It is my mother’s birthday.
She and her twin sister Barbara
would have been eighty-eight today.
Barbara went first in 2011,
taken by a cancer her nursing skills
could not solve.
My mother followed in 2020
a longer illness we were so thankful
finally released her.
Mom,
I hope the flowers
are perpetually blooming for you —
lilies, orchids, tulips, sunflowers.
I hope your room
is adorned with small treasures
from walks through the woods —
pine cones, moss, driftwood, ferns.
I hope you and Barbara
are sharing a hearty laugh
about the time you tried
to help each other
brave the strong ocean surf
and tumbled together onto the sand,
laughing so hard
you couldn’t breathe.
I hope you know
Peter, Katie and I
texted today,
missing you,
thankful
for the siblings you gave us.
Today is my mother’s birthday.
She is dearly missed.
**Written on March 26, 2025
A Reading Life 
Such a beautiful tribute to your mother She will always be a part of you, even though she will always be missed. These words help her influence live on.
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This is a lovely tribute to your mom (and her sister) this morning that reminds us all about the way our parents continue to touch our lives even if not physically present. I hope you have a cupcake or other goodie to celebrate today.
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This is gorgeous.
I love ve how you included a detailed memory of your mom and her sister.
Thanks for sharing such a day with us!
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I loved learning about your mother, through the flowers she enjoyed and the natural treasures she would keep about her. (Same, same.) This is a lovely tribute. I was especially touched when you thanked her for your siblings. Might you share this piece with them?
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Such a sweet post and a great idea for a way to honor those we love who have passed. I was laughing along with Barbara and your mom in the sand.
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What a beautifully emotional piece. I could especially feel your love for her in the descriptions of her laughter. I hope this was a therapeutic write for you. Happy heavenly birthday to mom 🙂
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Lovely slice. Will you share it with your siblings, too?!
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I love your tribute and the specific details you share about your mother and aunt. It’s wonderful to imagine their lives beyond being full of the treasures they enjoyed in life. Your moving post brought tears to my eyes. Wishing you peace!
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A beautiful tribute to your mom. I hope you got that warm, fuzzy feeling as you wrote and just knew it was from your mom. 🙂
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happy birthday to a special pair of ladies. Thanks for sharing. Hugs.
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Catching up on your slices, and this one has me in tears. Just beautifully written. A big hug to you, my friend!
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