I can’t put words to how special last week was.

The people.

The tears.

The smiles.

The frowns.

The grief.

The joy!

Words can’t do it justice. Pictures won’t either. Hopefully the combination of the two in this brief post will help me unload a heart that has been full of joy. It’s the reason why I wanted to curate an experience. In person. Something for us to share together. I never could have imagined just how much I needed it.

I thought I would have to beg people to come to an event about grief, hope, and the journey from the former to the latter. I thought the evenings would be full of people who owed me favors or felt bad that I was putting on an event no one would come to. My closest friends assured me I was wrong and pushed me to move forward. I’m glad they did. I’m glad I listened! I hope you are as well!

I thought I was creating this time for you, but in reality, I benefitted more than you could have ever imagined. So rather than just give a recap, I wanted to share quick words of gratitude.

TO MY ATL FAMILY:

I love y’all. Thank you so much for coming out on a Monday night. I don’t take it lightly that you would get babysitters and get all dressed up. That you’d be so patient as we worked out the kinks and started late. That you’d be so engaged throughout the whole evening and be willing to (1) stay late (2) encourage us (3)AND help us get cleaned up and packed up for the next event in DC.

I’ve grown up in ATL. I became an adult here. It’s been almost 14 years since I moved from Texas and started calling this place home. On last Monday, Atlanta felt like home in a unique way. Seeing faces I see everyday, sprinkled throughout a sea of faces I haven’t seen in years and ones I’ve never seen before was magical! Thank you for coming, and crying, and laughing, and staying. You were open and didn’t have to be. You left me with more hope to push forward than I imagine I gave to you.

You all were the launching pad for something that’ll be more special than any of us imagined.

Thank you!

TO MY DC FAMILY:

It was one thing for us to pull off a successful event in ATL. We were at the crib. To travel to one of my favorite cities and have a reception that was just as warm was something special. We showed up to a room full of strangers, and left feeling like we were leaving family behind. I think Swoope said it best after the event over dinner—what we did…MATTERED.

I was through the roof to have y’all in the room. I was floored when y’all kept asking when we were coming back! It was a question that left us speechless. Empty of words, but full of hope and dreaming and possibility for what this could turn in to.

I owe each of you in attendance a debt I could never repay. Thank you.

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Peace