[ tribute to an amazing woman ]

   she's one of those people that i just love to brag about to my friends.

   you know what i mean?

   these people are just so cool that the whole world has to know about them. they've got the greatest qualities and the best presence about them that everyone should experience.

   she's got this laugh that will light up the room. it travels around spaces, bringing its warmth wherever it passes and leaves a presence behind. sometimes she starts giggling after having said something really silly or ridiculous, and it only takes a look from me to set her off laughing again. she gets this kind of crooked face that says "what?", smiling at the same time. it's like a fox who has just stolen your eggs but acts like he's done nothing wrong.
 
   her smile is cheerful, always reflecting a true emotion, never forced or less than true. what you see is what is inside. you never have to wonder if she's hiding anything.

  there's a kind of peace that follows her wherever she goes. it's a grace that touches her movements, it calms the disturbances. it gives a feeling of relaxation and that everything is okay. everything is under control.

   her encouragement goes beyond the words she says. it reaches under and touches your soul in the deepest way, a caring and compassionate touch. because she sees so much deeper than what's on the surface. because she cares. she loves.

   she's the kind of person that you can trust instinctively, someone who will hold and guard the words you share. someone who will treasure the things you say and contemplate them, then return with a word of advice or encouragement.

   she's incredibly wise. 

   she's the wisest woman i know. her life and her experiences have earned her the right to speak into situations with the amount of wisdom needed. and it carries a weight that others lack because they didn't walk the same path.

   the relationship she holds so dear with God is inspiring. i'm always learning new things from her, simply through the things she's experiencing with Him. her sweetness and sweet nature absorb the best of things to be shared with those around her. she's always stepping out, stepping into new things, discovering new things, always hungering for more, seeing more, experiencing more.

   she is inspiring.

   she's a gift as a mother. a treasure. she has invested an inheritance into her daughter that will be passed onto the following generations, only to be multiplied and built upon - to go even further.

   she invests. she passes on.

   she has always taken the time needed to spend with her daughter, moments of laughter, playing with toys, drawing together, reading endless books together, having adventures together. walking in the freshly fallen snow together. opening hearts to one another. sharing dreams, frustrations, agonies, faults, victories.

    and all the while, she patiently listens. she is a listener.

   after, she always has something in reply. something to walk away from the conversation and think about. a fresh perspective.

   i can share anything with her. things i'm excited about, things i'm not proud of. i know she's trustworthy.

   she's attentive.

   she's beautiful.

   her eyes are inviting and warm. they assess people quickly and tenderly. not to prod, but to see how she can help.

   she. is. bold.

   she places God above her own desires.

   the giftings she's been blessed with do not go untouched. she uses them when she is called to. and through that, she's an incredible blessing to others. because of her obedience.

   her name means "blessed", and blessed she is. this blessing she carries with her and blesses others with. it taints the very things she does. 

   she  may not see the full effect, but no matter where she is or what she does, or who she's talking to - she leaves a fragrance behind her. people are changed by her. they're altered by this fragrance. the fragrance of the One she holds inside her; the beauty of who she is.

   i've known this incredible woman all my life. she has impacted me in the most amazing ways - ways that i am still discovering today.

   she still manages to surprise me with new things.

   this woman happens to be my mom.

   my friend. my teacher. my partner. my mentor.

   an incredibly wonderful part of my life. one who has given me so much and continues to do so.

   i love her so much.