Years ago, I found myself navigating an intense ten-year season of grief.

I mean INTENSE!

I am a wife, mom, high-profile entrepreneur, and community leader. I learned to lead, live, and grieve simultaneously. It occurred to me that I wasn’t the only leader having this experience. I was a columnist writing about leadership during this difficult time. I devoted a column to the topic of leading through grief. It resonated with many leaders. I was told they felt seen.

Grief is isolating. 

Today I find myself navigating a new season of grief. One year ago, my mother, The Honorable Barbara Webber, transitioned from our home to God’s home. She received her wings early morning on July 16, 2024. Watching my mother transition was one of the most powerful moments in my life.

My mother was a remarkable woman leader. She lived a remarkable life. Mommy’s life was devoted to paving the way for future generations. She was generous with time, talent, and treasure. She expected nothing in return but for those she touched to be great.

Her legacy of leadership is forever long, wide, and deep.

Grief is powerful. It suspends you in time, offering a total body experience that causes healing and teaches life lessons.

Here’s what I am learning while living and leading through this new season of profound grief:

• Grief never goes away.
• Grief centers in the spirit. Life grows around it.
• Grief and joy coexist. I frequently laugh hysterically in the midst of my tears.
• Grief is unavoidable. Wherever I go, it follows. It is with me in every aspect of being a wife, mom, grandmother, the President/CEO of Gwen, Inc., and a community leader.
• Grief dissipates as it is absorbed into one’s life. This takes a long time. I must be patient. Grief can’t be rushed.

I know I won’t feel like this forever; however, this is my current personal and professional reality. Given this, I engage in these practices to make it through each day.

• I give myself grace.
• I focus on healing.
• I acknowledge my fragile condition as I stand daily in honor of my mother.
• I live and lead in and on purpose because a purpose-driven woman raised me.

Thank you to everyone who loved my mom, prayed for her, prayed for The Webber Girls, and supported us in word, deed, and action during our mother’s time of transition.

I lean on this quote as I learn to live and lead in a world without my mother:

“Grief is like the ocean; it comes on waves ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim.” -Vickie Harrison

I’ve been swimming for the last year. I want other grieving leaders to know you aren’t in the ocean alone. I am swimming with you, too.

The Honorable Barbara Webber WAS HERE.

The Honorable Barbara Webber IS HERE in my every word, deed, and action.

My mother’s spirit will soar around me all the days of my life. I am my mother’s legacy in action. The rest of my life is devoted to making her proud.