The world lost a rare shining star, and I lost a best friend of mine, sweet Natasha, to a cruel 16-month battle with cancer. Every moment of her life, she illuminated the ground she walked on with love, passion, and playfulness. 

As fate would have it, Natasha and I met while we were both living and working in Paris in 2013. She, a posh, classy gal from London, and I, a regular yankee from PA, put aside our colonial differences and became fast friends. We danced and ate our way through the city of love, and created a bond I will cherish forever.  

We painted the town red…walking marathons through museums, soaking up sun in the Tuileries, and sharing divine dinners (greatly helping each other grow our “Best Meals I’ve Ever Had” lists we both kept!)

Since then, we met up wherever and whenever we could, always doing the most: 
⁃Food tours & oysters, always
⁃Belly laughs and making emoji faces IRL
⁃California road trip - Tash’s first time in the US
⁃Sunsets, hiking, biking, skiing, beaches
⁃Comedy shows, concerts, performances
⁃Figuring out together we both love white asparagus and have the same favorite olive…?
⁃Movies, cards, art, pie & mash, Christmas pudding with the Turner family & their pup Alfie

I always admired Natasha for doing what many dream of but never dare to do, quitting corporate life to travel the world and find greater fulfillment. She taught me to stay curious and seek adventure, and I’ll always carry that with me, for her.

I am grateful to have spent a week with my girl and her incredible family last holiday season, getting a glimpse into her world and her fight against so much unknown. What I saw was a fierce warrior, never defined by her cancer, but instead, bravely living with presence, humility, resilience, light, generosity, and a determination to never let anyone else carry the burden of her disease.

Here are some shots that capture Natasha’s true essence. Especially check out the end video. It’s of a scrapbook Natasha made for ME during my visit as a total surprise while she was dealing with some sleepless nights. 

Natasha, I am so, so, so very lucky to have known you, and I will love you, always.

Rest in peace and power, my girl <3