I was 7 years old when I fell in love with the idea of a Princess. Many years later I met a noble woman, known then as the Birthday Princess, who restored my faith in the fairytale of life.
We met during a time of personal emergence when each of us were fledging writers, sharing our identical secret desire to change the world with a book. We were fast friends whose kinship sustained and nurtured an unexpected bond, despite the fact that we would never meet in person a second time.
Sacha was a natural cheerleader and coach, unwavering in her support of others. She spread her special brand of magic like a farmer feeding her chickens – scattering goodness all over with abandon. The only thing she asked in return was that you love your own self more; that you see in yourself the beauty and potential that she saw in you.
Sometimes in life, if we keep our eyes open, we stumble into people along the way that we don’t deserve. They are the rare gems that enrich us and invite us to elevate our game.
Sacha was one of those people whose light shown so bright, from a place of such sincerity and generosity, that one was instantly drawn into it. My crass, inelegant self wondered how Sacha managed to be so filled with joy. She was never careless with life or people or words. She was intentional, tender, and bubbly.
When a royal presence like Sacha is taken suddenly from the world, the sweetness of life suffers a bitter blow. I will miss this friend with an unparalleled level of loss, for I am quite certain there isn’t another of her for me in the world. But I am privileged and humbled to have been part of her fold. For those left behind, a calling remains, a challenge really, to embody what we’ve learned from one who had mastered the art of love here on Earth.
I imagine Sacha slipping seamlessly into Heaven, taking her place amongst angels as if she belonged there all along. No doubt she would be shocked to find herself there, but likely she is delighting in the magnificence that surrounds her and wondering how she can share it with others.
After I post this tribute, I will wait with hopeful expectation for her response. She would write something poetic in the comments section about how my words danced off the page and filled her heart. And I would believe her, soaking up the free praise given by my most ardent supporter.
Eventually, it will hit me that I’ll never again hear her words of encouragement, unless, like a solid Sacha student, I learn to do this for myself. How proud she would be of me for finding the courage to be without her. She would tell me not to worry that I’m not there yet. Just be gentle with yourself and celebrate every step toward reclaiming happiness.
Thank you, Sacha, for gracing this world, and my life, with the gift of you.
Deb
Chaos & Clarity 