after the passing of my father while I was becoming an adult, I value my mother with my entire heart. the woman that brought me into life, has also – both literally & figuratively – saved my life on multiple occasions.

when my mind resorts to its dark corners, I think back to the most beautiful days in life – those spent with her as a child…

the sun shone down brightly on the carefree days of my youth. the greenest of grasses, the warmest of waters, the purest of hearts… as I added another stained twin popsicle stick to my unintentional collection, she continued enjoying her shared half. “time” was hardly a concept during these sacred moments.

the seatbelt strapped thoughtfully across my torso, she’d take me on a drive through the countryside. I’d admire her beauty from the passenger seat, while asking her the most aimless questions, or sharing my collected observations. her response would never fall short of a smile, or a chuckle. she had all the patience and admiration in the world for me, and still does.

she personally taught me many values in life, separately from my father once did. she instilled in me how to love from the core of my heart, and forgive those who weren’t fortunate enough to do the same. she encouraged me to uncover the positivity in each and every situation, because this was the most proactive solution. she accepted me for precisely the human I grew to become, and further served as the image of a woman I aspired to be. she connected me deeply with my spirituality, because there is more to this life than what meets the eye. my passions for achieving optimal health, tea beverages, cleanliness, organization, literature, the environment, humanity, activism, antiques, fashion, cooking, beauty (in all aspects of life)…came from my mother.