Last week I attended a celebration of life of a woman who’s impact on the world was far reaching. She had the uncanny ability to always see the world in a golden light which she then shined on the rest of us. She was one of those rare people who fully understood the need to allow those under her command and care, autonomy. And in doing so she build an empire of loyal followers who could and would walk across fire for her.
I was blessed to call her friend and neighbor. In a tiny little village in the western part of Maine, where everyone knows your name and your business, we set about raising our families to the best of our abilities. We all shopped at the same stores, attended the same churches, we gathered on hot summer days for neighborhood block parties, sledded, skied, snowshoed and built magnificent dragon snow sculptures in our yards during the forever Maine winters.
Those seen in the picture above, in what was fondly known as “The Pleiades Gang”, were 7 exceptionally strong women from seven different paths in life with a common thread: We, together, can make things happen. A bright constellation of energies that knew no bounds. We did make things happen and at the helm, the one who knew how to keep us on the right path.
The strength represented in those seven smiling faces is the strength I will carry with me on my journey to Santiago.
The gang is now two less stars bright, yet they still shine down on us from their new home in the heavens. We have all taken divergent paths but what was apparent during the celebration of Charlene’s life is those unseen fibers, which bound us together all those years ago, are still there and possibly stronger than ever.
Buen Camino,
“Holy” Sneakers 500
"Holy" Sneakers 500 