Grace is a woman whose life has taken many twists and turns.  I once told her that to hear her life story, one would believe she was really talking about several people or lifetimes.  From a very early age, Grace would face challenges and obstacles to living (what she refers to as) a "regular" or carefree life.  Specifically, she learned how to survive and compensate for learning disabilities,  in spite of being told she was not smart enough to go to college.  (She would go on to earn a BS degree with a 3.8 GPA and later on a graduate degree). 

Grace followed her dreams and was not afraid to move out of her comfort zone.   She pursued several careers, both in traditional and non-traditional roles, often being told:  "oh you won't be able to do x, y or z...".  Grace never listened, she just never believed that a "no" was the truth. 

As I have witnessed her life over many years, I have been consistently amazed that with each turn, she dares to say "yes".  She somehow always finds the courage to try new things on behalf of opening her heart to live more fully.  Whatever challenges she faces, ultimately she does so with the belief that there is always a gift to be received and/or given, even when there is pain and suffering. 

Grace has the extraordinary capacity to live life to the fullest, whatever it may bring.  She may experience a depression, or doubt in the darkest hours, but  she rallies and comes back ready to see a new possibility. 

The lotus flower is a favorite of hers because there is such magnificence in it's simplicity, and yet it's roots are buried in mud.  Grace claims that this is an analogy for her life;  it may get thick, muddy and murky, but there is a beautiful flower waiting to blossom as long as she believes in herself, understands that the mud in her life is a nurturing gift, and she continues to live from her heart.    Grace...I think this is the perfect name for her!