New Beginnings under the Cherry Blossoms

Every March I travel to Washington D.C. for work and it was an annual tradition for my Mom and I to meet in the city several days in advance of my meetings. We enjoyed exploring museums, monuments, galleries, and trying new restaurants while logging many miles of walking each day. 

This year I went to Washington D.C. for the first time since my Mom passed away. I knew this trip would bring up tender emotions and a yearning for her presence, but it would also bring memories to mind that I have not thought of in some time. 

While stepping onto the Metro platform for the first time I was overcome with emotion. We stood at that stop countless times catching trains to different locations on our many adventures throughout the city. My eyes welled up and I had a hard time breathing – the feelings of missing her were so intense.  How was I going to survive the week ahead? I had just arrived and was already in tears. 

I had a choice to make – am I going to live in the past or live in the moment? I decided I needed to write a new chapter for my time in D.C. and this was an opportunity for me to begin. That meant I needed to do something in D.C. I haven’t done before – create a new memory in the city to mark this new beginning. 

I just happened to be in town at the peak of the cherry blossoms being in bloom. This is something I have always wanted to experience but I was always there too early in March. So, one day after my work meetings wrapped up, I hopped on the Metro and headed to the see the trees. 

Cherry blossoms lined the entire perimeter of the tidal basin loop and I stopped at several memorials along the way – Jefferson, Roosevelt & Martin Luther King Jr. While walking the tidal basin loop, I learned that cherry blossoms represent a time for renewal and new beginnings. It was so fitting that the blooms I was there to enjoy represented the lesson I am continuing to learn after my Mom’s passing. As I walked through the blossoms, I asked myself; How can I begin anew? How can I find spiritual renewal through the belief of loss, separation, and grief? 

As I thought about these questions and my answers, I felt this overwhelming sense of gratitude and peace. The sun was shining through the blossoms, the path was filled with people enjoying the beauty of the trees, and my heart felt full of gratitude for the lessons I am learning and for the ways I am growing. I believe my Mom’s loving presence is with me, she is lighting my path and guiding me along the way. No matter the challenge or situation, Love is ever-present, and I tangibly felt this Love as I stood under the cherry blossom blooms. 

I am a grateful heart.