Every once in a while somebody walks into your life and makes it a little brighter. A few years ago Chelsea and I bonded over…you’ll never guess… ok, maybe you will… CrossFit. We met through a mutual friend and we were both serving on MOPS (Mother’s of Preschoolers) Leadership team together when I mentioned I wanted to start getting serious about getting back into shape. I told her all about how I had this CRAZY idea to start doing CrossFit on my street with my brother, how I wanted to completely change my diet, and revamp my current life as it was, and INSTEAD of giving me this, “Girl, you’re crazy…” look, she said, “I think I want to try that too.”
We went on a jog together that next day. Chelsea didn’t need weeks of mental preparation to jump into CrossFit (like I did), she just did it. We started training together soon after that, and I remember thinking, “This girl is FEARLESS.”
Today, Chelsea is moving across the country and I couldn’t think of a Mom Crush that was more fitting.
Her family is headed to what will be her new home in Indiana. I’ve been in denial about this move for a long time, but when I hugged her baby girl goodbye for the last time the tears started flowing and well, I’ve been a hot mess ever since.
Chelsea has become one of my closest friends, and while I think that word, “fearless,” still describes her, there are so many other qualities that I love about her. She is kind, she is a giver, she is ridiculously fun, and loves others without restraint. It is a joy to share a part of who Chelsea is with all of you.
One night this summer Chelsea came over like she had so many other nights before, but this time she had some sad news to share. Her mother-in-law had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Her family was devastated. While they originally had plans to move to Minnesota to be closer to her family, the news made it more clear that their family belonged in Indiana with her mother-in-law and the rest of Jacob’s (her husband’s) family.
Learning of the diagnosis and then the treatment her mother-in-law was to undergo, was hard to take in and Chelsea wanted so badly to show her support, even if in the smallest way. Three weeks ago Chelsea decided to cut and donate her hair. I accompanied Chelsea on the trip to the salon where I got to see her demonstrate that fearlessness once again.
Yes, Chelsea manages to balance it all. She’s a wonderful fit mom who CrossFit’s 5-6 days a week, and she’s pretty amazing at it.
But what I will miss most about Chelsea is her good heart and her listening ear.
I’ll miss our minivan carpools,
and our ridiculous girls nights…
(like that one time we all decided to dress up in our wedding dresses).
I’ll miss our play dates to McDonald’s where our kids ran wild as we chatted about everything and anything. And I’m really going to miss hearing my kids argue about who Londyn loves more.
Chelsea,
You will be SO, so missed. Thank you for teaching me how to love others well. Thank you for your bold example of faith. Thank you for making me realize that one amazing friend is worth a thousand. I can’t wait to see your light shine on your newest adventure. Indiana is getting one special gal.
May the Lord bless and keep you; may his face shine upon you, be gracious to you, and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26
With love and one more big hug,
Tracy
1 Comment
This made me cry tears of bitter sweetness ! You’ll always be friends – your bond is too tight to diminish by miles! Love you both and always praying that you cherish this season of life you are in.