Dear John,

In August, two weeks before my Mother died, we gave the okay to begin construction on a project we’d envisioned for years. We would transform the unfinished space over our garage into a beautiful healing loft for guests, gatherings, and eventual caregivers should we need them later in life. Had I known my Mother would fall ill, I would have put the project on hold. But that’s life – unpredictable, messy, and always presenting us with opportunities to grow.

Fortunately, we chose the right construction team and that made all the difference. We hired an architect who turned out to be a gifted translator of our vision. A builder with integrity and plenty of experience. And a band of skilled carpenters who saw an opportunity to showcase their best work in a unique experiment that required a meticulous level of detail.

On Friday, we stood together in the space feeling the satisfaction of having collaborated on a meaningful, creative project that will provide a peaceful, healing experience for all who enter.

My husband Michael is calling this loft, which resembles a Gothic chapel, the “Room of Requirement,” based on the magical room at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry from J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. The Room of Requirement is a secret, hidden space that only appears when someone truly needs it. When they do, the room transforms itself into whatever the seeker requires at that moment. It symbolizes Hogwarts’ magic and the theme that help is always there for those who seek it.

I love his idea and it fits with our intention to use this space as a gathering place for meditation, healing circles, and salons that foster intimate conversations about a variety of interesting and provocative topics.

I’ve learned a few important lessons over the last ten months as we juggled the paradox of building something new while in the throes of grief. Expect people to show up for you. Love people rather than worry about whether they’ll do a good job. Trust yourself to handle more than you think you can. And welcome the unseen forces that stand ready to guide you every step of the way.

Last night, as I stood in the space and looked out at the starlit sky, I could feel my Mother beside me. Her death birthed something beautiful, and it’s just what she would have wanted.

Love,
Cheryl

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