Lilacs

Lilacs remind me of my mom, Memorial Day, and my ancestors.  Every May, my mom gathers bunches of lilacs to put on the graves of those who have gone before.  So when I smell that beautiful aroma wafting off our bush in the front yard, I think of home - my Wyoming home.  I think of my mother.  I think of her strength.  I think of her integrity.  I think of her love of the under dog.  I think of how she loves and honors her parents, grandparents, and great grandparents.  I think of her love for me and all she taught me through word, but mostly through example.  I think people would say I'm a strong woman too.  I hope I have integrity.  I root for the under dog.  And with each passing day, I value those who have gone before me more and more because life is well, life.  I feel the strength of their examples which helped my mother become the woman she is and in turn, has/is helping me become the person I am.  I hope my kids see strength, integrity, and goodness in me the way I see those things in my ancestors.  I am grateful to my parents for giving me such a strong heritage.  Especially my mother who spent so much time with me growing up and to this day supports me in all that I do.  Happy Mother's day Mom.  I hope the lilacs are blooming near you :).