Wisdom from My Sister

Wisdom from My Sister Lori

It’s been a very long three months for myself and my family. We went from a question of ‘What’s this bump’ to a series of ‘celebration of life’ ceremonies with many trips to emergency in between.

My sister, Lori May Kloesel was wise and warm, understated and perennially kind and generous. Lori’s loving, calming presence was always grounded, and always sprinkled with good humor and deep acceptance. Below are the top ten words of wisdom I learned from her.  

1. Life is Fleeting.

Lori practiced the grace of wisdom, learning directly and indirectly from what life had to offer. She taught me that we shouldn’t count on having a day, a month, a decade more than we’ll get. For life can be fickle and fleeting, and life can hit you from any direction.

2. Put your People first. 

Lori’s tagline was ‘It’s always about your people.’ She selected many to be her people, including her husband, her five kids, her many friends and family. She always puts her people first, making them feel like they are important, valued, supported and loved. (This was true even if she didn’t agree with our current choices.)

3. Focus on the Being, Rather than the Doing.

While I’ve always been the ‘do-er’, Lori has generally been the ‘being’. She is the wiser of us both.   

4. Laugh through the Tears.

Lori regularly connected deeply with people, laughing and crying through life’s joys and trials.

5. What’s Mine is Yours.

Anything and everything Lori owned would be readily and eagerly gifted to any of her people who asked. Her generous and warm spirit lives on in all of her children. 

6. Practice Patience. 

Lori had the patience to raise five wonderful and diverse children, make joong (a sticky rice dish wrapped in bamboo leaves), perfect a roasted pork recipe, nurture a thriving garden, sew meticulous patterns, and endure and live on through life’s twists and turns, ever with grace. 

7. Choose Calmness and Kindness to all. 

Lori’s sweetness and generosity, kindness and calmness was contagious and touched us all. 

8. Live Life with Relish.

Lori lived her life with gusto, enjoying great food, traveling, skiing, gardening, sewing and taking many adventures with family and friends.

9. Share Your Stories.

Lori tells us that our stories keep the memories going, and help share the wisdom of those who came before us. Please share yours with those you love.

10. Family - those that you’re born to and those who adopt you - is everything.

Make time for your family and friends today. And share Lori’s wisdom.

May the wisdom from my sister spread to you and those you love.