The Greatest Gift

Pause to appreciate times shared with family

Family in its many forms, both blood and soul, both given and chosen—what a special theme for this issue. While I write this letter, I am filled with both a warm heart and a few tears for those who are no longer with me physically but are always in my heart.

As I look back at my experience in this beautiful community, I have always believed it is our people that define us as both a destination and a place to call home. Beyond the physical beauty of our surroundings, the most beautiful gift we have is a resilient, courageous, and loving community.

We support each other in areas of growth, celebrate together, provide wisdom to inspire healing, and share resilience through challenges. It’s hard to put into words, but when you’re here, you feel it. It’s a feeling of safety and love, but even more so, it’s a place where you feel like you belong. 

The stories in this issue are people I have had the pleasure to learn from, be inspired by, and in some cases am lucky enough to call chosen family. The Mignot family, who are unapologetically themselves and love with every fiber of their being, exemplify compassion, resilience, and joy. Everything they touch is not only beautiful visually, but their energy elevates every moment. You can feel that same energy in the art they create. While I attended their twentieth anniversary gathering to unveil a new documentary about their family legacy, matriarch Wendy shared a heartwarming speech about the love of her life, Jean. After sharing so many beautiful details, she concluded by saying, “It may not be perfect, but it’s worth it.” 

Those words are a beautiful reminder that the best things in life take effort, and it’s so important not to lose sight of the people who mean the most to you. Your chosen family is a gift, and their bond is an inspiration. 

I was lucky enough to spend a few years of my life dating a man with three beautiful children, learning from their beautiful minds and hearts. Even though I am now in a new chapter in my life, the times spent with that chosen family and the gift of their love have certainly impacted the capacity of my own heart, and for that and so many more lessons, I’m grateful. 

I spoke recently with Nicole Paloma, another incredible artist and beautiful soul featured in this issue, about the interesting journey we all go through in life. We are always losing people (and if we are lucky, most of that loss occurs when we are older). Friendships or relationships may have their season. We live through the death of loved ones—both too young and those who lived a full life on this earth. It’s inevitable: The people we care about most will come and go, and I try to find gratitude for the memories they gave me. Should tears fall from missing them, I embrace those tears and remember they are evidence of the gifts I’ve been given. How lucky are we?

May this issue inspire you to slow down and spend uninterrupted time with all the family you have, whether given or chosen. I believe the moments we share with those around us are the greatest gift, if we stay present enough to notice them.  

Much love,

McKenzie Burleigh