Sad News and Blessings Counted

I just found out that a Coaching colleague of mine passed away yesterday. Natalie Kaye was in her mid-fifties, a kind woman with a big heart who died too young. I was hopeful that her remission from lung cancer would be permanent. I am so sad that she is no longer with us.

The last time I saw her was in the fall at an International Coaches Federation meeting. Her hair had grown back, and her short "do" flattered her newly slimmed down body. She seemed to be thriving. She had left a stressful job and was coaching full time, fulfilling a dream.

Natalie and I first met in our coaching courses at the Coaches Training Institute. Like me, she was very outspoken in class, and we had some great one-on-one practice coaching sessions with each other. Sometime around our third course, I found out that Natalie and I shared more than just a passion for coaching. We realized we were both Jewish, and she grew up amongst mostly Orthodox Jews. She was shocked that I was Orthodox, as her memory of Orthodoxy was all about judgment and superiority. I helped change her view on Orthodox Jews, and Natalie kept promising me a visit to my home for a Friday night Sabbath meal. Unfortunately, we never were able to make that happen.

Another memory I have is of a coaching course that was coming to a close. One of the co-leaders of the course cut Natalie off and did not have patience or understanding about something she was having difficulty wrapping her head around. She was so grateful that I was able to empathize with her, and she wrote me a beautiful email about feeling seen and understood by me. Her acknowledgment touched me deeply.

Natalie will be remembered with love by her many friends and family. Let us take some time today to remember our blessings and focus on what's really important in life. Don't put anything off for another day. You never know what tomorrow may bring. Live today like it counts!