I Need to Be as Confident as Wes!
Living Fully and Managing Risk After Loss
Estimated reading time: 1 minute, 54 seconds
On Sunday, September 3, 2023, my grandson Wes will turn fourteen months old. This day will also mark twenty-eight months since the passing of my wife. Since Wes was born, I have chosen to celebrate his life instead of focusing on the loss of my wife.
It has been over two years, but I still remember feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do after my wife passed away. I was scared to take risks and missed opportunities that could have helped me return to my everyday life. Fear of failure and moving on too quickly kept me from progressing.
Throughout my life, I have always taken risks. One of the most significant risks I ever took was teaming up with Hanson Park to create a beautiful memorial garden for my late wife. It was a great decision, and I gained more self-confidence and made new friends.
However, since my wife’s passing, I have become more cautious and tend to ask myself what Jan would want me to do. But the truth is, I already know the answer to that question. Jan wants me to continue living my life, being a good parent, and improving the world.
As the double commemoration draws near this Sunday, I am inspired to take risks and embrace the confidence of my grandson, Wes. His fearless crawl through the tunnel, guided by his father’s encouragement and support, has instilled in me a belief in myself. With the unwavering support of my loved ones, including my family, chosen family, friends, and neighbors, I am prepared to seize every opportunity and live life to the fullest. I will honor my wife by living with courage and conviction, just as she would have wanted.
The Jan Lilien Education Fund sponsors ongoing sustainability and environmental awareness programs. Gifts made this month; I will match dollar-for-dollar. All donations are tax-deductible.
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Working with the Hanson Park Conservancy, we have taken significant steps in building Jan's Memorial Triangle Garden at Hanson Park including installing the Wind Sculpture.
I Choose to Live Fully
Living Fully and Managing Risk After Loss
Estimated reading time: 1 minute, 54 seconds
As I prepare to attend the High Holiday services for the third time since my loved one passed away, I reflect on my choice to live. It is a simple choice but one that carries great significance. I choose life so that future generations may also have the opportunity to live and thrive. I refuse to be consumed by death and negativity. Instead, I strive to make the most of the life I have been given. My mantra is always to be kind, to lend my strength to others, and to never dwell on weakness. I choose, now and daily, to live with purpose and intention.
The book Never Forget Our People Were Always Free is told through parables. It features intimate glimpses of political and faith leaders such as Jack Kemp, Stacey Abrams, and the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The book also highlights unlikely heroes such as a retired constable, a female pirate from Madagascar, a long-lost Irishman, a death row inmate, and a man with a Confederate flag over his heart.
