Celebrating Carpe Diem Day
National Carpe Diem Day is February 26th. It’s no coincidence that that’s also my birthday – my friends and family gifted me with this special day 6 years ago on my 60th birthday. The day was in tribute to my friend, Craig Dunham, who taught me so much about resilience and living life fully.
I’ve been celebrating… basically every day… with friends and family. After all, as the founder of Carpe Diem Day, it’s a responsibility, right?
Carpe Diem Day Superhero – Ronald Richard Garcia
Ronald Richard Garcia was a true example of kindness and generosity. Even though we never met in person, he was one of my biggest supporters. Whether I was hosting a fund-raiser or simply posting a family picture, Ron always had a thoughtful comment to share.
I was so sad to read that Ron had passed away in February. The world will miss his positive energy.
Last year, Ron was the first to donate for the Alzheimer’s Association Longest Day fund-raiser that I held. Here’s the poem I wrote for my “Keep Memories Alive” book to thank him:
For Ronald Richard Garcia
Though we’ve never met face-to-face,
Your kindness fills a digital space.
From every post to each reply,
You lift us up, you amplify.
Support like yours is rare to find—
A thoughtful soul, so sweet, so kind.
For memory’s sake, you play your part—
With every word, you warm a heart.
Thank you, Ron. You Keep Memories Alive.
A New Carpe Diem Connection – Yvette Erasmus
This year on Carpe Diem Day, thanks to a serendipitous mistake, I discovered another Yvette who writes and speaks about communication and connection!
On February 26th, I usually google “Carpe Diem Day” to see who might be celebrating, and this year, an article came up that listed Yvette Erasmus as the founder.
After a bit more research, it turned out that National Days Calendar had mistakenly attributed Yvette Erasmus as the founder with a totally incorrect backstory. I was able to get the story corrected, and also connect with Yvette Erasmus. Her podcast, Conversations from the Heart, is a new favorite of mine!
Last month I’d read the book, Doppelganger, in which Naomi Klein and Naomi Wolf are confused with one another. I thought, “Yvette Erasmus is MY doppelganger.” How fun that she’s someone who writes and speaks on topics that I’m passionate about, in such an intelligent and articulate way!
Carpe Relationem – Seize the Relationship
Though Carpe Diem Day hasn’t exactly gained much fame, I’m proud to feel it will still be on those Special Day calendars after I’m gone.
I’ve learned that “seizing the day” doesn’t have to be about grand bucket-list adventures. New experiences are wonderful, but what makes the day special is the people you spend it with.
This Carpe Diem Day, I’m grateful for all the wonderful birthday greetings I received, for celebrations with family and friends, the kindness of virtual friends like Ron and new connections I make like Yvette.
I had no idea you would be back in town for your birthday! 😣