“Grief, I’ve learned, is really just love. It’s all the love you want to give, but cannot. All that unspent love gathers up in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and in that hollow part of your chest. Grief is just love with no place to go” ~ Jamie Anderson
Ok. I promise this post isn’t all sad, but if you want to skip the sad — scroll down to the bottom for the important stuff.
I’m sitting here typing this blogpost and can’t accept that I even have to write this. Writing about losing a friend or grief has never been something I’ve had to consider or even think about doing. I’m so lucky to have never had such a tragic loss — until now.
The past month has been coping and accepting loss. It has been days of realizing I can’t pick up my phone and text Leigh for some mid-afternoon banter and jokes that I will never forget. A weekly reminder that my other half in this work world isn’t here. I won’t have anymore breakfast dates or dessert dates. A portion of my support system is gone, one of my best friends has left me. It sounds so selfish when I type this, but man it’s so true.
Leigh — you would probably kill me for writing up a sappy blogpost about you (I’m not even sorry about it). I’m so thankful to have called such a strong, incredibly talented, hilariously sarcastic, supportive, amazing wife-sister-daughter, someday business partner, and one of my best friends. I’m so lucky to have known you and will miss you for a lifetime.
I know I’m not the only one who feels this way. We lost such an amazing person way too early and we felt there needed to be some way to honor her legacy. When we started sharing a studio space in downtown, I was amazed how every fall and spring Leigh made a point to give back by speaking to classes at UNCG, where she graduated. It was so important for her to share her experience and encourage young students with an entrepreneural drive. She offered internships, answered endless questions about business, and went into too much detail on how she created and grew her business. She shared her knowledge and experience with SO many at her alma mater.
So here is where is gets good. With lots of help and guidance we have set up the Wendy Leigh Pearce Scholarship Fund. This scholarship was created as a fund for students pursuing a degree in Hospitality at UNCG that have the same entrepreneurial drive. We want to help others reach their goals that embody the same spirit and drive that Leigh carried. We have a large goal of $25,000 which would endow the Fund to live forever. Please help me spread the word and share this on social media. I couldn’t imagine a better way to celebrate Leigh’s life and have her memory passed throughout generations to come.
For more information, please Visit the page here. This is exciting way honor Leigh. Please donate if you can, or just share on social media. Please help us spread the word!
Thank you to everyone who has sent me emails, messages, and cards. I’m amazed and have never felt so loved in such a hard time!