Two years learning life without you.

Two years.

I’ve learned so much in the past two years about you and myself, and I never want to stop learning.

I’ve learned that I was the luckiest girl to have had such a nurturing and loving mother. I’ve learned that you went above and beyond to represent the character of Jesus through your actions. I’ve learned that the sacrifices you made for your family were a genuine joy for you. I’ve learned that you suffered more than I ever knew or realized. I’ve learned that the mom I want to be is a reflection of your kind and intentional spirit.

Two years. Two years since I got to hear your voice not through your voicemail box.

I miss you mom.

I’ve learned that I want to carry myself with confidence, grace, kindness, and love, more than anything else. That I want to prioritize people over position or possession. I’ve learned to keep my time sacred so that the people I choose to spend time with get the very best I have to offer.

I’ve learned that God’s plan has twists and turns we never thought we’d experience, but that it comes with so much beauty within it. I've learned to be strong, how and when to take the back seat in a season, and to choose to not let pain or loss define God’s goodness.

I wish I could put into words what two years learning life without you is like. It’s crazy to think that I’ll learn so much more, and not have you here to tell.

Many moments that your presence was missed, and many memories cultivated in your honor this year. Know that you are honored each and every day, and that your spirit lives on. I see it in Brent’s unending consistency and in the way he loves so deeply. I see it in the way Brandon prays. I see it in Janae’s eyes. I see it in Jessica’s smile. I hear it in Mariflor’s voice. You're always near.

I hope you know how much you truly impacted this world. I get to witness the fruit of your time here and see how you changed so many lives just by the way you loved people and helped give them a sense of belonging. I am grateful I get to hear the stories of how your print of kindness continues to make a long-lasting impact.

I love you and cherish you always mom. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you and thank God for the blessing of having had any amount of time with you. I hope to make you proud as I strive to reflect these qualities you so easily carried and displayed daily.

I love you mom. Here is to continuing to learn so much more about you.

- Jules