Her smile lit a room, her energy now bottled in a time capsule of memories.
In the early morning hours of December 14, 2022, my Aunt Diedre made a graceful exit from this world to her forever home after battling stage 4 colon cancer for over seven years.
If you know me at all, you would know how much she meant to me and of the bond we shared. To peas in a pod; kindred spirits. Below are a few words i was able to share at her celebration of life, and I wanted to put it here as tribute as well.
I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
This quote, by Maya Angelou, couldn’t ring more true for DK towards me and my family. Don’t get me wrong, any one of us could go on for hours about important ways and moments that she has sought us out, cheered us on, or provided a shoulder to lean on (or cry on in many cases for me) over the years. But I quickly realized that what is truly special about DK is how she made each of us feel.
First and foremost, she made us feel seen. You know what I’m talking about. DK’s light was bright, and when it shined on you, you couldn’t help but glow! She cared deeply and loved fiercely, making whomever was in front of her at the time feel like they were the only person that mattered; each one of us her favorite, all sharing moments under her luminance.
Second, she made us feel energized. I’m fairly positive you could sense DK entering a room without even turning around to confirm. There was simply an undeniable energy that she brought to every space she entered.
Tired? She had a pep talk.
Discouraged? Her own life would inspire you.
Feeling down? Her smile was electric!
Upset? The grace she carried for discerning situations ran deep.
Overwhelmed? She gave the best hugs.
Excited? She would see your happiness and raises you joy.
I’ve never met someone so eager to celebrate others. I really think she took it as a personal win when she saw those that she loved succeed.
Lastly, she made us feel connected. It was a truly beautiful gift because it outlasted a moment. Like glue, DK proved the uncanny ability to grow relationships not only with her but around her. This was especially true in our family and is a legacy that will live on.
Over the last 3 years, I had the unique opportunity to spend extra time with DK, as she and Alexx summered in MN, and I accompanied her on some of her travels.
Through that time and over countless scrumptious meals, I got to learn firsthand how important family was to her. And not just in word but in action. I watched DK prioritize virtual catch ups, fearlessly coordinate in-person visits all around the US and Canada between treatments, and host family members passing through with a curated itinerary planned to perfection for each guest, never satisfied until a proper heart to heart has ensued.
Like clockwork, as her body tried to keep up with her tireless heart, every event ended with a soft sigh as she put her feet up in her favorite chair and admitted with fresh revelation, “Oh, I think I might have overdone it” Then we would look at each other and smile, because we both knew she wouldn’t have it any other way.
At the heart of her intention, DK truly carried on the wish of my late Grandma Barb, whose last wish was that our extended family remain connected through the reunions held every five years. It’s such a gift to have had DK respond so emphatically to that request, continuing the tradition over the last 10 years with gusto, and something we all look forward to continuing for years to come.
So I guess what she really made us all feel the MOST is incredibly lucky to be loved by her.
Real Talk 