Posted By crystal dwyer on October 28, 2009

I was blessed to attend three fabulous events in Los Angeles over the past few days, one of which was the California Governor & First Lady’s Women’s Conference 2009. With 20,000 women gathering in one place, it qualifies as the biggest women’s conference on earth. There were more than 100 speakers who shared stories of struggle, courage, fear, inspiration, and transformation. I gained new insights about specific issues in the world, cutting edge technologies that will take us into the next decade, and social and demographic changes that will call for us to be more flexible and creative than ever.

One of the most impactful sessions for me was one on Grief, Healing, and Resilience. The discussion included Elizabeth Edwards who lost 16 year old son, Will, 14 years ago and is now fighting her own battle for life, Susan St. James who lost 10 year old son, Teddy, 5 years ago, Maria Shriver, who lost her beloved mother and best friend, then 2 weeks later her uncle Teddy Kennedy, and finally Lisa Niemi, who lost her husband of 34 years, Patrick Swayze, just 2 weeks ago.

Those of us listening, locked hearts with each one of them as they bravely shared their stories of deep loss, grief, and pain. They eloquently conveyed how the pain of losing someone who means so much to you can bring you to your knees, and cause you to wonder how life could possibly go on. Yet each one of them is moving on, finding ways to celebrate their beloveds and keep their memories alive while trying to find comfort and serenity in their loss.

Their journey’s, thus far, have taught them these important lessons: That though it seems like our departed are gone, they’re really not that far away…just in a realm beyond our knowing. That our parting from one another is set only in earth space and time, and there will be a point when we can come back together with those we love. And, thirdly that we think we can imagine what it would be like to know how it feels to have someone we love leave us here as they move on…but those thoughts are a weak spash of water compared to the real tidal wave of grief that consumes you when you first lose someone you love.

The resilience of these women inspired me as their stories humbled me. The most important thing I came away with was a sobering reminder of how important the people in my life are to me and how their presence in my life each day is a precious gift.

I left the conference, and as I walked out into the sunshine, I made a promise to myself to recognize the gift  of those I love, each day.  To be present, to look into their eyes, to laugh with them and share their joy, and to listen to their words but hear their hearts.

Our greatest gifts are living, breathing, and being all around us now…we just need to remember to notice…

Love and Blessings,

Crystal

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