One Year Later

Last Friday I went for a pregnancy massage. A gift from the mom's in my playgroup. I rarely get time to myself where I am alone. Where I am able to think and actually listen to my own thoughts. On this morning, my girlfriend Candace repeatedly kept coming to mind. After the massage, they put you in a "quiet room" to relax - complete with over stuffed chairs, candlelight, and soft music playing. Knowing I really should be getting home - my girls were with GG and I didn't want to be gone too long - I decided to allow myself 10 minutes of the quiet room and really try to enjoy it. I mean, where or when else in my life would I find a "quiet room?!"

I closed my eyes, focused on the music and tried to clear my mind. I noticed the music playing was some sort of nature inspired instrumental that was a little too Feng Shui for my liking. But I relaxed anyway. Again, thoughts of Candace appeared. All of a sudden - in the middle of the song - the music stopped abruptly. I thought to myself, "must not be to someone else's liking either!" and smiled at the silence. Then a new song began to play. It was instrumental too, but this time, something I knew by heart within the first 3 notes. "How weird for Garth Brooks to be playing at a ritzy Newport Beach spa," I thought to myself. But didn't mind as I am a huge country fan.

As I started to sing the words in my head, I was overcome. It brought chills to my skin and tears to my eyes. Candace was there, letting me know "Hi! I'm thinking of you too. Everything is okay." I have had similar experiences this past year, always comforting, and always welcome. I love that her strong, loving spirit is still so alive, caring, compassionate and present. Like Allison DuBois says, "There are no coincidences." Candace's visit and the song she brought to the quiet room that morning, are what inspired today's post's music and pictures.

Candace June Logan Tift - it has been 365 days since your dance was sadly cut short. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you. I believe everyone you touched is happy they had the chance, blessed they got to dance - with you - if only for a short time. The fun and laughter you shared are worth the sorrow and pain that come with your loss. Love you and Miss you! Thank you for visiting. Come often!