The Post I Didn't Want to Write 😞

Everyone - My beloved Mother passed away on April 23, 2023 at 2:23pm 😞 It was a very peaceful passing and she was surrounded by her family who loved her very much. There was no doubt that she loved us and no doubt that we loved her. Her work was done and it was time for her to go. She fell asleep here and woke up in heaven in the arms of her mother - just in time for Mother's Day. My first without her and her first with her Mom in 26 years 💞

(My brother, Troy, my Cousin Stephanie, my Mom, Me & my brother Mick - 2020-ish)

To say I'm sad would be an understatement. It's hard to write this without tears. There were so many exciting upcoming plans that she and I were going to share together. 😞 I suppose we still can - she's everywhere now - always with me, but I can't see or hear her anymore. But, I know she sees and hears me, and I talk to her frequently. There was so much left for me to show her. I hope she can see it all from up there.

A month or so before my Mom passed, an opportunity was presented to me. I was offered the chance to move out of my little kiosk (which I loved!) and into a real storefront. I always talked to Mom about my dreams and crazy ideas, and this one was no different. Mom was so excited to hear that news. She knew that having a store was something I really wanted to do. She encouraged me to "go for it!" and so I did.

I have a store now. I was so excited and my plan was to have the Grand Opening on her 75th birthday (which would have been on May 1st), but she passed 8 days before that 😞 She loved seeing the photos of how the store was coming along. She helped choose the paint color and reminded me to be patient with John (my contractor) - "it will be done, now stop worrying, it's going to be great!' she would remind me.

The store did not open on May 1st. I had to prepare for Mom's memorial, which I think she would have really loved. I tried to make it as beautiful as she was - with a slight tinge of humor mixed in...She loved action movies and Star Wars, so her memorial was on May (the) 4th (be with you). I think she would have chuckled at the irony 😄

(My daughter, Savannah, is having the flowers preserved. They were beautiful.)

As for me, I have a store to open. Some days it's hard to be motivated to do it because I'm afraid she won't see it. The store will be dedicated to her - to the loving memory of my Mother who supported every crazy idea I ever had 💕

More news about the store in a few days.

I hope everyone has a very Happy Mother's Day and, please, give your mom and extra hug from me 💝

- Kelli