Have you ever known how it feels to be chosen?
I have.

By one woman — solid, old-fashioned, and stubborn in the best way possible.

I didn’t realize it then. I didn’t see it for what it was. It felt natural. It felt normal, didn’t it?

But today, in her absence, I can feel the difference.

I could throw a tantrum for not being chosen anymore — but I know I’m not entitled to it. She chose to choose me. Always. I don’t know who else she chose, but I know she chose me. And I took that for granted.

She was just one woman, yet she made me feel like my person, my being — mattered more than anything or anyone else. And I know there are others who’d say the same about her.

The world feels so much emptier without her.

Today, when my middle child suddenly said, “Mama, I choose you. I want to hold your hand,” it struck me how deeply I miss being chosen.
It reminded me that feeling chosen is about presence — someone seeing you, and deciding you matter, without condition.

So my advice today is simple: go out there and choose someone.
Make someone feel seen, heard, loved. Because if we’re not making each day a little lighter for another, what are we doing here really?

And don’t forget to appreciate those who see you, who choose you — just because.
They deserve to feel seen, too.

In loving memory of her — my safe place, my quiet strength. For the one whose love taught me what it means to be chosen — and to choose others in return.

Love always,