Yesterday, on one of the saddest days of my life, I found a world of beauty.
Yesterday winter disappeared for the day and the sun shone brighter and warmer than it has in months. The flowers on the trees appeared in full bloom, the birds seemed to sing brighter and the floral sweet scents of imminent spring filled the air.
Yesterday was also the day my beautiful mother was laid to rest.
It was as though Mother Nature put on the show of a lifetime. Just for her day of farewell.
This is her garden.
And this Cachi was one of mum’s favorite trees. One of her great loves was tending her garden but over the past 17 months, since she was robbed of the ability to do the things she loved, her backyard, became tired and run down. Much like mum’s own suffering.
Yet amongst it there was always beauty and hope.
Here in her backyard now the trees are blooming with new buds. Where, only months ago they were barren and devoid of leaves, today new seeds and petals of life are bursting.
On the day after mum’s funeral, I stood outside in her backyard and I found myself filled with a deep sense of peace. I have shed plenty of tears and the sadness is raw and deep – and it no doubt will be for a long time – but I also felt enveloped by her presence.
The breeze blew gently through her native trees and it reminded me that changes are all around us. They are part of life, just as the seasons pass and bring with them their moods, sometimes dark but always with whispers of hope.
We might not always welcome these changes and we can’t avoid them, but there’s no denying they’re part of our journey and ultimately our growth.
Just as growth continues in mum’s garden. Even without her there.
I can’t imagine her not being in my life yet amongst the deep loss, there’s joy in memories.
On the day of her funeral, amid the sadness and tears there was also celebration and life. We chose her favorite opera and classical music, friends and family gathered to farewell her, there was prayers and deep faith, all intertwined in a beautiful mass.
It was the celebration of the life of a kind, gentle, remarkable woman who touched so many lives and who I was privileged to call my mother.
A woman who has left me a legacy of treasured memories and the ultimate gift of a beautiful and inspired life.
She will always live on, in my heart and in my writing.
Mum’s journey in this world has ended but somehow I feel that her greatest journey of all is just beginning …
I found this quote while driving home and it seemed somehow fitting…
May we all live our life to the fullest, appreciating the beauty around us and all those who touch our lives every day.
I wish you love and light and peace as we all continue the journey.
May we never forget to stop and smell the roses along the way and tell those we love how much they mean to us.
Out an' About 
My garden is full of memories of my Dad – where he built my greenhouse and the pergola we made together. I came across the below poem when he passed away, I’m not religious but it felt right .. God looked around his garden
And found an empty place,
He then looked down upon the earth
And saw your tired face.
He put his arms around you
And lifted you to rest.
God’s garden must be beautiful
He always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering
He knew you were in pain.
He knew that you would never
Get well on earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough
And the hills were hard to climb.
So he closed your weary eyelids
And whispered, ‘Peace be Thine’.
It broke our hearts to lose you
But you didn’t go alone,
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home.
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Miriam, what an absolutely beautiful heartfelt post for your mother. Thinking of you.
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Thanks Nicole.
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I am sure you will always miss her Miriam. So wonderful to have such a beautiful tribute for her.
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This was a very moving post… love to you.
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Thank you my friend.
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🙂
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Your mother’s garden is beautiful and obviously reflects the type of person she was inside. My thoughts are with you in this difficult time, and I wish you these continued reminders of her beautiful spirit to comfort you as you miss her.
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Thank you so much.
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I think I can feel your mum’s presence through your writing. She’s lovely.
Xo
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You’ve reduced me to tears. What a beautiful thing to say. xo
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XO
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I’m so sorry for your loss… My mum died 3 years ago today and I still feel her presence and am often reminded of her wisdom as I travel through my own journey. What a beautiful time you shared with your mum and an amazing legacy she has left you in your appreciation of what is important in life which shines through! On the day my mum died, I noticed 2 red roses in my garden on a rose which had never flourished. Those 2 red roses appeared again the following summer and then this year, the rose bush has disappeared from my garden… time to move on.
I wish you inner peace and time to remember all the lovely times you shared.. xx
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Thank you so much Wendy, for sharing your beautiful story and memories of your mum, and your kind words and wishes. So appreciated. xo
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You’re welcome Miriam – I’m genuinely thinking of you a lot today (she says with tears in her eyes…) – it’s such a hard time for you… xx
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I appreciate your thoughts Wendy. Yes, it is hard but one day at a time …
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It is Miriam – take care of yourself and I wish you peace.. x
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Ah, Miriam, I send condolences to you and your family. Your writing reveals your feelings for your mother, and the wonderful person she was.
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Thank you for your kind thoughts and wishes, I appreciate that.
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Your words are so touching, sweet, and beautiful. I am sending you so much love. I know that this comment is coming rather late, but you are still in my thoughts and prayers. I know that the loss will be raw for a long time to come, but I can’t help but marvel at your sense of beauty and your appreciation for life, for love, and for your mother’s spirit which are full of hope. Take good care, my friend. ❤️
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Thank you so much Lulu for your kind words. Yes, you’re right, the pain and loss is raw and I know I’ll feel it for a long time. But it helps to know others care and in just taking it one day at a time. Thank you my friend, I hope you’re doing well. xo
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