Grammy ~ My Guardian Angel

Grammy has always been my Guardian Angel and my Kindred Spirit. 🕊
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Heavenly hugs to you now. Thank you for watching over all of us then, now and always. .
Love you so Grammy. ❤️
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You and I always shared an indescribable bond. You’ve been lifelong friend, playmate, weekly date, mentor, mischief maker, sassy spirit, champion, companion, encourager, teacher, animal lover, matriarch, beer appreciator, life enjoyer, laughter instigator, even college roommate, feisty fun grandmother, and far far more….
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My own child Lauren Claire expressed my heart as well here as she wrote of her great grandmother: “Today I get to look back and remember my amazing, feisty, and incredibly strong Grammy. She passed away at the age of 100 peacefully in her sleep. She will always be with me and our family in the lifetime of moments she gave us. I am alive because you lived and loved and made your mark on the world. I am so grateful that I got to know you and make so many memories with you. I love you Grammy!”
❤️
We love you our amazing matriarch.
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Henrietta Motley Brown Helm
August 28, 1917 ~ January 13, 2018

BIG final week of 2017

This final week of 2017 was a big one for me and my loved ones.  It was full of big joy, big sorrow, big worry and big celebrations of life.  What a momentous way to conclude this crazy year.

I’m thankful to have hosted our family for a memorable, merry and meaningful Christmas Day at our home.  We always share such love and fun together. This year was somehow extra special with our hearts so open and real. That Presence truly is the best gift of all, BIG time!

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Two days after Christmas, I cherished throwing a jubilant 60th birthday for our dear friend Lynn. We all contributed joy, fun, food and immense friendship. Hearing her say, “Best birthday EVER!!” made us elated. What a BIG milestone and BIG moment to share!

The very next day, I was thankful that I could be at the hospital sitting alongside a dear loved one while another dear loved one was in a big, long surgery.  Thankfully, we could visit in the ICU hours later, and we knew with relief that caring, dedicated healing professionals were there and so were so many devoted loving family members, near and far. That loved one continues making excellent progress over these past few days. THAT is a BIG relief!

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And the very next day, Friday, December 29th, our family was deeply saddened and yet blessed to celebrate the life of our 26 year old cousin who left the earth, way too young, just twelve days prior. His celebration of life brought his large family Together to honor him and to honor the Life we share.

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Tonight as this immense year of 2017 transforms into the new possibilities that 2018 will bring, our home is again full…..with love and friendship.  Lauren Claire is hosting a large group of friends for New Year’s Eve.  They are making a big Korean food feast together and then enjoying games, music, dance and festive New Year revelry.  BIG FUN!

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My love and I are appreciating the merriment and thankful to share our evening together with a few of our own friends here as well. IMG_4689

May you savor a gentle, loving and appreciative beginning to this new year.

With much love, DeAnne, Brian and Lauren Claire

BE YOU. BE RAW. BE REAL. BE ALIVE. BE THE LOVE

There has always been something tantalizingly soul affirming when I experience a beautiful real or raw moment expressed by someone who has often been emotionally constricted, vulnerably challenged or afraid to be seen as the depth that they are….

I came into this world attuned to this and sweetly aware to invite these moments of aliveness and truth out in others.

There’s no more fulfilling YES To LIFE moment than that. I’m grateful to have shared these soul glimpse moments, from my grandfather as a toddler, to parents, uncles and family members, to dear friends, to so many other precious children, men and women whom I have known.

BE YOU. BE RAW. BE REAL. BE ALIVE. BE THE LOVE that you uniquely are and ENLIVEN THIS WORLD!!!

I see you. I feel you, and it IS tantalizingly soul affirming….for us ALL. BE YOU.
xoxo ~ Love you, DeAnne

PS: This photograph is of the soulful little person I was with my beloved Uncle Jim in 1971. I feel blessed to have experienced special moments with each of my family members, friends and blessed souls who have crossed my path in life for a moment or much longer. Life is a magical journey. Let’s embrace it and BE THE LOVE.