Sinara and Brad Pitt

No, they weren't an item. Not even close. As a matter of fact, the only thing that Sinara Stull O'Donnell and Brad Pitt have/had in common was Springfield, MO. Brad left to follow his path and find his dream and Sinara went there, leaving hers behind in LA, in order to care for her elderly parents. Actually, they did have something else in common -- both performers, both living someplace in search of an acting career. Sinara did comedy -- stand-up, and she did television -- guest spots on Cheers, General Hospital and To Tell the Truth. Brad left his family, his background, to create a new persona. Sinara had to reinvent herself in Springfield, as well. There were no TV opps here, no agents, no auditions, no more applause, at first. But her mother told her to find her light in Springfield. The same thing that motivated her to act lay within her, only now she had to find another way. And she did. She started going to Toastmasters, a public speaking group, in Springfield, which led her to a new career as a motivational speaker -- with very well paying gigs. She wrote her autobiography, she wrote articles and columns relating to careers and jobs. But, it was a short run. Sinara passed away almost two years ago, leaving a grieving husband, father and about 500 friends. Not many people can say they have 500 friends -- real friends. But she did. She cared about and helped everyone she met. She was responsible for the success of many of her friends, offering encouragement, challenging everyone to go for their dreams. She inspired, motivated and made everyone whose path she crossed feel better for it. When she died after a protracted illness, it was still a shock. She left too soon. She's holding forth in Heaven now, of that I'm sure. Everyone has a purpose; Sinara lived hers. Are you living yours? You don't need to be Brad Pitt to have a great life, you just need to be the best you that you can be. Follow your own light. And I wish for you, my readers, that someday, somewhere, you will find a friend like Sinara. Here's looking at you, kid.

Sinara

One year ago today, my best friend died. Sinara was her name. To say that she was special, is more than a gross understatement. Sinara was an actress, comedienne, motivational speaker, writer and friend to hundreds of people. She wrote a book called "Be the Star of Your Own Life," and she was certainly the star of hers! Wherever she went, there was laughter and fellowship and kindness and joy. She made everyone around her better for having known her. Sin, you would have loved this election, and you wouldn't have believed it!

I just took down the book you gave me, "The Power to Write," and opened, by God's plan, to this quote,

"Tell us the details, Pay tribute to all the everyday & extraordinary things..."
-- Natalie Goldberg

You are remembered and loved. Paula