In a time filled with hustle and bustle, the wisdom my mother shared decades ago still resonates deeply: "Life isn't just about reaching your destination; it's about savoring the journey, the people you meet, and the places you experience along the way." As I navigate the ever-evolving landscape of my career and personal growth, this insight remains etched in my heart.
Today, I want to share a story that embodies this timeless wisdom.
Meet Laura Clancy, a dynamic young colleague who worked as a public relations account executive in New York City. Laura was a vivacious redhead with sparkling eyes, an appetite for life and a perpetual smile that brightened any room. Beyond her professional accomplishments and growing experience as a leader, she held family close to her heart.
When she received the devastating news in 2000 that her sister, Karen, was battling cancer, Laura made a life-altering decision. She resigned from her agency position, putting her career on hold to care for her ailing sister. Laura’s actions spoke volumes about her commitment to "Family First," a principle she lived by rather than one merely talked about.
Life's journey rarely follows a straight and uneventful path, and Laura understood this truth well. She embraced the unexpected detours that life presented.
Picture a chilly winter morning in Massachusetts, snow softly blanketing the landscape. Undaunted by the weather, Laura embarked on daily distance runs, dedicating herself to the rigorous training required for the 2001 Baltimore Marathon. This event symbolized her resurgence, a momentous step towards rekindling her career. Her determination and unwavering spirit were evident in every step she took.
However, on that fateful marathon day in October, just shy of the finish line, Laura experienced dizziness and exhaustion. Many marathon runners refer to this moment as hitting "the wall." Laura sought medical attention, but tragically, she never regained consciousness. It was discovered that a blood clot in the base of her brain had cut short her promising life at the tender age of 29.
A close friend and our wonderful colleague, Ray Kerins, at the time poignantly described Laura as a compassionate and joyful individual, a remarkable PR professional, and someone whose absence would be deeply felt.
On a sunny day in Milford, Massachusetts, friends and family gathered at St. Mary's, Laura's childhood church, to say their goodbyes. Laura was laid to rest nearby, having completed a remarkable race. As they remembered her journey and celebrated her well-lived but too-short life, they were reminded of the beauty found in life's fleeting moments.
The years pass quickly. When I’m in Manhattan, I always walk over to have a quiet dinner at Wollensky’s Grill at 49th Street and 3rd Avenue. It’s been one of my favorite haunts for decades. I never visit without stopping in reverence at a display near the bar where the restaurant honors those who it refers to as “Absent Friends,” the dead whose memories live on.
Absent friends. Time marches on and the list grows. We remember them. Life unfolds through their stories and experiences we share with others, especially in the tumultuous times we face during the Holiday Season.
Laura's story encourages us to cherish our loved ones, celebrate the journey, and find strength in the face of adversity. It underscores the importance of living authentically, embracing life's twists and turns, and valuing the people who journey alongside us. It reminds us that, ultimately, it's the journey itself that shapes our lives and leaves a lasting impact.
As we navigate our own journeys, may we always remember Laura's indomitable spirit and the enduring message she leaves behind: Enjoy the journey; the destination will arrive in its own time.
