14 months.

It has been 14 months since my stepmom Teresa passed.

Today it is not so bad for me to type those words, see them on the computer screen … perhaps it is because today is also my father’s birthday, and we, for once, had a wonderful conversation. We don’t talk often – last time was my birthday a couple of weeks ago – and many times I leave the conversation feeling saddened and drained of energy for various reasons: he can be rude, demeaning, unsupportive of my career endeavors, we are politically polarized, etc. However, today he was in a great mood and we had a lovely conversation – it ended in a high note, which caused me to cry tears of joy rather than sadness once we ended the phone call.

It also caused me to miss my Teresa – one of her dying wishes was for me to make-up with my dad … she would have been so happy to have overheard the conversation, as it was a step in a good direction.

In a similar note, this week I decided to try planting some flowers outside my apartment this year (first time) as a way to remember Teresa – she would plant flowers and plants every year … this is something I would like to do as a way to keep her in my life, something constructive.

So, I would like to share my first flower “garden” with you all, since you guys have been a great support system for me since Thanksgiving. Thank you. hugs!