As my mother becomes progressively more feeble in mind and body, the family caring for her in Idaho feel that the sun will soon be setting upon her earthly reign, making this Mothers day particularly poignant.  

The rose can be likened to the human life cycle; from the seed, soil, water, and light emerges the tiny green sprout, stretching, yearning, evolving into the virile young bud, eventually bursting forth in the full bloom of maturity, both beauty and thorn, representing contrasts in character and experiences.  But inevitably, petals and leaves begin their fade, moisture turns sere and all too soon, the winds silently whisper, "take flight, that you may be free and begin anew."

Mom has lived a full life; a life of love, family, generosity, loyalty, friendship, service, talent, music, performance, vitality, spirituality, joy, heartache and tears.  She wasn't perfect, but she should be counted amongst the best!!  When peace takes her by the hand, she will be leaving a legacy to the countless lives she touched and enriched!

She is and will always be the beautiful rose.