Happy Birthday to my Mom

Yesterday was my mom's birthday. Last year on her birthday I had a horribly emotional day, and my sweet, perceptive husband asked me if I'd like to go by the cemetery. The thought hadn't even crossed my mind, but as soon as he mentioned it, I knew that's what I wanted to do. After dinner we took the kids, picked up a flowering plant at the store, and I planted it next to the headstone.

About a week ago we went by the cemetery again because I was thinking ahead this year. I wanted to see how the sage was doing, and I wanted to see if there was space for a rosebush.


I like taking my children to the cemetery. They arranged themselves and asked me to take a picture. This cemetery is especially lovely and green with lots of trees, and they encourage planting things because they don't allow silk flowers. Ellen and I had an interesting discussion about family history after this visit, and since the kids have no doubt that we'll all see Grandma again some day, it's hard to get weepy with them there. I also have no doubt about seeing my mom again and being with her, but I just miss her so much.

Yesterday we went back and planted the rose bush about where Ellen is in the first picture. One of the things my mom said before she died was that she thought she could do more good for her family on the other side, and that she would still be a part of our lives. I have really, really felt that this week, and I'm so grateful for it.