Choose Joy: Introducing Sara’s Book

I’ve started this blog post a dozen different ways.

Nothing seems good enough.

Some of you might remember my friend Sara, known on the Internet as Gitzen Girl. Sara had an autoimmune disease, was home bound and sadly passed away in 2011.

Thousands were impacted by her blog writing and today a book, of Sara’s writings along with her story written by Mary Carver, releases today. Appropriately titled Choose Joy, it is a must-read for all of us who want to live more joyful, intentional lives.

Sara and I met through the comments here on The Mom Creative and little did I know the impact she would have on my life.

Our friendship began via email, but quickly deepened with almost daily phone calls, skype chats and mail. Sara was incredibly intentional and she did everything 100 percent. She taught me more than she ever realized about friendship, family and living with joy.

Sara was so excited when Adeline was born. Going through old emails I found this one Sara wrote in an email chain with the (in)courage writers after my long labor:

I’m pretty sure I have never been more relieved to see a little face. she is the most beautiful little soul… already turning my heart inside out 🙂

While I was on maternity leave, Elias, Adeline and I, along with my parents had the chance to visit her in Iowa. The few hours we spent together on August 1, 2011 will be treasured all the days of my life. I have a canvas of the below photo of she, Elias and Adeline because it so perfectly captures her, 100% in, 100% joy, 100% love. The same Choose Joy pillow she had on her couch now sits on a chair in my room.

Little reminders of her beautiful life are always with me.

Angie and I, along with baby Adeline, traveled to Iowa for her funeral just two months later. I remember hugging her family, the people Sara had so often talked about, and not believing it was possible that she was gone.

It’s been four years and I still miss her all the time.

And today, with the release of Choose Joy: Finding Hope and Purpose When Life Hurts I am expectant that Sara is going to change even more lives.

This is a message that we need as we start the new year.

Sara lived with incredible physical pain, fought loneliness and could have been really miserable. But instead, she sparkled. She was a loyal, honest and tender friend. She was the kind of person that was always there for you, cheering you on and praying for you.

Sara was very crafty and loved to paint. She made me a canvas with my favorite quote from Mother Theresa, “I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world.” It makes me smile not only because she made it, but because Sara too was a pencil in the hand of God.

You will be deeply moved by this book and I hope you will pick up a copy. If we all lived like Sara, the ripple effect of joy on our families and communities would be immeasurable.

Also, if you have not watched this video of Sara’s story, please do so. (Warning: Have tissues nearby. I can’t get through it without crying.) You’ll hear from Sara’s friends and be even more inspired by how she lived.

Sara, I know you are dancing in heaven today. Can you believe it? Your words are published. You are an author, my friend. I’m so proud of you. I love you.