Vance.

Even saying his name brings a soft ache — a reminder of a life gone too soon and a mother’s heart forever changed.

This week, I had the honor of being asked by my dear friend Kris to go with her to a hearing in honor of her beautiful 17-year-old son, Vance, her youngest of five children. I know he holds the most special place in her heart. Nearly two years have passed since his tragic accident, and the ache forever remains — an ache only a mother can truly understand.

It all began with a simple text from Kris the day before: “What are you doing around 1:30 tomorrow?”

The moment I read it, I felt it deep in my soul — I may need to make myself available. And I’m so grateful I did.

The next day, she arrived with a gift in hand — a cute top she thought would fit me better than it did her. That’s just who Kris is. Even on one of her hardest days, her heart still found room to give.

Together, we sat quietly in the courtroom as the young man responsible for the car accident entered a guilty plea for involuntary manslaughter. The sentencing date was set for January 22nd — my angel number, 2-2-2, woven once again into a moment that felt heaven-sent. After all, I had prayed for strength that surpasses all understanding!

That morning, I had asked one of my color clients — who’s also a dear friend — if she could come in a little earlier. That small shift opened my schedule perfectly to align with Kris. It wasn’t coincidence; it was divine timing.

The courtroom was heavy with silence and emotion. When Kris reached for my hand during the plea, we both broke. Her tears carried the kind of pain only a mother who’s buried her child could know. Mine came from a place of love, empathy, and a quiet wish that I could absorb even a fraction of her hurt.

Afterward, as we stepped outside, Kris expressed how sad she felt for the young man and for his family — how none of this would ever be easy for anyone involved. Her ability to hold compassion in the midst of heartbreak reminded me once again that she’s one of the strongest and most forgiving women I know.

Her kids are close in age to ours, and we’ve known each other for years — but it wasn’t until Vance’s passing that our long-term friendship truly deepened. There’s something sacred about the way grief forges connection — it strips away the small talk and leaves only honesty, presence, and grace.

A kind stranger in the courtroom noticed our tears and quietly handed us a box of tissues. No words, just compassion — the purest form of love. That small act felt like a gentle reminder that even in our hardest moments, there are still kind souls placed around us.

Kris has shared how difficult it’s been to believe in the good Lord since losing her boy. And I understand. Life can shake the very foundation of what we think we know.

When I was a teenager, I was in a life-altering car wreck myself. It changed everything. But through that wreckage, I found my way back to faith. I found myself believing in the good Lord more than ever. He knows our hearts — and He knows exactly where our stories are meant to lead. That experience taught me that even in shattered moments, there can be light — and that every day we’re given is an invitation to squeeze the joy out of life, whether it’s good, bad, or somewhere in between.

After the hearing, we sat in her car, quiet and tearful, sharing space only long-term friends can. Then Kris pointed to the time glowing on her dashboard — 2:22. My angel number again. A whisper from heaven that love, connection, and faith always show up right when they’re meant to.

I had been a little bummed thinking I wouldn’t make it to the closing for one of our real-estate clients — who happens to be one of Kris and Eric’s adult children. But somehow, it all worked out. I squeezed in a quick lunch with my hubby, and then we divided and conquered — I ran to the bank to meet them and drop off a basket of housewarming goodies to celebrate such a special moment, while Johnny headed to meet them right after for the final walk-through of their new-to-them home.

Even after such an emotional morning, I found the strength to be a light where I was needed. I put on my happy face and celebrated another milestone for a young man in the same family — one step forward in life, in the face of so much adversity. He had no idea what had unfolded just hours before, and that somehow made the moment even more meaningful — a quiet reminder that joy and sorrow can coexist, and that both are part of our human story.

When we returned to the salon after the hearing, I unlocked the door to run inside and grab my phone. Kris hadn’t pulled away yet. I suddenly felt a nudge — that I should take her some of Suru’s fresh flowers still waiting inside, meant for someone who needed their spirits lifted. I picked the bouquet with the deepest purple blooms — Vance’s favorite color — and ran them out to her car.

Kris told me she was heading back to work, making herself available to cover while her co-worker ran to pick up her kiddos from school. She’s such a warrior — strong, selfless, and determined to show up for others even after one of the hardest mornings of her life. That moment reminded me again why I admire her so deeply.

It felt like a small but sacred act, a closing note on a day filled with pain, presence, and grace.

Today, I want to take a moment to tell my four beautiful kids — Keith, Landon, Ike, and Aleah — how deeply I love you. And to my husband, Johnny, and our incredible network of family, friends, and friends who have become family, you are my heart’s greatest blessing.

So here’s what’s on my heart: be the friend you are called to be.

Show up when someone needs you — even if all you can offer is your hand. Tell the ones in your life you love them. Stay open to the gentle ways God moves through your days. Because sometimes the smallest shift in your schedule is exactly what brings you into the moment you were made for.

Last night called for an early bedtime and some much-needed self-care. I woke this morning with a renewed spirit and strength, and the right words coming to me — words to share this story, to honor my friend, and to remind us all that even through heartbreak, love still wins.

The image that accompanies this post is a selfie of me holding the sweater Kris gifted me — because the timing simply wasn’t right to ask for a photo on one of her hardest days. Sometimes the moments that matter most are the ones we keep sacred, just between hearts.

Stay Rosy, Amber 🤍🤟💗🌹💜

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