that which is from the earth is of the greatest worth

well maia's day is here. i looked high and low for inspiration on what to do to commemorate her birthday and a plan came to me at the last minute. some time ago i heard someone ask another, "when was the last time you spent the whole day outside?" and the response was "not since i was a kid". at first i said what?!? really?? but then i realized the same could be said for me. so to honour maia and earth day i spent the whole day outside. walking, sitting, reading, laughing and remembering. i also added in a few important ideas and ended up with this. enjoy....


me getting ready first thing in the morning to embark on a trip

this is the place where i set down my blanket and relaxed. the weather was amazing and hot. i sat and watched people pass by for some time, thinking about maia, the future, the past. it was perfect.

i decided somewhere between leaving the house and travelling back home that i would get a bonsaii in honour of maia. i have been fascinated with them lately and thought this the perfect occasion. there was talk for some time about purchasing a tree for our patio that we could one day plant in our yard for her but we moved into an apartment without a balcony and it never happened. this is the next best thing. a little tree for our little angel.

we purchased a memorial tile for maia at bc women's hospital some time ago but it was only installed recently. we were waiting for her birthday to see it. it was strange being back on the ward where we stayed but strangely i felt a calmness about it. where i used to cringe at the sound of babies crying i felt hope and an optimism for the future. i was glad we went.

we bought a cake. i would normally make one but just didn't feel up to it today. we have decided that we will start a tradition as a way of us and our family-to-be to remember maia. this years cake is tiramisu. i am going to make some butternut squash gnocci i picked up at granville island soon, that, a bottle of wine, some cake and a movie will likely round out our night.

all in all it was a wonderful day. i think i might have gotten a little sunburned but i don't mind. i wanted a mix of celebration and somber rememberance and i think i succeeded.

wherever you are maia i hope you know how much we love you and miss you today and everyday in between.