"Someone said that God gave us memories so that we might have roses in December." - J M Barrie

The entire foundation...the core of my business, my brand - Sapphire Dreams - is being able to create memories with those who mean most to you that will transcend happiness through phases of your life. Creating moments that will leave lasting impressions on your heart. Having something to hold on to when life becomes challenging......grace and mercy in the midst of confusion.

The nation was recently rocked at its core due to the tragic accident that killed Kobe, Gigi, Alyssa, Keri, John, Christina, Payton, Sarah and Ara. The thought of losing a spouse, a child, a sibling, an uncle, a cousin, a friend and multiple at once is hard to bare. To think of those final moments - the pain their familes and friends feel & will forever feel - the overall loss....the void.... The loss of a child....it's a lot to carry.

It made me reflect on my own loss. The one loss that rocked me to my core and still brings me sadness almost 16 years later. And although I knew I had a brother who was a Marine (always a Marine!) who would have the potential to be deployed - I was falsely confidant at times because we had made it 19 years without it happening until 2004. And I remember telling my boyfriend at the time that I felt it in my spirit that "he wasn't coming back home", I still wasn't prepared when the news came just 5 days after his deployment. So over the years I threw myself into my education & multiple degrees, my profession, my work ethic, my certifications, my super hero cape....until one day I woke up and realized "what does any of this matter"??!!! The reality was - the happiest and most rewarding moments and memories I had in life was when I truly spent time with my family & friends!!! And it was those moments I longed for after a long night of studying or what felt like 16 hours at the hospital or a long week of call. It was those moments that helped me overcome death and loss. It was those moments that helped me overcome sadness and depression. It is those moments I can look back at and smile. Laugh. Chuckle to myself. Send a text and say "remember the time when....". Magical memories repair & replenish my mental fortitude. And over the years I have created some truly great moments in life with some pretty amazing people.

I say all that to say - now it's your turn!!!! I know you are a professional woman who has worked hard all her life and has busted her behind to care for every one and thing around her. But when is the last time you renewed your core and with your tribe??? It is the therapy we all need. And I don't mean just spend time with just anyone - but your core circle, your best friends, your siblings, your soulmate....make time for them as we need these memories and moments in life. Allow yourself to be just that - YOU! Take some pictures, laugh, relax and "create memories filled with sapphire nights and diamond skies!"

~diane