Thursday, March 24, 2011

Flowers and memories of my mom



me, my mom, Grandma Dorothy


My mom's front porch and raised garden beds always looked so beautiful.
I loved the holly hocks in her garden.
Her petunias were always gorgeous and her hanging baskets "mammoth."
She planted her own hanging baskets and rarely bought the ready made ones.
That way she could personalize them and save money.


I have a picture of my mom that I love where she is on her front porch surrounded
by her flowers. I searched my computer for that picture this morning as Hazel was sitting
on my scanner, begging for dutch licorice and pushing any keypad button she could push.
I was reminded that sometimes in March I neglect my duties as a mom and wife and dive into
every picture I have of my mom. Searching, remembering, reminiscing --- it
is good and can be really enjoyable, but it can be hard too.
I strive for that healthy balance of remembering and embracing the great times, but
keeping up with my dear little family who needs a healthy mom and wife.
This week each March I allow myself to spend some time missing my mom
and thanking God for my mom.
I am also so grateful for my four siblings.
Siblings are such a wonderful gift.



My dad brought my mom yellow roses in the hospital right after she had me.
When my mom passed away, my five dear Ebenezer girlfriends bought us a yellow rosebush. We took it to Boardman, Oregon with us. We were in the process of moving. I had to leave it there when we came back to Moses Lake. But when we bought this house, there was a beautiful yellow rosebush in the yard. Every time that rose bush blooms I think of my mom.

My sisters were both engaged when our mom passed away. She died on March 25. Natasha had a June 2nd wedding and Lesha a July 13th. Lesha and our mom had chosen the flowers for her wedding before our mom died. Mom's special touch for Lesha's wedding was a gift, but our mom was so missed at both the girls' weddings. We so badly wanted her there to celebrate their marriages.

This winter seems to be dragging on...but the past couple of days have been so beautiful. I bought some daffodils yesterday to add a little spring and sunshine to our place and watching Willem and Hazel with these bright flowers was so much fun!! Hazel was imitating me as I as putting them in a pot and adding potting soil.
This bright little girl packing around daffodils was so cute! Soon (hopefully) the tulips and daffodils will be blooming in our yard.




The 55 degree heat wave, along with Hazel
dumping a little potting soil down Will's shirt caused
him to go shirtless for a while. :)







So today, I am missing our mom.
I am so thankful for God's gift of flowers.
I am also thankful for memories.

Tomorrow will be the tenth anniversary of her death... hard to believe we have had ten years without her.
I have more pictures and memories to share tomorrow.

5 comments:

April said...

Michele...my heart feels for you. I know what it's like to lose a mother...my sweet mom has been gone 10 1/2 years and I think the more that time goes by, the more I miss her. I know she's watching down on me from Heaven, but what I'd give for just one more day. Your mom sure sounds like she was an extraordinary mother. Allow the memories you have of her to bring you peace and comfort.

Leah said...

Thinkin of you Zylstra's.

Katie said...

Thinking of you today Michele...you and your family are in my prayers. I can't imagine it getting any easier, maybe just more bearable. Holding you close in prayer today my friend and thanks for sharing about your wonderful mom. She is so beautiful and I love hearing about her and her love of gardening. I think you picked up that gift of hers!

Anonymous said...

I can only begin to imagine what you are going through. It sounds like your Mom was a beautiful lady!

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