Fiery Angl
I remember mom in her classroom teaching, she asked her class to read the quote on the board that said, “Good, Better, Best. You can be good, you can be better but you can also be the best.” That stuck with me, I was 8 years old.
She was an English teacher, and words were one of her greatest gifts. She didn’t just teach language, she brought stories to life. When she told a story, you could almost see it unfolding before you. She had a way of awakening your imagination and drawing you into the moment. It’s no surprise that she loved poetry, and one of her favorites was Walt Whitman’s “O Captain! My Captain!”
She won Teacher of the Year when she delivered that line artistically.
And fittingly, she became a poet herself. One of her poems was published by Watermark Press, something she was very proud of. It was a reflection of who she was, thoughtful, reflective, and deeply connected to the beauty of words.
My mom was also incredibly creative in many ways. While living in Honolulu, she became a florists, she managed a flower shop where she created beautiful floral arrangements. She had a very artistic style and a natural eye for color, balance, and beauty. Through flowers, she created little works of art that brightened people’s days and celebrated life’s special moments.
She also had a love for fashion and style. She was truly a fashionista with an elegant sense of taste. She worked at Liberty House in Honolulu and later at Dillard’s in New Orleans, and she truly knew fashion and style. But for her, it wasn’t just about clothing, it was about confidence and self-expression. She believed in presenting yourself with grace, pride and dignity. And I’m proud to say that she passed that love for fashion and style on to me, something that will always remind me of her.
Whenever I put together an outfit and think it looks good, I know somewhere my mom is smiling, and probably still critiquing it just a little because there’s something missing.
But more than anything, what made my mom unforgettable was her spirit.
She loved to dance. She loved to sing. She was often the life of the party. She can be a bit of sassy too but She had this beautiful combination of intelligence, elegance, and joy. She was graceful, strong, and full of life, the kind of person who could correct your grammar one moment and then be the first one to sing and on the dance floor the next.
To me, she was more than a mother. She was our greatest supporter and inspiration. She used to tell me, “You can do it. Go for it. You are smart.” Because she believed that about me, I believed it too. I am who I am today because she planted that confidence in me long before I knew how much I would need it.
She will forever be our
teacher.
poet.
artist.
style icon.
But most of all, our mom.
Mom, we will carry you with us always.
Thank you for the life you’ve given us, you led us well.
Rest peacefully, Mom.
We love you.
