Goodness Weekly 4.20.26
“Where there is love there is life.”
—Mahatma Gandhi
WHAT’S GOOD
Holding Space: A Sunrise Gathering For Mothers Who Carry Loss
On a morning that can feel tender for many, a space is being created to slow down, breathe deeply, and honor the stories we carry.
This gathering is taking place at Charis Park on Sunday, May 10th—Mother's Day—from 6:45 - 7:45 AM, for mothers who carry loss—whether it's the loss of a child, a partner, a mother, a version of yourself, or something harder to name. This morning is about making room for your grief with compassion.
Led by Grief Yoga expert Nicole Flannery, this 45-minute experience will gently invite movement, breath, and release—offering a way to process what words often cannot. As C.S. Lewis wrote, "Their absence is like the sky, spread over everything," and even within that ache, there can be moments of connection, grounding, and quiet strength.
Afterward, stay for coffee and light bites from the One Another Coffee trailer, and space simply to be—with yourself or alongside others who understand.
You are welcome exactly as you are. There is no expectation here, only presence.
The Feeling of Home
Che Ortiz, Program Manager, One Another Coffee
This past weekend, two of my favorite people got married.
One of them is my best friend, Vanessa. I never remember if it’s been 9 years or 10 but regardless, it feels like we’ve known each other our whole lives. It’s hard to believe there was ever a version of life where we weren’t in it together.
We met in our early twenties, which, if you really think about it, is such a defining time. You’re figuring out who you are. You’re dating, going out, being responsible…being irresponsible. And somehow, we did all of that side by side. We’ve seen so many versions of each other over the years, gone through so much, and pushed through it all together.
For a majority of that time, I felt like I knew Vanessa like the back of my hand. Anytime she met someone new, I’d internally wonder, “Can this person handle a Vanessa?” Better yet, “Do they deserve a Vanessa in their life?”
Until she told me about Chris.
The way she described him: how they met dancing at Brass Monkey, their dogs being twins, both November babies (double Scorpios). It all sounded almost too perfect. I remember having this gut feeling: this really could be her person.
At the time, I was going through a tough chapter of my own, but the more she shared about him, the more I knew I needed to crawl out of my shell and go meet this guy.
I won’t tell the full story of how I met Chris (it involves emo night at Brass Monkey, getting kicked out, and a wig…so if you ever want that story, let’s grab coffee), but not long after, I became pretty much inseparable from both of them.
I got to watch them grow, not just as a couple, but as individuals. They are two of the most genuine, caring, nurturing people I know. The kind of people who share the deepest care for their loved ones or would give the shirt off their back to a stranger without hesitation. And together, that goodness multiplies into something really powerful.
Vanessa became a version of herself that I had always hoped she would get to experience—deeply happy, fully loved, fully seen.
And I can attest to all this because…I lived with them for over a year.
They took me in as a roommate during one of the hardest seasons of my life. I was fresh out of a 6-year-long relationship, starting over, learning how to exist on my own again. And I truly believe that without that time—without that house, without them—I wouldn’t be the person I am today.
Chris and Vanessa
We all three like to joke that I’m their first son.
Me jumping in the back seat of the Subie for something as simple as errands or heading to our favorite bar.
Chris teaching me how to mow the lawn while Vanessa recorded us giggling.
Him walking me through budgeting, taxes, and how to stand up for myself as a woman in business.
Vanessa making me soup when I was sick, or waking me up with a fresh pot of coffee with cinnamon in my favorite mug.
Her dropping everything to get the “good tweezers” for a tiny splinter in my thumb and refusing to stop until it was gone.
Her sage cleanses that honestly feel more like full-blown exorcisms because I’m always going through something that needs cleansing.
And if we’re out and someone makes me uncomfortable? I’m not looking for Chris. I’m sending Vanessa. She is not the one to mess with.
But beyond all the funny moments, it’s the way they’ve always shown up for me.
Loving me at my worst.
Celebrating me at my best.
Holding space for me to fall apart and helping me build myself back up.
What a privilege it’s been to be part of their story. What an honor to be loved by them. And to meet so many incredible people through them. People who reflect the same goodness they carry.
I’ll leave you with one last moment.
It was shortly after I moved in. We were all squeezed onto the 3 seater couch. It was me, Vanessa, Chris, Layla and Lukaku (their two big fur babies) watching some show about ghost hunters. Completely packed in and cozy.
At some point, I fell asleep.
I remember waking up. The TV dimmed, that “Are you still watching?” screen glowing. The house completely silent.
I turn over—everyone else asleep. Peacefully dreaming.
And in that moment, something settled in me that I had never felt before.
The feeling of home.
So I closed my eyes…and stayed there just a little longer.
Everyone cozy on the couch.
Coming Up…
Daily, NYX Yoga & Fitness
Daily, One Another Coffee
Mondays through May 18, 4 - 4:30 PM, Pedal Pals Class, Charis Park
Wednesdays, Mission Compost Pick Up
Thursdays-Sundays, Scott’s Pizza, Charis Park
Saturdays, 9 AM - 1 PM, Sunset Ridge Farmers Market, Charis Park
Sundays, Worship at Sunset Ridge Church
Friday, April 24, Office closed for Battle of Flowers
Saturday, April 25, 9 AM - 1 PM, City Nature Challenge, Charis Park
Friday, May 1, 6 - 9 PM, Full Moon Friday, Charis Park
Saturday, May 9, 8 AM - 1 PM One Another Coffee Birthday Celebration
Sunday, May 10, 6:45 AM - 7:45 AM, Holding Space: A Sunrise Gathering For Mothers Who Carry Loss, Led by Grief Yoga expert Nicole Flannery, Charis Park
Event Rentals - Interested in hosting your event at Charis Park or in our facilities? Please email rentals@sunset-ridge.org
Community Partners: For updated schedules and events please follow One Another Coffee, Sunset Ridge Farmers Market, NYX Wellness, Scott’s Pizza, Mission Compost, Sprouts School, Good Acres, and Community First Food Pantry.
Inhale: I receive this love
Exhale: I become whole
