Mother’s Day, in pictures

That cake was decorated by Sam and Gabe. Eric made lasagna (from scratch, including the noodle) and garlic bread, and he gave me the flowers and the opal ring – to replace one he gave me before that I can no longer find, sadly. I feel thoroughly blessed, and not simply by the gifts. I feel blessed to have this family, so dear to me. My heart is full.

I am also blessed by my own mother.

I miss her daily, so far away in Maryland, but I can feel her presence every day. I hear her in my voice, for heaven’s sake. Her tone, her mannerisms, her words, her wisdom (when I manage to channel it; it’s far more elusive, unfortunately, than the vocal cadence) – it makes me smile to sense echoes of her inside of me. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. I wish I could be there with you, celebrating with your mom!