Find Your Tribe

This past weekend, my family and I traveled to Stamping Ground, KY under the most heartbreaking circumstances. My Uncle Killis, an avid cancer fighter & cancer overcomer for the past 13 years, passed away and went Home late last week. When I first heard the news, I was devastated. My Uncle Killis – the one with the best hugs, the “funny Uncle”, the one who was always smiling – gone. My mom called me & told me on my lunch break at work. She told me she hated to tell me over the phone, but she wanted me to know. Cold pizza in hand, my throat got tight and my eyes welled with tears. There in the modern black and silver break room on the second floor of my work, I sat…devastated. “No…it doesn’t feel real,” were the only words I could choke out.  

I was dreading going. Not for fear, not for myself, but because I didn’t want to see my family hurting. My three cousins and my Aunt Melani are some of the strongest people…and to see them hurting hurt me. 

I learned something about my uncle this weekend. He was very clearly the Class Clown of his group of friends. He was always causing mischief, making everyone laugh, and leaving people on the edge of their seats with whatever prank he was going to come up with next. He was part of a group of friends who called themselves “The Tribe.” This will stick with me forever.

Various members from The Tribe spoke at his funeral telling the sweetest, funniest, happiest memories. Killis gave wisdom, brought smiles, eased the tension, and absolutely loved life – it was evident in the testimonies of his friends. 

I got to thinking. Everyone needs their own Tribe. A group of friends who support you, hold you accountable, laugh with you, cry with you, and everything in between. What’s life without a Tribe? I don't want to go on without knowing any longer. I don’t think you’re ever too old to find yours. I know Killis would’ve wanted the best for everyone he loved. I know he would’ve wanted us to all have our own Tribe.

Get out there, make friends, and find your Tribe. Thank you, Killis, for your legacy. You loved big, you celebrated happily, you made everyone feel at ease; so many people respected the man you were. The things your friends said about you have inspired me to be the best person I know how to be, and to get out there and find my Tribe.