Woman of Power

Last year, while visiting LA, my husband texted me a request to take a picture of the old California Pepper tree that we planted in our yard many years ago.

“I’ve always wondered if that little tree that I planted next to the lamp post ever grew up.”

I smiled at the text and thought, “this is what he thinks about.” This concern and wonder are just one of the many reasons why I am grateful to my mother-in-law for raising such a magnificent man. This will be our first Thanksgiving without her, but she sure left an impressive legacy.

She was raised on a farm in California and was the first in her family to become educated. She spent her life as a journalist and eventually co- owned a newspaper company with her husband. She was a woman of power who beat breast cancer… two times. My daughter Billie picked up the writing torch from her and she is headed to Italy on a scholarship that she won from one of her essays.

Our actions today should hold a space for our children’s tomorrows.

“The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” -Nelson Henderson

What are you grateful for? What are you planting? Add your thoughts