Today is my mother’s first birthday in heaven and I want to honour my mom by sharing with you some of the things that she loved. Even now, I see my mom in so many places and in so many ways. 

I see my mom in the faces of my children, and all the family that she loved with her whole heart.  If you have ever been to my parent’s house, you will remember that the walls are covered in photos.  So many happy memories displayed for us to see and remember with love.  In many ways, my mom was the keeper of memories and loved to tell stories of cute or funny things her children or grandchildren said and did.  Even during her final days, she told stories of sweet things her grandchildren had said when they were little.

I see my mom every time I see a teacup, some fine china, or a pretty napkin.   My mom loved making each meal special by serving it on a beautiful china plate with silver cutlery and a dainty napkin.  I have so many beautifully hand-sewn napkins and tablecloths and each time I set a table I think of her.

I see my mom every time that I bake.  I have so many wonderful recipes from my mom, each written on a beautiful decorative recipe card that makes me think of her. I think of her whenever I bake bread, whenever I make an angel food cake, whenever I make butterscotch brownies, whenever I make raspberry jam, and so many other delicious recipes. One of my more recent memories is of baking a rhubarb pie with her last summer.  She loved that pie, and that is a sweet memory for me.

I see my mom in every Bunnykins bowl, every Beatrix Potter figurine, and every Peter rabbit story book.  I see my mom in every delicate china lady, and every tiny doll house detail. I see my mom in the flowers that bloom in my garden, reminding me of summer days spent sipping tea on her little patio, or gardening in days gone by.  I see my mom in every campfire, reminding me of happy days spent camping at Shooting Star which was her little oasis in a stand of poplars out in the country. I see my mom in every British comedy or movie. I see my mom every time I make a cup of tea. I see my mom every time the robin sings sweetly in the trees. 

I see my mom everywhere I look, every day, and I know that I always will.