a m a z i n g ;

There is no greater gift to the world than mothers. We are all made from them and carry them with us throughout our lives. My mother passed away just over a month ago, on January 25, 2026. It was both a long road and quick passing and I will miss her forever. Throughout her life she touched the lives of so many people and through her funeral and memorial, we had the opportunity to hear from so many of them. I will post my own words in remembrance in another post, but one of our dear friends, Scott Hiraoka, shared the following tribute. His father and mine both worked at Western Washington University back in the 1970s, and our families have been intrinsically connected ever since.  We hold so many memories together consider each other family to this day. Thank you, Scott, for these words that so appropriately are befitting of a woman who lived, loved, and touched so many lives. The Hiraokas: Jesse (standing), Scott, Erin, Kristin, and John