Raelyn was four months pregnant with her second child when she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia in January 2011. Her son, Noah, was born on March 30 between rounds of chemotherapy and 10 weeks early.

 

For the next year, Raelyn fought for her life. Through it all she maintained a spirit of grace and inspiration. She and her husband, Dave, updated us on her treatment through Facebook and a blog. Raelyn’s most frequent message was to cherish each day. She encouraged us to spend time with family and friends.

 

On her son’s first birthday, March 30, 2012, Raelyn lost her battle and passed away. Just weeks before there had been hope that an experimental treatment was working. I was in San Diego for spring break when I heard the shocking news. My husband comforted me and encouraged me to share some of my memories about Raelyn.

 

Two weeks later, on a warm spring afternoon, a standing-room only crowd gathered to pay our respects. We all had different reasons to mourn Raelyn. She had touched many lives in countless ways with her positive attitude, caring nature and loving soul. Wife. Mother. Daughter. Sister. Friend. Teacher. She would be sorely missed. Raelyn’s memorial service was a touching tribute, but it hit me hard.

 

While I sat amongst Raelyn’s family and friends, I thought about our friendship. Several years prior, we met while teaching at an elementary school in Ventura County. I was supposed to be Raelyn’s mentor, yet she was the one who reminded me about an important life lesson.

 

Amid the people who loved Raelyn, I reflected on being her mentor and friend. As tears streamed down my face, Raelyn’s mantra to cherish each day flooded over me. At the time, my husband and I were in a commuter relationship – with homes in both Ventura and San Diego Counties. We only saw each other on weekends and school vacations. I recall thinking, “Why am I okay with being 165 miles away from my husband most of the week for much of the year?” I felt called to make a difference.

 

Three months later, we stopped commuting when I relocated to San Diego to live full time with my husband. I am thankful for Raelyn – her life and her legacy. Even as her health declined, her outlook and attitude prompted me to focus on the things in my life that matter.