In Loving Memory of Kerwin Rae: A Reflection on a Life of Impact and Inspiration
by Katie Joy, The Global Butterfly
On Saturday, 19th October 2024, I was met with the heartbreaking news of the passing of my dear friend and mentor, Kerwin Rae. Although he passed on Friday, I didn’t find out until the next day. What’s strange is that Kerwin had been on my mind a lot in the days leading up to the news. My intuition knew something was off, but the shock of his passing still hit me hard.
Since then, I’ve been processing the grief in the healthiest way I could—by deep cleaning my home, clearing every nook and cranny. It was my way of making sense of the unimaginable, while also going deeper within myself, reflecting on my memories of Kerwin and the immense impact he had on my life. As I scrubbed, swept, and tidied, I allowed myself to fully experience the flood of emotions—grief, laughter, tears, and deep gratitude for the moments we shared.
Kerwin and I weren’t the closest of friends in the traditional sense. We didn’t spend a lot of time together, but from the moment we first connected online in 2011, we were instant friends. It was as if our connection was meant to be, and despite the distance, every conversation we had felt meaningful. He was the kind of person who left a lasting impression, no matter how much or how little time you spent with him.
We first met in person in 2016, almost five years to the day after our initial connection. I was heavily pregnant at the time, and in true Kerwin fashion, he greeted me with his characteristic humour and charm. As I walked into the event room in Sydney, he stopped what he was doing, grinned widely, and made his way over to me. His first words?
“Wow, there’s a lot of you to finally see in the flesh!”
We both laughed so hard, and hugged even harder. That moment is something I’ll never forget.
[Here's my original post on Facebook sharing that story]
While we weren’t super close, the friendship we had was special—marked by mutual respect, encouragement, and the kind of authenticity that Kerwin embodied so well. Over the years, I watched him evolve, shifting his focus from building wealth to serving others in the most profound ways. He lived his life in full alignment with his purpose, inspiring millions of people with his journey of growth and transformation.
As I sit here processing his passing, I can’t help but think about his family, especially his sons, Noah and Jonah. My heart breaks for them, knowing the loss they must be feeling right now. I pray that they find peace and comfort in knowing how deeply loved and admired their father was, not just by his friends and family, but by the countless people whose lives he changed for the better.
Since Saturday, I’ve been lighting a candle in his honour—a small yet meaningful gesture to keep his light shining, just as he did for so many of us during his time on earth. Today, instead of producing my usual podcast episode, it felt right to create a forever candlelight-lit video—a lasting tribute to honour his memory.
Processing Grief in Healthy Ways
Grief is a deeply personal experience, and for me, the process of cleaning my home has been a physical and emotional release, a way to sort through the heaviness of this loss. It’s allowed me to reflect on the precious moments Kerwin and I shared and to connect with my inner world as I process the emotions of his passing.
There’s something healing in allowing yourself to feel every emotion without judgment—grief, love, and gratitude, all in one. Kerwin’s passing reminds me of the importance of cherishing those who make an impact on our lives, no matter how near or far they may be.
If you’re also experiencing grief, I encourage you to find the rituals and small actions that bring you comfort and help you navigate the complex emotions that come with loss. Whether it’s cleaning, journaling, or simply lighting a candle, these acts can bring moments of peace in times of sorrow.
Final Thoughts: A Light That Will Never Fade
Kerwin Rae’s life was one of immense impact. He shared his journey with such authenticity, and his presence will continue to inspire and uplift, even beyond this realm. His work, his wisdom, and his light will live on through the lives he touched—including mine.
As I reflect on his legacy, I’m reminded of the power of human connection and how deeply Kerwin made us all feel seen and inspired. And in the famous words of Maya Angelou:
"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
To Noah, Jonah, and all of Kerwin’s loved ones, I send my deepest condolences and prayers for peace and healing. His light will never fade, and his legacy will continue to inspire us all.
A Message from Kerwin: Words I Journaled from Beyond the Veil
As a way for me to be present with this moment, during my journaling and reflections, I imagined this is what Kerwin would say to me:
Hey Katie,
First of all, take a breath. I know this has been tough on you. But from where I am now, I can see things so clearly. And let me tell you – I’m okay. More than okay. I’m free in a way that I couldn’t have imagined, even in all the work we did on energy and alignment.
You’ve been feeling the weight of this, I know. The shock, the grief, the reflection… you’ve been carrying it all in the healthiest way you can, which is no surprise to me. You’ve always been someone who digs deep, who doesn’t shy away from emotions, and I’m proud of how you’ve chosen to honour me. I’ve seen the candles, Katie, and I’ve felt that light. Thank you. But remember, my light’s still here with you, always.
I know you’re thinking about our journey, the laughs, the cheeky moments, and the depth of our connection. Even though we didn’t spend much physical time together, we understood something bigger than time – we understood energy. And let me tell you, the energy between us, between me and everyone I’ve touched, that doesn’t just vanish. It evolves, it expands, and now it’s part of something even grander.
Katie, your journey isn’t even close to done. If anything, this is just another step, another layer, another elevation of your purpose. You’re walking your path beautifully, and you’re carrying forward the torch in a way that only you can. And I want you to know – all the work you’ve been doing, all the ways you’re serving people – it’s profound. Keep showing up as you are, in your truth. Keep leading with your heart, and trust that the universe will support every intention you have, as long as it aligns with your soul.
Don’t worry about me. Where I am now, it’s all love, all expansion. I get to keep watching over you and everyone I’ve touched, guiding from this side. So don’t be afraid to feel me around when you’re working, when you’re reflecting, even in those quiet moments of gratitude. I’m here, still cheering you on.
Keep laughing, keep finding joy in the little things, and keep lighting those candles – not just for me, but for all the people you’re here to serve. Because you, Katie Joy, are doing what you were meant to do. And you know as well as I do – everything is energy.
So let’s keep that energy flowing. I’ll be by your side, in every moment of light and shadow, cheering you on like always.
With love, laughter, and light,
Kerwin
Using Journaling for Healing and Integration
As I wrote these words, I felt a deep sense of connection, healing, and clarity. Journaling has always been a powerful tool for me, especially during times of grief and reflection. It allows us to give voice to our emotions, process our thoughts, and sometimes even receive the guidance we need from within—or beyond.
If you’re going through something difficult, or feeling the weight of grief, I encourage you to try journaling. Let the words flow, without judgment or expectation. Sometimes, what emerges can offer profound comfort, insight, or even a sense of closure.
Whether it’s connecting with your own inner wisdom, reflecting on memories, or imagining what a loved one might say to you, journaling can be a way to process emotions and integrate the lessons they leave behind. Take your time, be gentle with yourself, and allow the process to unfold.
Your journey of healing is unique, and journaling can be a beautiful companion on that path.
Love, Light & Manifesting Miracles, Magic and More!
Xx Katie Joy
