As I cared for my mom, and took more time to just sit and love her, I captured so many amazing quotes of hers that I know were similar to thoughts and ideas I had heard from her my whole life, but I finally was in the present, listening so closely, and they so fully represent everything I know and love and want to remember about my mom.

Growing up we had one of those little multi-faceted crystals that make rainbows when the sun shines on them just right. In the last few weeks of my moms life we were talking about love and kindness and how much hurt and fear and loneliness there is in the world. With every ounce of her soul, my mom believed that if we all slowed down, practiced patience, kindness, and spread love that so many problems could be fixed. She modeled that in everything she did and described people like those crystals, believing each one of us, if given kindness and love in just the right way, would all be able to spread more light, love, and joy.

I told her I didn't know how I could ever learn to be so patient, kind, and caring like her, but promised I would spend the rest of my life trying my best. A few days later, she called me into her room and gave me a big hug, a kiss on the cheek, and whispered, that's how you do it, you just keep it simple and keep passing it on--don't overthink it.

My mom knew I would miss her dearly. She was my best friend. She told me she'd always be up in the sky floating by, laughing with me and helping me through things, and I said, no you'll be down here all around all of us with your arms on our shoulders, and she said "not when I'm in a hurry". Love her so much!