It amazes me that so much time has gone by and yet she is still so alive in my memory. In my mind, she will always be in her late 50s, enjoying her garden, her family, her friends, in her quiet, unassuming way.
The anniversary of her death can be a painful one. So years ago, I decided to mark this day in a way that brings beauty into my life in the same way that she did.
I buy myself a bunch of tulips. I place them on my kitchen table, admire their exotic shape and vibrant colours, and I think about my mom. I remember how much pleasure she got from the flowers, the fruit trees, the berry bushes, the vegetables, and all the other things that she grew in various gardens over the years.
Although it's been 24 years, I still miss my mom like crazy. But I want this time of year to be full of beautiful memories, not painful ones. My tulips remind me of the beautiful gift that she was to me.
What about you? Do you remember a loved one in a special way?
