I navigate life without him, I’m taking the many things I learned from him and the wonderful memories I have of him with me. While my dad’s time on Earth was not as long as I expected it to be, he most certainly left his mark and touched so many lives. Phrases like live each day like it’s your last, give flowers while others can smell them, say I love you often, and run your race are all much more than phrases. These ways of living are all so important in making the most of our time here on Earth. So even while I grieve, I’m encouraged to continue living and to live well.

One of my good friends gave me a sign that hangs up in my workspace, and it says day by day, step by step. Since the start of the year, that has been my life’s motto for everything. In handling grief — I’m taking it day by day and step by step. In achieving my goals — I’m working on them day by day and step by step. In my personal growth — it’s happening day by day and step by step. So whether you have lost someone recently or not, if you take nothing from this post, I hope you take away inspiration to be more intentional in living your life well (whatever that looks like for you), day by day and step by step.

As always, keep going, keep growing and keep glowing!

Xo,

Shalyce