“A single rose can be my garden…a single friend, my world.” Leo Buscaglia

Joni Mitchell sings “You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.” But I knew every day what an amazing friend I had in Georgena Grace. She was compassionate and kind, funny and thoughtful, caring and generous. And oh, how she loved flowers!

Her life was the epitome of service. She went out of her way to lend a hand, always willing to step up when needed and when she smiled her brilliant smile, you felt loved and appreciated.

As a trauma specialist and grief guide, Gerogena held our hands as we moved through our grief process. She guided us through the rocky terrain as we tried to make sense out of losing a loved one and showed us how to find solid footing so we could move forward on our sacred journey. She was a loving mother, an awesome sister, an amazing friend, a loyal confidant—these are just a few of the roles she held in the world. The world is left a better place because she was here.

Life is so short. We are here for just a brief time on this planet, to explore and learn and remember who we are as spiritual beings. And when we’ve completed our journey, Spirit calls us home. 

How do those of us left on the planet cope with the loss of a loved one? I turned to Georgena’s book, A New Mourning: Discovering our Gifts in Grief for answers. Her wisdom is to practice self-care. “This self-care thing is a lifelong, moment-by-moment process that I have said yes to….”What is the most kind and loving thing I can be, do, or have of myself in this moment? A cup of tea? A glass of water with a pinch of sea salt and lemon? A walk outside to feel my bare feet with their 1,300 nerve endings per square inch, connect with the grass, the dirt, the sand? One minute of peace and quiet as I turn away from the computer and stretch? Telling my story to a trusted colleague or family member? Being grateful for what I am doing, where I am or something beautiful right in front of me?” Wise words and practices for us to embody.

Georgena is now the energy and vibration of love. While we cannot hug her or call her on the phone, she lives in our hearts. You might even hear her whisper to you in the night, “God’s got this.”

God Bless You Georgena. Thank you for your grace.

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There will be a Celebration of Life Service for Georgena on October 28 at 1:30 pm at The Aerie at Eagle Landing located at 10220 SE Causey Ave, Happy Valley, OR. The ceremony will be live-streamed then re-posted at a later date.

A memorial fund has been established to help cover the service and end of life expenses. Payments can be made to: The Georgena Grace Celebration of Life Fund, PMB #734, 5331 S Macadam St, Ste 258, Portland, OR 97239. For online donations, inquire with the subject line “Donation” to her email, georgena@georgenagrace.com

For more details, follow her Georgena Eggleston blog on Caring Bridge.

You can find her obituary at Threadgill Memorial.