I met Kevin Scharper over a decade ago at his family’s kitchen table. I had a thing for his oldest son. That night in February of 2012 I shared my first meal with him, and little did I know I would go on to spend significant time and space with him at kitchen tables during all the years that followed. We have shared dozens and dozens of meals and conversations since then. But lately, our time together at the kitchen table has been spent in grief. Lately, our time at the table has consisted of missing Riley. My husband, and his son. Kevin is my father in law by definition, but over the course of the last year and a half he has quickly become a safe place to unravel, a listening ear filled with grace and true empathy and his voice of reason and wise counsel has healed my grieving heart on so many level. He means so much to me and I can’t wait for you to meet him. Grab your cup of coffee, and maybe a tissue or two, here is my chat with Riley’s dad, the incredibly wise and witty, Kevin Scharper.

In this episode, we are discussing a topic that many people shy away from, a topic that might make you feel uncomfortable, but I am walking and talking proof that this topic is incredibly important and just plain necessary. This episode we chat about how to get your finances and business in order before you die. Planning for the future isn’t just about making investments or saving for retirement it is also about insuring that your loved ones aren’t left with a financial mess to sort out after your gone. We are going to cover some practical steps you can take to future-proof your finances and business affairs. Making the transition easier for your those that you leave behind, and ultimately give you and your loved ones the gift of peace and security.

There is something valiant to be said about a friend who stands with you on the mountain and grieves with you in the valley… someone who walks out into the wilderness and purposely sits beside you on the desert floor. Someone who voluntarily inserts themselves in your pain, in your suffering, in your anguish. They celebrate the wins in your life BIG, but tough it out through the losses. I have a friend who has done these things, her name is Marie and I can’t wait to tell you all about her. I remember so vividly the nights after losing Riley…when I didn’t even have the energy to physically get up. I was so lost and depressed. Marie would come over after Khloe went to sleep and sit with me on the couch. Side by side in the darkness. She would cry with me, laugh with me, and listen to me late into the night. She prayed for me, she fed me good food, and she grieved beside me, literally. Marie is a picture of what Christ’s hands and feet look like. She’s a picture of grace and love and JOY that only comes from Jesus. Marie CHOOSES to stand beside me, listen to me, and voluntarily inserts herself in my chaos on the regular. She’s the real deal, and I can’t wait for you to meet her.