I don’t know the exact date, but if I had to guess I’d say this story takes place about ten years ago. I was sitting on a bench at the gym, taking a quick break from my work out, when an old friend approached me to chat. I had known Michelle my whole life, in fact, her father was my father’s old business partner and was best man at my parents wedding. Michelle was even my first crush, which was something I had never even shared with her.
At that time, years ago, my wife and I were still involved in our baby food company, Sweetpea Baby Food, which was the brainchild of Tamar and her childhood friend, Eryn. In just under a year they had brought this frozen organic baby food to market and were realizing modest success from it and Michelle approached me, wanting to pick my brain. Michelle had been a vegan for some time and had visions of producing a line of organic, vegan salad dressings. I explained to my old friend the challenges associated with retail food products and why it was tough to make money from them. I also explained that the vegan market, at the time, was small and probably would be tough to break into. I wasn’t trying to be a ‘Debbie Downer’; I was just trying to be honest about what I knew about the industry.
However, my words did not discourage Michelle and I’ll be the first to admit that I was so relieved she didn’t take my advice. Instead, Michelle forged ahead, spoke to others who knew more about the vegan space and executed her vision masterfully. She had a dream and took the necessary steps to follow it through. She was a true inspiration.
Last week I attended Michelle’s funeral. Writing that sentence is still a little surreal for me. Hundreds of people gathered to say good-bye to this stunning woman. She was a mom to two amazing kids, a sister, a daughter and an accomplished business woman. As I sat in the funeral my mind wandered back to that day at the gym and I am so relieved Michelle followed her instinct and not what I had recommended. This incredible woman leaves her legacy behind in the form of her children and her business. She lived her life on her terms and passed away having followed her dreams.
It got me to thinking, how many of us will leave this earth having followed our dreams?
Michelle’s death has taught me a lot and the perspective I’ve gained from it will not be fleeting. No, these lessons will stay with me throughout my life and I will continue to live my dream, follow my heart and do what makes me happy.
Life is too short not to.
The next time someone asks me for some advice, I will still continue to give my honest opinion, but use the example of my old friend Michelle who was unstoppable in following her dream.
For more information about Michelle’s incredible products go to Michellesrawfoodz.com.
You will be missed, my friend.
Chef JW
