When I turned forty I invited 21 of my closest friends to a private retreat in Arizona. I rented villas for us all, no TV, no phones. For four days we had only one another. I brought Carla Hall in to be our private chef for four days in the desert. We were there to celebrate my birthday and one another. I had childhood friends, my sister, sister in law, cousins, best friend, college friends, maid of honor, my wedding planner, neighbors all with me. It was magical, spiritual, happy, introspective, raw, honest, beautiful, and real all rolled into one. We had a beautiful time as kindred sisters, sharing, caring, laughing, crying. Carla Hall made all my favorite dishes, all her food selections flown in fresh, chosen by her hands. A real highlight of the trip included a candlelit dinner celebration with young top hat supporting chefs surrounding her in the kitchen.
One evening before we left my sister in law asked me to go for a walk in the morning, just the two of us. We tried, though by morning others decided walking was not a bad idea for them too. Along our walk I noticed my sister in law Paula pick up a rock. It was a dark smooth rock. I thought nothing more about it.
When I returned home I unpacked all my lovely gifts, some included Swarovski crystal, Tiffany necklace, African sculptures, Hand crafted scrapbooks, donations to charity made in my honor, the list goes on. I was grateful for everyone of these thoughtful treasures. Nearly a decade later, I am still grateful.
I did notice back in Arizona that Paula had not given me a gift. It did not matter she was there with me. She did not have to be but she was.
When I finally finished unpacking over several lazy days I found something tucked away in my luggage. It had been placed there. Next to it a note.
One evening before we left my sister in law asked me to go for a walk in the morning, just the two of us. We tried, though by morning others decided walking was not a bad idea for them too. Along our walk I noticed my sister in law Paula pick up a rock. It was a dark smooth rock. I thought nothing more about it.
When I returned home I unpacked all my lovely gifts, some included Swarovski crystal, Tiffany necklace, African sculptures, Hand crafted scrapbooks, donations to charity made in my honor, the list goes on. I was grateful for everyone of these thoughtful treasures. Nearly a decade later, I am still grateful.
I did notice back in Arizona that Paula had not given me a gift. It did not matter she was there with me. She did not have to be but she was.
When I finally finished unpacking over several lazy days I found something tucked away in my luggage. It had been placed there. Next to it a note.
The note described Paula's feelings toward me. She talked about how thankful she was that we are family and sisters. What I will never forget is what came next.
La Detra you live a blessed life. You have a lot to give and you give it freely. No matter what you have accomplished you have always kept it simple. I encourage you always to "KEEP IT SIMPLE". Love always, Paula.
I am about to turn 50 next year. For the past decade I have framed my gift from Paula. It is on display in my home. Whenever anyone asks me about it, I tell them it is the best gift I have ever received. It simply reminds me to, "Keep it simple."
La Detra you live a blessed life. You have a lot to give and you give it freely. No matter what you have accomplished you have always kept it simple. I encourage you always to "KEEP IT SIMPLE". Love always, Paula.
I am about to turn 50 next year. For the past decade I have framed my gift from Paula. It is on display in my home. Whenever anyone asks me about it, I tell them it is the best gift I have ever received. It simply reminds me to, "Keep it simple."
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