Chloe

My tribute to Chloe Blohm (1991-2012)

“Anything is possible if you believe!” -Chloe Blohm

This was my friend Chloe. Chloe had Muscular Dystrophy. I've never met anyone like this sweet girl in my life. She was so free and so incredibly brave. She was empowered by a little body she could not move. She could not walk. She could only slightly move her neck and her hands.

And, she was an artist - a painter, a writer, a poet, a funny-girl, a believer, a teacher. She was so intelligent, such an old and beautiful soul.

Chloe just passed away this year. She was 19 years old. I want to share her message now. She did her best to do the same while she was here. Her message was belief in one's self and compassion for another. Her message was hope. Chloe spoke to children at elementary schools regularly. She encouraged these young people to practice compassion for those who are different - to be kind, to treat others the way you would wish to be treated. An angel she was. She was a vocal chord for Love, a voice I will forever listen to until my day too has come. Chloe believed in herself and she loved her life. Her tiny arms were decorated in tattoos and she sported a different hair color every other month - black, platinum-blonde, red. She made the best of her short life, a life she lived on only borrowed time.

And, she asks us to make the best of ours, to believe in ourselves no matter how different we are - no matter how broken we are. Paint a picture, sing a song, write your story...just believe. Live. That's what Chloe did.

We're all on borrowed time. So, we have to learn to live like we're dying. There's no better way to live...before we die. And, we all die. Then what? Now's our chance to make a difference in people's lives, to reach out, to give and to love.

I went on a hike yesterday, it was such a beautiful day. A girl walked by wearing a shirt that read,

"Love to be Free."

Only love can set us free... and free we can be.

Dear Chloe,

Where ever you've moved on to...may your Light and sweet soul shine on forever, and may Heaven bless you now with the freedom to dance. Rest in peace lovely.

A painting by Chloe...