Remembering Paula and how she truly had a gift of bringing color into one's life, like a butterfly!        Missed dearly! 

Paula was my pathways worker & she was also a good friend, happy birthday 🎂 & I miss U Lots!

Thinking, reflecting and remembering my dear friend Paula today.

What reminds you of Paula?

Walking in the woods, watching the water ripple across a lake, listening to the birds and other sounds in nature, walking through a garden of beautiful flowers, digging in the dirt, just sitting outside taking in everything nature has to offer and at the end of the day taking in the sunset followed by gazing up at the stars in the silent night. Everything in nature reminds me of Paula. Music is another, Paula shared her love of Irish music with me. I had never listen to this type of music before meeting Paula and now I find it can calm me and ground my soul when I am not at my best. Paula introduced to me so many powerful life giving, life freeing exercises to nurture one’s soul, a gift I cherish.

What made Paula different from most?

So many things I could jot down here but simply said, Paula’s heart for others. She was loving, kind, genuine …., always giving her best to others.  Her acceptance of you for who you are, always encouraging one to reach higher but reminding you to love and accept yourself for where you are because wherever you are, is enough.  She always used the word "wisdom", find your truth and that is your wisdom, stand tall in that whatever it may be.

What act of kindness did you witness?

Paula showered me with kindness and love. She walked with me through darkness and never abandoned me even though it was not her burden to carry, she did. She left a light on for me until I could find my way back to the lighted path and the impact was my life. Paula will forever have a place in my heart!  Never forgotten, forever missed!

“You make a living by what you get, you make a life by what you give.” Winsted Churchill                          Paula gave more than she took and certainly made lives better for it. 

 To Paula -Thank you! Love you! Miss you! Until we meet again, my friend, until we meet again! 🤍 Julie

My journey with Paula was short but one of the most meaningful relationships I have encountered in my life.  Paula and I met in the fall of 2016 on a professional level.  She was my therapist to start.  When I walked through her doors for the first time I never imagined how much my life would change.  She was patient, kind, understanding, and loving.  She walked with me and allowed me to travel at my own pace through my hurt, never judging and always finding and showing me the positive in things.  She provided a lifeline for me, that I needed, when I could not stand on my own and had no one to turn to.

My first impression of Paula, here is a person of great strength and inner peace, and how I would love to find that sweet spot in my own life.  Paula helped me find that strength and inner peace, she helped me to see that I can love myself and see myself as good and worthy but that it comes from within, what she would call the "wise self  " that is in all of us.

Our relationship grew into a friendship and I saw even more of that great armor of strength, perseverance that was within Paula, that compassion for others in need, giving attention to their feelings and troubles, and always wishing the best for them. It may not have been professional to become friends but I am so grateful that God didn't see it that way and He allowed our paths to cross into a friendship.  Paula said she had received care from someone that went outside their professional restraints for her and she paid it forward to me, blessed was I.  She said, God plants people in our lives for His own reasons and we don't know why at the time or realize how much we need them, but He does and He makes it to just be. 

Although our time was short, Paula would say to me, "Julie, we go way back."  Our shared love for the outdoors led us to many walks with her dog at the dog park, music was music to both of our souls and we shared our favorites back and forth, our souls touched and I am grateful to have shared time and a friendship with Paula.  Paula brought light into my world and my hope is that I return some light back to her!  Forever missed here, but in my heart always until we meet again!  

Happy Heavenly Birthday Paula!  

My angel friend in Spirit, walk the trail with me on the 7th!                                                                                           

Words that popped up on my phone the other day and I can hear Paula saying them......

No matter who you are.  I hope you know that in the times you are lonely.  In the times you feel broken and beaten to the ground.  Know.  That you are someone.  That you are important.  That you are just as special and as rare and as beautiful as anyone else.  Know that things will get better.  And know that life is not meant to be easy.  That it is meant to put you through the harshest things.  No matter who you are.  Know your place.  Know your significance.  You are loved.  You are needed.  Know this.  Even in your darkest times.       (.....All things sunflower.)

We’ll all miss Paula! She was a great person, friend, neighbor & always cared about the people around her. When Angie & I moved in as her next door neighbor at the end of Jan. 2000, she was the first person to greet me at the mailbox as we were unloading the UHaul. Said hello, I’m Paula, within minutes of us moving in. First impressions are big & she made a big one!

She was always so forgiveful when our dogs (in the past-Rocky & Belle), & now Flynn & Dixie yapped their mouths at the fence when she was outside doing yard work…as I would go outside to get the dogs to stop barking, she would say “that’s ok I don’t mind them barking, I actually enjoy it”. 

It doesn’t stop there, when Brittany & Danni were a few years old even to 5 or 6 years old…they would be over at Paula’s digging in the dirt or coloring on paper that Paula provided, we’d go over & said ok come on we’re going shopping & she would say that’s ok, I don’t mind & would offer to watching them while Angie & I went shopping for an hour or two.

Yet another one?! Ok! A couple buddies of mine would come over & we’d try to play some music in the basement while having some beers & she would always asked me why don’t you get in to the garage so people can hear you? My response, we’re not that good & we’re just having a good time doing what we love & have a few beer (sometimes too many!). Her response…no one can hear you in the basement, you have to come up to the garage level so people can hear your music. Truth!

Paula will be missed, not only by family & friends (as I’d imagine with any loss) but neighbors & anyone else’s life she’s touched. She was truly one of a kind. The world needs more people like Paula!

We knew Paula for the last 22 years,(not that we talked everyday) but we are truly sorry for her/your loss. Those that knew her & all the other peoples lives she touched, she WILL be one of the brightest stars in heaven! I know that without a doubt!!!🙏🏻