Meet Hope. Hope Fredregill.

If I haven’t already told you, crying is a verb I’ve been reluctant to exercise in front of others.

A gut punch to the stomach, tears well up like dew drops in the corner of eyelids and I bite my tongue – Do anything but cry, Taylor. Anything but cry.

After years of teaching myself numbness, I’m finally on my trail of embracing tears. It’s uncomfortable at times, but it is truly a blessing of a path to travel.

If you’ve ever been in the presence of someone who can openly cry, who doesn’t turn and hide when tears trickle down cheeks, you know that it’s beautiful. Or at least I hope you do.

For in a world of all this chest puffing – this, I throw tires around, sleep for five hours a day, don’t have time to sit and talk because my schedule is booked for the next six weeks… We drain our spirit, choosing to take up the bricklaying of a fortress body where emotions aren’t allowed to escape.

For those who can be real and honest, who give us the gift of remembering what it’s like to be authentic -to overflow when we’re joyful, in pain or longing- thank you.

The person I want to thank the most is Hope.

I don’t think that Hope would mind me saying that she has been blessed with the gift of crying. From first hello, you can sense her tender spirit.

When I’m around Hope, I soften. It’s like she invites some part of my soul to awaken, to breathe life into the raw, to share that rawness with others.

I’ve cried with Hope in the passing of loved ones, been there for tears when life’s turbulence jilt us, held hands when changes in relationships left stomach stabbing hollow.

While I haven’t always been able to reciprocate the gift of shedding tears, I treasure every time I’m with her because she teaches me to be me. And me isn’t a smiling stone statue. She has taught me that I am strong when I am tender.

I haven’t been her only student. For those she has befriended, worked with, smiled at in passing, I think they’d say the same.

People try juice cleanses for a detox. I recommend finding a friend like Hope.

Hope is a Strong Girl in this world, but she can tell us more of her story herself…

Hope is a phenomenal singer and ukelele player. Definition of a double threat.

How does the word “movement” fit into your life, especially any changes that have happened over the last few months?

Movement definitely fits into my life right now with my recent move to Boise, Idaho! This physical move is the next step in moving forward with my career, moving in different directions with relationships, and moving forward with myself.

What are you currently doing and what brought you there?

I am currently in Boise, Idaho starting school to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant. I was brought here because it’s where God put me. Of all the places I could’ve gone, this school encouraged me to come visit, fill out an application, and just like that I was in and ready to start. I have also found a ukulele group to play with, a church to go to, and met up with some wonderful people through online similar interest groups. So far I love it here in Boise and feel like I fit into this city with a small town feel.

What is one goal you have this year?

Since I have never started over in a new town alone before, one big goal for me this year is to make Boise feel like home. So far it’s going well, but sometimes it is hard to force myself to get out there and meet new people, go sit in a coffee shop, or go get something to eat by myself when it would be a lot less effort to sit in my room at my new home. This isn’t like starting college in a new town where there are a bunch of organized activities designed to make people meet each other! I surprised myself by deciding to meet up with some new people here to watch the Boise State football game just to make myself go out and socialize!

 Currently, who/what do you draw inspiration from? When you wake up in the morning, what pops into your head and gets you saying, “Today is my day!”?

I’ve only been here a little over a week, so I think I’ll be more inspired when school and my new job get started. Finally going to school to become exactly what I want will definitely be inspiration. Also, I’m going to continue working as a caregiver, which to me is always a source of motivation since there’s always an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life just by showing up to work.

What is one thing you know to be true? What is your statement of faith that drives you to keep doing what you’re doing?

I know that God put me here, or wherever I am, for a reason, whether it’s just while I’m in Boise for school, or if I’m meant to stay here longer (which wouldn’t surprise me!). I think that each day it’s important to look for something that makes that day worthwhile. Whether it’s doing something for someone else, or getting to do something for yourself, each day has its purpose and adding up all those days gives life a purpose.

What is something new that brings Joy to your life?

My relationships with others are what bring Joy to my life. Each relationship fulfills something different for me. Each person I spend my time with adds something to my life that brings me joy. Whether that is conversation, food, music, laughter, love, etc, I find joy in each person I have the fortunate opportunity to be with, even if that’s now over the phone, online, or in person.

Thank you, Hope, for sharing your beautiful story with us! Boise is so honored to have you shining your light in their city! Your tenderness is a gift. God created you to touch the lives of many!