Imagine how surreal it felt when two weeks after my mother’s funeral a cheerful orange envelope appeared in our mailbox addressed to me from her. Her handwriting was shaky and difficult to read, but there it was, a letter from my mom from the other side. I opened the envelope with unsteady hands. It was a birthday card.

She had passed away April 9, 2013. Six days after my birthday on April 3rd and five days prior to her ninetieth birthday on April 14th. The front of the card was decorated with a variety of brightly colored shoes announcing, “It’s your birthday!” The inside read, “Put on your party shoes!” I laughed. My mother loved shoes and she loved having a good time.

But it was her wobbly word’s written beneath the card’s upbeat sentiment that made the ground shift beneath my feet. “I am doing fine. Love, Mama.”

Now, almost a decade later, I still treasure that card. It’ reminds me of my mother’s indomitable spirit. I know every day can’t be a party, but when I put on my gold shoes, she’s giving me a playful nudge to go out and find the best in each day.

From the Art,

June