I find that I can’t write or really do anything without thinking about my mom. I’ve mentioned her so frequently here from the start, most recently in my last post. Mom left us and went to her glorious, eternal home on December 6 at age 90 after a mercifully rapid decline. What an amazing woman and mother she was, raising six children mainly solo as my dad passed young. There are no adequate words here. The reality of her passing slowly sinks in more each day, yet the sadness is fresh each morning. She was this garden blog’s biggest fan, as my photos and writing gave her glimpses into our life north of her California home. Mom got quite a few chuckles from my writing, too. Although gardening and writing seem inconsequential I’ll make an effort to continue posting because she would want me to. Mom’s legacy is LOVE, the unconditional, life-changing variety. My overall emotion is thankfulness for having almost 58 years in her loving presence. A few times in the past five years when I wrote about her are: Divine, End Of August 2015, and Saturday Ciderday.
Mom visited Coppertop twice for nice, extended stays, most recently in October-November, returning home with us after a big birthday bash in California. I treasure the memories as the gems they are. The last photo shows her surrounded by her offspring and friends in October.
Appropriately, winter solstice has arrived, and the darkest day is behind us all. We’ve recently been whacked about here by incredible winds, decimating the greenhouse and many trees, but that’s a post for later. Tomorrow’s visible daylight will be six seconds longer than today’s, which undeniably points to spring.
Gardens at Coppertop 
What a beautiful tribute you write to your beautiful Mother – she was a beautiful lady both inside and out and we will miss her too.
LikeLike
Thank you, Mary Jane. Mom always enjoyed your company!
LikeLike
March, I can well imagine how you feel about not having your Mother with you anymore. But fortunately you still have most of what she loved, with that large family and your wonderful garden. Keep writing your blog as if she were to read it, and for all we know she may very well be doing so. Our loved ones never leave us because they are part of us.
LikeLike
Thank you, Sabine.
LikeLike
What a lovely tribute to your Mother and what a beautiful family you have. I come from a large family too and know the joys of having loving parents and lots of siblings.
LikeLike
There’s nothing quite like family love. Thank you, Cindy.
LikeLike
I am sorry for your loss, but as long as someone is not forgotten they are never truly gone. Your Mom will always be with you and the wonderful family assembled in the photo.
LikeLike
Very true — thank you, Judy. Mom’s name was Judy as well. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your mother will always be with you in your garden. That’s where I find mine. She was the one who taught me the joy of digging in the dirt.
LikeLike
Thank you, Mala.
LikeLike
You are a lucky lady, and your mom is lucky to have such a wonderful daughter. I’m so sorry for your loss, you paint a beautiful tribute for her and she sounds like a wonderful person. She’ll always be with you.
LikeLike
Thank you, Frank.
LikeLike
I am so sorry for you. It will be difficult for the first few holidays especially. You can relish the love and attention your Mom gave you and your family and the times you were able to have her all to yourself. Your heart will always be full of Mom’s love. Big hugs.
LikeLike
And big hugs back to you. Thank you for those words from the heart, Lisa.
LikeLike
Hugs, March. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
LikeLike
Thank you, Rich. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
LikeLike
What a heartfelt and beautiful blog. Thoughts are with you and your family.
LikeLike
I appreciate your kindness. Hope to see you over on SoS before too long.
LikeLike
I have been posting on SOS.
LikeLiked by 1 person