Distance, varied opinions, different theology, different values, different heritage or simply a different point of view. These are all things that separate us, but they are all things that never mattered to my mother. It never was about the things that make us different, but the things that bring us together. The bonds that connected us, the laughter that we could all share if we just pay close enough attention.

I know that we all are experiencing our own overwhelming emotions, thoughts and fears, but if my mother, Ruby Iwamasa, taught me anything it is that these are the times that we need to rely on each other more than any other. That there will always be shadows, or conflict or frustrations at not knowing what the perfect thing is to say or do. The thing is, there isn't a perfect thing to say or do in almost any situation, let alone a time like now.

But looking closer. Taking a moment to see the details in the bigger picture. These are the things that she was a master at noticing. At being able to see the light in any situation and to use that light to illuminate the world around her, not for herself, but for all of us that stood by. She has always been a beacon for me, and will continue to do so through out my as I attempt to help my children (and myself) be able to find those details, no matter how small, every single moment of every single day. 

My mother wasn't perfect, but she was perfect for me. Even now I find myself learning from her, and hearing her voice in my head guiding me to be better than I am, even when I falter. 

I need you all more than ever, and I know that all of you need us more than ever before. We are all feeling the void in our lives and the world is a little bit worse for her not being in it. But it's times like these that she would remind us of a story that made us laugh, an important time in history, or even just something that would make us wonder what the heck she was talking about. Her impact on the world has been huge, changing the tides of oceans and if I am smart enough, I will continue to let her guide me every single moment of my life. 

Every single one of you reading this has been impacted by my mother in some way, and please know that I share your grief and sadness as we celebrate her life, her passion and her love. Know that in turn, each and everyone of you impacted on my mother's life, and made an impression on her. She saw the special details in all of us that shine if we allow them to. Continue to reach for the stars and know that with love like that, nothing will ever keep us from our goals, no matter what obstacles may be in our path, and that together we are stronger. And together is how we will continue to grow.

I love you mom.