As many of you know, RainKite was created through a series of fortuitous events. Most notably, it was a casual introduction from a mutal friend. My friend Steph called and told me that I just had to meet her friend Janelle...that I would love her. And indeed, I did.
Let's back up, Janelle and both moved to Lee's Summit in 2006, and Stephanie Vest introduced us to each other...an instant friendship was born. Stephanie and Janelle were already friends through their spouses' work, and now we all lived in the same subdividsion. It was Wisteria Lane (but without the drama).
Since we were stay-home-moms and had children of similar ages, we spent many hours together. Our families cooked-out together, we had play dates, we drank wine, we laughed, we watched our kids grow, and we enjoyed pregnancy together. In fact, we were all three pregnant with our third kids at the very same time. It was a beautiful, magical time in our lives - but like most everything, it was temporary. Sweet Stephanie died just a few short weeks after her baby girl was born following a devestating diagnosis with a rare form of cancer.
Fast forward to 2011 - Janelle and I are proud to serve on the board of the Stephanie Vest Foundation which raises money for other parents facing similar cancer issues. We honor the memory of our dear friend, who was both beautiful inside and out. To learn more about the foundation please visit: The Stephanie Vest Foundation
The most important lesson that was learned from Steph's short time on Earth, was to live beautiful. Everything that she touched had a special sparkle to it. (Both literally and figuratively!) The French call it "je ne sais quoi" - An intangible quality that makes something distinctive or attractive. In her memory, we encourage you to live bold. Live brave. Live humble. Live graceful. Live beautiful.
We hope to see you on Sunday, October 9th, 2011 in Lee's Summit, Missouri, for the 3rd annual Pink Laundry 5k to benefit this fabulous foundation.
xoxo-
k