Gracious. Mom was gracious through life's trials, smiling and grateful for the love she received even in the last painful days.
Hopeful. She decked the house in inspirational quotes, set her goals and dreams, and held on with a determination only hope can sustain.
Loving. Nothing ever shook her enduring love for the people in her life. She made sentimental gestures of support, big and small, at every opportunity. She is there, in every photo of life events, important or trivial, in support of her family.
Photos, memories, her rainbow beach hat, the book of "Lines for Everyday Living" she spontaneously gave to me, her relentless passion for gardening despite a less-than-green thumb, the upbeat songs on her favorite hits list, and the courage to follow in her footsteps; these are the treasures she left to me.
I love you forever, Mom. We'll be together in heaven.