Bloom Where You are Planted

On Aug. 14, 2013, my dear Mom died and the world lost an incredible lady.  I've struggled to come up with a tribute to my Mom because nothing I could ever say would be great enough to really describe her.  I'll start by sharing one of my Mom's favorite expressions:  Bloom where you are planted.  My Mom said that so often that we sometimes got tired of hearing it.  But, this expression truly captured my Mom. She faced challenges in life by scattering seeds of gentleness and love, and looking forward to the promises of the seeds she had sowed.  She taught us that sometimes you just need to dig in your feet, face the sun and bloom right where God has planted you. The model my Mom set has served me well and will continue to do so.

My Mom also had a habit of referring to my girls as "Earth Angels."  Sometimes this term of endearment can be hard for me to buy into.  But, during some of my most challenging moments, the idea that my Mom believed my kids were Earth Angels has brought me great comfort.

As we try to accept my Mom's passing, we are also experiencing the joy of life.  On Aug. 13th, after undergoing a year of treatment for kidney cancer, Gabriela celebrated her second birthday.  My Mom was able to share the joyous news that Gaby is cancer free.  

Here are a few photos of my Mom and the Earth Angels.

The girls helping Gaby with her new bike.