Alex is the person I can call when I need a laugh or a pep talk or a good story. When we met, she was in her early 20s, on a date every night, searching for the one. When the D.C. dating pool became especially shallow, she moved to LA, married a television producer, started a business, had a baby, and constructed a life. But it wasn’t built to last.
After her divorce, she was bruised, wandering, holding her business and her life together by her fingernails, all while co-parenting her daughter with a father who shared none of her values. Leaving was better than staying. That didn’t mean it was easy.
Then, came Dave.
“I loved him from the moment we met.
Dave was a farmer. He was really, really good at growing things. Not just on the farm, but in life. He could look at something or someone and know exactly what it needed. He supported, he built, he fixed, he showed up. He helped me grow in ways I didn’t even know I needed.”
Dave was a dedicated father, and together, Alex and Dave modeled the kind of relationship everyone hopes their child has someday — loving, thoughtful, supportive, kind. To watch my friend find the happiness she deserved was the greatest gift, from the first day til the last.
On Saturday, Dave passed away after a year-long battle with colon cancer. He was 41. Dave fought until his last breath, with Alex by his side, to stay with the people he loved on the farm he cherished, but the world is not a just place. Today, it feels especially cruel.
Hug your loved ones. Chase your dreams. Listen to your body, and get screened young and regularly. Donate to those who need it.
We love you, Alex.
+ Millennial feminism is dead. May its tombstone be blush pink. (Atlantic, gift link)
+ Speaking of pink, this punchy swimsuit is so fun for summer.
+ How to complain so that you get results. (WaPo, gift link)
+ Outnet Thrills: A peplum Simkhai top, Max Mara shorts, a Frame spring blouse.
+ Sometimes burnout can have a financial cost. (Self)
+ My favorite wireless weekend bra is great. But my new underwear are better.
+ This salad does the impossible – it makes me want to eat kale.
+ Just landed from Nordstrom is a must visit at The Rack. Snagged this Reiss dress.
+ How a pair of blue blood pretenders crashed the Hamptons. (The Intelligencer)
+ Had to restock my favorite gel eye liner — get the aubergine.
+ Toxic confidence has officially taken over. (NYT, gift link)
+ 30% off site wide at Splendid. I live in this t-shirt dress all summer long.
+ A home designer offers six ways to get unstuck about your space. (Substack)
+ Finally organized Sloane’s hair accessories in this carrying case.
+ I have dense breasts. You might too. Here’s what to know about your cancer risk. (The Conversation)
{this post contains affiliate links that may generate commission for the author; the author is also a #nordstrompartner (it’s my life’s greatest accomplishment)}
I am so sorry for your loss of Alex! Too young! RIP