Moreau FYE Integration Three Osborn 1 FYE 4 March 2022 A Life Lived Assiduously What is a life well-lived? Karleigh Lynne Osborn was the epitome of living assiduously. Throughout her life, she had the hardest time declining any favors asked of her, even when her to-do list was extensive. Karleigh said yes to the opportunities that fell into her lap and worked hard to earn the opportunities she had to get after and achieve. As someone who despised boredom and loved constantly having a task at hand, Karleigh also understood the importance of taking time to sit still and be present. She recognized that sitting still helps you see through the very idea of pushing forward (“Why We Need to Slow Down Our Lives” by Pico Iyer - Moreau FYE Week One). This phenomena became clear to Karleigh when she arrived at the University of Notre Dame, in August of 2021, to begin her undergraduate studies. It was when she hugged her parents goodbye that she realized life really does go by fast and to enjoy each and every moment God gives as a blessing. Karleigh grew up dreaming about following in her father’s footsteps and becoming an OB/GYN; however, by the time she got to college, her interests flourished and she decided to pursue a career in business. She felt called to this path because she knew it would cater to her strengths and allow her to contribute to a field that so easily has the power to impact the greater good. Karleigh admired prominent figures, like Fr. Ted Hesburgh, during her lifetime. She was inspired by the way Hesburgh could talk across differences in an effort to create trust and a mutual understanding (“Hesburgh” produced by Jerry Bara and Christine O’Malley - Moreau FYE Week Two). Karleigh often asked herself, “Does anybody need me to do it?” This question was posed by Fr. Michael Himes and served as a reminder to Karleigh to live purposefully (“Three Key Questions” adapted from Fr. Michael Himes - Moreau FYE Week Three.) She was passionate about giving back and who she gave back to depended on what those around her needed at that present moment in time. It was important to her to live in the moment and “keep death daily before her eyes.” This was how St. Benedict instructed his monks to live during the sixth century and although it may seem morbid, it kept Karleigh from taking things for granted. Osborn 2 Karleigh was a woman of many interests. She loved to nanny and was very involved with children throughout her life. Running and styling hair were both hobbies she enjoyed on a daily basis and also used to relieve anxiety. She valued engaging in relationships that were personable and would often get coffee or a meal with someone different each week. Karleigh knew that she would be able to take these passions with her in life no matter what kind of job she ended up with. She knew that pursuing a career in the business world would not determine the rest of her life (“Navigating Your Career Journey” - Meruelo Family Center for Career Development - Moreau FYE Week Four). It was important to her to keep this nonrestrictive mindset throughout college and let God guide her. Karleigh’s dad delivered her in the hospital on May 24, 2003 because her doctor was running behind from playing golf and she was too eager to enter into the world. Thankfully, her dad was an OB/GYN. They carried a special bond throughout life and Karleigh relied on her dad for advice and constructive criticism when she knew she needed it. Her dad knew what was important to her, and something he noticed, despite her limited experience, was how important the Church’s teachings on life were to her (Discernment Conversation Activity - Moreau FYE Week Five). Karleigh was a voice for the unborn and was involved in Notre Dame’s Right to Life Club while in college. Throughout life, Karleigh was consciously aware of how blessed she was. It was important to her to focus on what she could do for others, and what she had already, instead of what she could not do or what she didn’t have (“5 Minutes” by Aria Swarr - Moreau FYE Week Six). One of the most important lessons she learned in life was to live with joy and gratitude. She knew that if her life was perfect, she would never be able to recognize the blessings in her life. Before she went to sleep each night, she would write one thing she was grateful for in her planner from that day. Although it was sometimes hard for her to understand the “why” behind some of the suffering God allowed, Karleigh was mindful that there was always someone out there with less. This mindfulness and practice of “counting her blessings” kept Karleigh from letting the small frustrations in life overwhelm her. One of Karleigh’s favorite quotes was from St. Teresa of Calcutta. “One cannot love, unless it is at their own expense (“Why the only future worth building includes everyone” by Pope Francis - Moreau FYE Week Seven).” Karleigh’s hard work ethic in life brought her a lot of success and wealth; however, it was very important to her not to become consumed by this. Pope Francis wisely mentioned this habit that often befalls people who consider themselves “respectable.” They indulge in the materialistic parts of life and fail to help others. Karleigh Osborn 3 knew God blessed her life so that she would have the resources to give back. Karleigh’s biggest goal in life was to become a better person each day so that one day she could enjoy eternal life with the Father in Heaven. She knew her life on Earth was limited and focused on making a difference in as many lives as she could. To live an assiduous life means to show great care and perseverance in everything you do. Karleigh lived an assiduous life. Nothing went unnoticed– from the care and patience she showed towards the young children she helped nanny, to the care she showed to her peers and elders. We pray for the repose of her soul, with Our Father in eternal paradise.