New Year, New Beginnings: Honoring the Spirit That Never Dies

As the year comes to a close, there’s something powerful about taking a moment to reflect. We think about the past—the memories, the lessons, and the moments that shaped us. We also look ahead, embracing the promise of new beginnings, new opportunities, and new growth. For me, this time of reflection brings to mind the wisdom of Edith Eger, a Holocaust survivor who has taught me so much about resilience, love, and the eternal nature of spirit.

One of Edith’s most profound lessons is that one of the greatest gifts God gives us is memory. Memory allows us to carry the spirit of those we’ve lost, to keep them alive in our hearts and minds. And as I think about the people who have meant so much to me, I feel this truth deeply—especially when I think about Laura. Edith’s belief in the enduring nature of spirit gives me comfort, reminding me that the ones we love are never truly gone.

Edith often speaks about the idea that "we didn’t lose [them]; their spirit was sent to us for a time, and we should celebrate the moments we shared until their spirit is called home." She believes that the spirit never dies, and it is this belief that I hold close to my heart when I think about Laura. Though Laura is no longer physically with us, her spirit continues to live on in the love, joy, and memories she shared with all of us.

In the years Laura was with us, she touched our lives in ways that words can’t fully capture. Her spirit, much like Edith describes, was sent to us for a purpose. We were gifted with 54 years of her presence—54 years of laughter, wisdom, love, and connection. And though her spirit was called home, it is not lost. It lives in the memories we carry, in the lessons she imparted, and in the ways she continues to inspire us. Laura’s spirit, like all those we’ve loved, never truly dies.

As we step into the new year, I am reminded that the spirits of those we cherish live on, not just in our memories but in the ways we honor them. The moments we shared with Laura, the love we gave and received, and the lessons we learned together are part of who we are now. The passing of time doesn’t erase those memories—it deepens them, gives them more meaning, and helps us continue to celebrate the lives of those we’ve lost.

The new year is a time for fresh starts, but it’s also a time to celebrate the past and carry forward the spirits of those who shaped our journey. This year, as we reflect on our own lives, let’s also celebrate the spirits of those who remain with us—especially those like Laura, whose spirit will never leave us.

So, as we move forward into 2025, let’s carry the light of those we’ve lost with us. Let’s honor their memories, celebrate their spirits, and live each day with the love and joy they gave us. Their spirits continue to guide us, and we are blessed to carry them with us as we enter this new chapter.

Happy New Year. May we all find peace in remembering and celebrating the spirits that live on within us.