Lucky

A couple of weeks ago, NPR ran a story about a graduate student who had a knack for finding four leaf clovers. Naturally, my thoughts turned to my mom who also had this gift. The student talked about how she didn't really think much about finding four leaf clovers until one day she was visiting her father's grave and didn't have any flowers for him, so she hunted for a clover and found one to place on his marker. She also mentioned how most people don't look, thereby letting luck just pass them by for someone else.

My mom took the time to look. I remember growing up, sometimes my dad and I would be several strides ahead of my mom. We'd turn around to look for her, catching her looking down in the grass as she slowly strolled our way before stooping to pick up the four leaf clover that just caught her eye. She would look and she would find what we just walked right past. The clover was there for whomever took the time to find and appreciate it, and my mom did. To me, I remember her almost always finding the joy and happiness in things. She took the time to look around her and see the luck the world held. It's a lesson I'm still learning, and all the four leaf clovers and rainbows my mom sends my way are little remembers to keep my eyes open, and not only look for her in my life, but also look for luck and joy.

I love you, Mama, and you'll always be close to my heart. I miss you and feel lucky and blessed to have had you for as long as I did.