I have never truly recovered from losing my mother over 12 years ago. I had taken off work to be with her, share her love, enjoy deep conversations, and dedicate my focus and energy to her. Friday was the day my sister and I would spend with her together, the three women, and Mom was going to go through the heirlooms she wanted us to have and tell us their history.  We looked forward to this day.  The next week was to be my time alone with my mom.  

     I knew my mother was dying, but I was looking forward to our special week together. but she died early Friday morning before the three women could be together that last time and before my special week.   Instead, the time I took off was spent with writing obituaries, planning and attending funerals (she had two), and being with all my family, except her. 

     Fast forward 10 years, and my sister and I were helping Dad by cleaning the cluttered back porch.  That space had not been loved since Mom died, and it turned into a storage place for boxes, papers, and junk. My sister and I had our work cut out for us, but I am convinced that my mother was with us that day. I found and played an old lottery ticket and won $85.00, but something else magical and mysterious occurred. That, my friends, can be found in the story "The Forgotten Garden." I hope you enjoy it.