Gratitude for Ease

Over the weekend, I was in Massachusetts with the woman who got me walking.

Me and Libby.

Over the weekend, I was in Massachusetts with the woman who got me walking, Libby DeLana. It's been such a joy to know her over the past six months. We were strangers, and now we feel like family. As of today, I've been walking for 185 days. Rain or shine, I walk. Hot or cold, I go. One foot in front of the other reminds me to be here, be alive, and let all be well in the moment. Libby welcomed me, my oldest daughter, and my sister-friend into her home with open arms. We cooked, we ate, we laughed, we sat in silence, we drank tea, and of course, we walked. I haven't felt this at home with a person in a very long time. I'm not sure what it is about Libby that invites ease into a space, but she has mastered creating a deep sense of peace and love in my life. She is 28 years my senior, her children are close to my age, and I couldn't help but think about how she showed up as a mother for her boys. I'm assuming fully and rooted in love. She has such a loving and caring energy about her. She's a hugger. She laughs loud. She makes silly faces. She talks to herself like I do. Libby is deeply human, and she lets you see that. I can tell that everyone she loves or has loved has been left with a sense of undeniable safety.

My daughter and Libby.

"Make yourself at home," she said. "Cook anything, go anywhere, get comfortable. I'll be back soon."

"Ok," I replied as she walked out the back door to her car.

"I'm so glad you're here. You are wonderful," she beamed as she left.

My daughter and I cozied up by the fireplace and took in the warm welcome.

Eventually, I got up and walked around.

Rach and Libby.

I took in the stacks of books, the little knickknacks, the photography, and artwork. Everything was so organically spread out, begging eyes to get closer and observe. I could clearly see her expertise as a designer shine through ever so slightly. I noticed that we have many of the same things collected—from hand towels in the kitchen to mugs in the cabinets to body oils in the bathroom. I smiled as I turned each corner. The energy of Libby's home felt kindred. I found myself walking through a hallway lined with poetry. I stopped and read each one, and tears streamed down my cheeks. As I type this, I feel my eyes starting to well up. I am still so moved by the love I could feel in every room. I have a feeling that this will stay with me for a long time.

Walking on the Beach.

I caught myself thinking about how many belly laughs were had in her house, how many tears had fallen, how many scrapped knees got patched up with a bandage and a kiss, and how many memories were deeply embedded into each floorboard. What a gift it was to share space with Libby. I am so grateful for her work, her love, and our growing friendship. It's not often that we meet people who make us feel so loved, so fast. But when we do, the kindness lingers and creates more connection and compassion. I never in a million years thought that the bad-ass-cool-looking-white haired-lady I saw in Magnolia Magazine would become my friend. I never guessed that her book would change me like this. I could've never imagined creating amazing work and art alongside her—but here we are—day by day, step by step.

What a beautiful gift from this lifetime. I am so grateful.

Community Question: What connections in your life are you grateful for that bring you ease and joy?

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