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My good friend and favorite redhead, Shannon Walker, gave me a gift this past weekend I didn't know I needed. She gave me the opportunity to share a few stories in the wake of the tragic loss of her daughter, Megan Walker Briscoe, who was essentially Aurora's daughter. She gave me the gift of editing someone I used to write and work with a couple of decades ago. And the magic of those moments were powerful and personal.

My niece, Michele McCully, and I were able to tag-team and work together (just like old times) to close out the services for Megan at the United Methodist Church.

The church was packed. Tears were shed. Laughter was shared. But--there was something special about the day. Even though we came together to grieve; we also came together to show one of our favorite family's a whole lot of love.

In the process, we always get stronger at the broken parts. We will continue to keep Megan's memory alive in the stories we tell and the memories we make.

I happen to be at the lake this week with one of my best pals. We have laughed, cried and sat in the silence already. We have talked about our own legacies and shared how we want to be remembered. We took a road trip together and our cabin overlooks the lake.

Megan was surrounded by love. I urge you all to look around you right now. You are probably surrounded by love, too. Don't miss out on life by worrying about the things that don't really matter.

Be resilient. Be kind. Forgive others. Give grace. Find mercy. Let yourselves off the hook, too. Each day commit to doing the best you can with what you have.

God already knows how our stories will end. In the meantime, stand up for what's right. Advocate for others. Do the right things.

Let's move forward in love.

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I tried to record this seven times.

I had a hard time getting through it.

I hope you listen to the message and not my mistakes.

This, for now, is the best I can do.

Saying goodbye to the daughter of some good friends is not what I wanted to write about this week for the podcast. But it's necessary. And, it's not really goodbye. It's---I'll see you later.

Yet--there is so much more that I'd like to say.

Be the things you loved most about those who are gone.

Try kindness.

Laugh at someone's jokes.

Give away a few hugs.

Take the high road.

Reach out to someone who is struggling.

Do it for Megan Walker Briscoe--who is celebrating in Heaven this week.

I am grateful for the 29 years that we had her on this earth.

She was a bright spot. She was truly loved.

Her memory will continue to guide us as we take a reset to focus on the things that truly matter: faith, family, friends and integrity.

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Jack Muench was named our Community Service Award recipient for Aurora this past Saturday night by the Aurora Chamber of Commerce.

I bit back a few tears while Shannon Walker read the script.

Jack is a hometown guy with a heart of gold. I have been looking up to him for decades. They just don't make 'em any better.

As president of First Independent Bank in Aurora, he wears numerous hats to help support his church, his community and his people.

Join us in celebrating Jack today and every day as we all strive to be more like him.