A few weeks ago we were celebrating – my parents were visiting from the other side of the world, my husband was having a birthday, and I was finally back to my semi-normal self. It felt so good to have my interests expand beyond thinking-grieving-moping-writing-dwelling-on-infertility.

My mom insisted on buying flowers at the market, something I rarely treat myself too. I normally go with $20-30 and that is all I let myself spend on veg for the next week.

But oh what a bargin they were. For the past 5 weeks I’ve been looking at these flowers. The first few weeks they were reminders that my family was staying with us. Now they are fading, but I can’t get rid of them because they are this tangible connection to my parents. I suspect that in the years to come, orchids will be forever linked to my parents and this time of new found hope in the life I’m making for myself  here.

What reminds you of your parents (whomever filled that role for you)?