Remembering my Ma

Two years ago I had planted sunflowers to feel closer to my Ma, who had green thumbs. She loved plants and had a plant nursery, when I was growing up. She was 5000 miles away and it had been over a decade since I was able to see her face to face, have her delicious food or lay next to her for a nap.

Unexpectedly, she died and I was left with several towering sunflowers, which came to symbolise both my love and grief. Nearly two years later I’ve planted more seeds to remember her. The first bloomed today. I hope she’s smiling. I still see her in nature around me.

Here’s what I wrote about it two years ago for context: How a plant, a cat and conversation brought me from the brink of a mental precipice