A Celebration of Two Lives

Last Wednesday, November 25, 2009, was a day of sadness and joy. Sad because I attended the funeral of Page Walden. Joyous because I got to spend time with my family celebrating the 21st birthday of my most favorite cousin (shhh, don't tell), Caelyn Elizabeth Brady.

After battling cancer off and on since 1990, Page Walden was finally called home. Her family did such a beautiful job planning her Celebration of Life ceremony. It was a tribute to the woman, mother,grandmother, survivor, mentor, teacher, wife, and friend Page was to so many. Although I have already written some about Page, because she meant so much to me, I feel inclined to share just why she was so awesome and important to me over the years. Page was the type of woman I would love to be. She lived life in the moment, never fearful or anxious about what the next corner would bring. She was an amazing woman who was so grounded in her faith that she never questioned her diagnosis, which she knew would eventually take her life. To quote Page when I visited with her at Emory only a short three weeks ago, "well, I guess I don't have a choice but to keep on fighting." This was in response to my statement "it shouldn't be you." Page's Celebration of Life ceremony focused on two key points:
Page fought the good fight and a quote that Page had written down in her address book some time during her journey..."Life might not be the party we hoped for...
But while we are here, we might as well dance!" I appreciate Dan Walden sharing this quote with so many of us that loved Page. It sums her view of life up perfectly. It is my goal for 2010 to live my life the way Page did. Not worrying about tomorrow or next week, but enjoying today, live in the moment, and trust that my heavenly father has a plan for me that will be revealed as he sees fit! Thanks Page for being such a role model and amazing woman in so many ways.

Now on to the more happy part of November 25th. My little cousin Caelyn turned 21! Talk about feeling old. Caelyn turning 21 definitely made me feel ancient as I used to keep her while my aunt and uncle traveled(getting snowed in during the "blizzard" of 1994), often picked her up from school or spent weekend nights with her while her parents were out. I can remember even taking her to holiday carnivals and having a blast. Caelyn at her young age also represents strength and courage as she too has had to fight cancer. What a pleasure it was to get to celebrate with her friends and family and toast to many more years of health and happiness. God has a plan for this young lady and I cannot wait to see what it is! Caelyn is a beautiful young lady with intelligence,style,class, and a spirit like no other 21 year old I've met! Can you tell I just love her!?!

The birthday celebration consisted of a champagne toast, dinner at Ecco, and bar hopping with the youngsters. Yes...us older members of the group hung in there til 1am!! Did I mention we rode in style down Peachtree in an 18 person red Hummer limousine! I loved every minute of it!

What a memorable day November 25th, 2009 was for me. The celebration of two lives, two strong females...one who fought the good fight and danced until she was called to be an angel and the other the life of a youngster who also means so much to so many of us and we celebrate her good health and the genuine young lady she is and look forward to seeing what the future holds for her! Thanks Caelyn for allowing me to be a part of your day!