Memory #3

In 1993, my family and I moved about a half hour away from the elementary school I was attending. I continued to go to the elementary school for a year before I switched to a school district closer to home. My sisters also continued to attend their schools a half an hour away so we would carpool every morning. Since my sisters were in middle school/high school and I was in elementary school, my mom would drop my sisters off first because their school started before mine; however, there was still time before my school started. In the extra time, we visited local parks and nature areas and these times were some of the most precious moments I have had with my mother. Here, we discovered new species of birds. I remember identifying a black-capped chickadee together and marking it down in my new bird book. After our short adventures, my mom would take me to school, drop me off, and the next day we would do it again.

Memory #2

I am listening to the symphonic recordings of the original cast of the adapted play Les Miserables. Whenever I listen to this beautiful music, I think of my Mom. She loved Les Miserables! One time during my high school years, the play came to 5th Avenue in Seattle and my Mom literally bought the last two tickets. Our seats were on complete opposite ends of the theater but we still went and some very kind people sitting next to her switched seats with me during intermission. I got to sit next to her for the remainder of the play.

She also owned the CD and PBS DVD of the original cast of Les Miserables. I remember taking the compilation of discs and listening to them often. When my Mom put on the PBS DVD I would often watch it with her. I think some of her favorite songs were Bring Him Home and Fantine’s Death. They’re beautiful songs about love, relationships, and death. I am so grateful to have shared these moments with my Mom. I continue to occasionally listen to Les Miserables and fondly think of her.

Memory #1

Five years ago today, my mother crossed over into eternal life. I cannot help remembering this every April 22 that comes along. Today I decided to do things that reminded me of my mom. The first thing I did was look at the Guardian Angel prayer card image that she always loved. I read the little prayer on the card and then I got up for the day! Later on, I decided to go out for lunch and I invited David with me. I was going to take us to a place where I could get a hamburger and fries (because my mom loved a good hamburger and fries!) but I remembered that it is still Lent and that since it's Friday I cannot eat meat. David and I went to a local cafe and a got a vegetarian grilled sandwich (my mom would have loved that too!). Then we made our way to the local hardware store and I bought two pots to plant flowers in. When I got home, I spent time planting my newly sprouted sunflowers and I also sowed some basil seeds. This reminded me of my Mom's love for gardening! Today, doing things that mimicked her joy for specific things were also my joy and that made me feel closer to her on this sad day.