Living Lessons: Bloedel Reserve

Birch Trees

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Today is my Mom’s birthday and to celebrate I spent several hours at Bloedel Reserve, a gorgeous botanical garden located on Bainbridge Island. The vision of the reserve is to provide refreshment and tranquility in the presence of natural beauty. I allowed myself the time to slow down to really see the natural beauty that surrounded me as I walked through the gardens – to see and appreciate the recently unfurled fronds on the ferns, the fresh green leaves on the trees, the spring bulbs emerging from the soil, and the bright pops of color in the flowers.

This visit also gave me time to spend in prayer and to give gratitude for the special relationship and bond my Mom and I share. I was recently reading one of my Mom’s journals and came across a definition of prayer she wrote down- to honor the loving presence of God’s loving care. Many people feel a deep sadness or even experience depression after the passing of a beloved family member. My experience has been that instead of sadness, I have felt a deep and overwhelming sense of gratitude to have the friendship, guidance, and support my Mom gave me. I see this gratitude as my prayer to honor her and the presence of God, good. When I am filling my heart and mind full of love, cherished memories, and think of my Mom’s qualities I feel my Mom’s presence.

Another entry in my Mom’s journal said – Life is not in matter, life is in Love. I have been clinging to this truth as I learn, grow, and move forward in this experience without my Mom’s physical presence. Her life is in Love and she is still expressing, reflecting, and radiating her beauty and joy and that is what I am truly celebrating today.