Mikala's Memorial Fund
It's been several weeks now since we lost our Mikala.
She passed on March 9th of a pulmonary embolism - a blood clot that had gone undetected and eventually passed into her lungs. The event was severe and swift. It was shocking to say the least, but we take some solace in the thought that she didn't suffer long and that she had family and friends around her the whole time.
In the weeks since we have begun our grieving. Immediate family has gathered to comfort each other, share memories and feelings and to discuss how best to honor the memory of her: daughter, sister, aunty, friend.
In doing so the children in her life seem to always be at the top of the conversation. She 'nannied' many little souls over the years - for family and friends, professionally and casually - and she could connect with children on their level like no one else. Developing close, personal relationships - showing them she understood them - THAT was what really made her happy. And so we took that to heart as we explored how best to proceed...
She was never fond of formalities or large crowds. She liked one-on-one time and was really good at 'just being'. She would've cringed at the idea of a large group of people gathering in her name, but I'm sure she's missing all those special little moments of connection with her friends and family as much as we are. And so we took all of that to heart as well as we considered what she would want...
And Mikala had grown to love Orcas Island very dearly- not least, because it's where her beloved niece and nephews lived. She found every opportunity she could to visit the island and loved basking in its warm, positive energy. And so we took this to heart when considering where on this big blue planet to honor her memory...
And then it all just came together: We were blessed to secure a site directly across from a beautiful new playground on the edge of the town green on Orcas Island. And promptly determined it would be here- where the community gathers for music, meetings, markets, parades and all that other small town stuff- that we will erect a small memorial bench in her name. This is a setting - within earshot of children at play and looking out over the local waters and neighboring islands - where we feel we would find Mikala sitting on any given day. For those who knew her, it will be a place where we can pay our respects and feel close to her over the years. And to all the friends-she-had-yet-to-meet, it will be a warm, inviting space where anyone can relax and watch over their littles, gaze out over the ocean and observe a small town at play.
So that's the plan. We're currently saving up to make it happen and thought to open the effort up to friends/ family so folks can contribute if they want. All funds will go towards the production and installation of the bench and anything collected in excess will be donated to causes close to Mikala's heart - mental/emotional health support, providing childcare for those in need, and/or scholarships in the health and beauty industry.
I know we all miss Mikala. She was such a huge light, it would be impossible not to. But under that grief, that pain, that 'missing' feeling... is 100% love. We only miss you, sister, because of that love that you put out there in the world. And when the pain starts to subside a bit; when it stops slicing and becomes a dull ache; when we can lift up our heads again to look forward, what will be left is the love you so selflessly put out there in the world. Thank you for all the love, sister... I hope you feel it coming back to you.
And much love to you all. Stay tuned on my/Mikala's FB pages for news on when the bench gets installed...
Gratitude. Love. Peace.