Why Spice Slowed me Down
We rush through our days, chasing to-do lists, obligations, and the noise of modern life. But sometimes, if we stop and look closely, we’re reminded of what truly matters. Spice, had a way of slowing me down and showing me the beauty I might have otherwise missed.
A Bubble Full of Possibilities
One sunny afternoon, my daughter blew bubbles into the sky, and Spice stood perfectly still with her eyes locked on one shimmering bubble. It floated like a tiny world, a universe of dreams and possibilities suspended in midair. In that moment, Spice reminded me of the childlike wonder we often lose as adults. The bubble wasn’t just a bubble; it was a chance to believe in magic again, to see opportunity in the simplest things.
The Gift of Slowing Down
Another memory I treasure is lying in the grass with Spice, just gazing into each other’s eyes. No rush, no distractions. Only time standing still. That quiet exchange reminded me how important it is to pause, to step outside the busyness, and to soak in the love and presence of those we cherish.
Love That Believes in You
At night, when the world grew quiet, Spice would curl into my lap. I’d be wrapped in my bathrobe, and she’d gaze up at me with eyes so full of trust and love, it was as if she believed nothing was impossible for me. In her look, I felt like her universe and she became mine. That unconditional love still pushes me to follow my heart and believe in my dreams.
Where Her Spirit Still Inspires Me
Every time I sit down to write, I feel Spice with me. This office is the space where she and I spent so many days side by side. Now, her paw wind chime hangs in the window, and above my desk sits a shelf filled with her blanket, her urn, her paw print in stone, her collar, and a painting we made together of her paw prints pressed beside my handprints in 2023.
It is both a place of memory and of inspiration. In this space, her spirit lingers, guiding my words, my dreams, and my purpose.
I think back to one of the only times I ever had to leave her to attend a leadership conference . It pulled me away from her for five long days. On the very first day, just as the plane landed, I got the devastating news that her cancer had returned for the fourth time and this time could not be treated. We had run out of options. While I was still in shock, I joined an exercise at the conference in which words were taped to the back of our chairs, hidden from us until we sat down. The word I received was “accomplish.”
Although saying goodbye to Spice was the most difficult and heartbreaking experience of my life, this article isn’t meant to be sad. It’s Spice’s lesson on how pain can transform us in amazing and positive ways. Out of deep sorrow can come even deeper purpose. Spice always seemed to understand this truth—that on the other side of pain is passion, and that within heartbreak can be found the seeds of healing. Her life and her love became the foundation for mine, and her passing gave me the courage to step fully into my purpose.
At the time of the conference, I didn’t know how deeply that word “accomplish” would come to guide me. After Spice passed, I placed that card next to her urn. For me, it became a message from her. I still had a mission to “accomplish”. She already laid the foundation and provided the blueprint for me. I needed to fulfill our legacy by doing something meaningful to impact humanity. Her death reminded me just how precious and fleeting time is, and that whatever time I had left here I needed to roll up my sleeves and get to work healing and inspiring others.
So every article I write, every story I tell, carries a piece of her soul. This website was born from her spirit, her lessons, and her love. And in this little writing nook where her memory surrounds me, Spice still whispers in my ear, “I know you think your voice is too small, your efforts too quiet, a mere ripple. But I am reminding you that even the smallest voice, carried by a sincere heart, can spark fires and move mountains. Be the blazing wildfire and go move that mountain!”
And if Spice could whisper something to you today, I believe it would be this: treasure the time you have with those who feed your soul, soak in the moments of love every chance you get, and know that love never ends with death. The bond we share with those we love becomes an eternal legacy that lives on; healing, inspiring, and encouraging the world long after we’re physically gone.
Discover more from Advice from Julie and Spice
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.