Living the Dash

Mother’s Day looks different this year. For as long as I can remember, my mom wore a corsage every Mother’s Day. It was her way of honoring the tradition—and the mothers who came before her. I always admired how she wore it with grace and pride, a small flower pinned close to her heart.

This year, for the first time, the color of my corsage has changed.

I wear a white corsage today. Not because I want to, but because it’s part of the journey now. My mom was everything I hope to be: Godly, wise, kind, strong, and joyful. She loved deeply, gave generously, and lived faithfully. She was the kind of person who could light up a room, solve a problem, or encourage your heart – sometimes all in the same conversation.

She was my first teacher, my cheerleader, and my most trusted sounding board. So many times I catch myself thinking “I can’t wait to tell Mom this” only to be hit by the wave of reality, she’s not here. Not in the way she used to be.

But even though she’s no longer here with me, she is Home. Safe. Whole. At peace.

And while my heart aches with missing her, I also find comfort knowing she’s where she longed to be – seeing her Savior face to face, probably still wearing a corsage today, only this time it’s woven with eternal beauty.

Today, I honor her not just with flowers, but with the legacy she left behind. A legacy of faith, strength, and love. And I wear my white corsage not just in mourning, but in gratitude – for all that she was and all that she still inspires me to be.

To all the mothers, grandmothers, bonus moms, spiritual moms, and mother-figures:
You matter more than you know. You are planting seeds in the hearts of those around you every day, just like my Mom did.

And to those whose corsages have changed color like mine, may we find comfort in knowing that love – true, deep, soul-marking love – never dies.