Today, March 18th, is a special day for me. It’s the birthday of Laurie, my stepmother, the woman who helped raise me from the time I was a little girl.
Laurie passed away suddenly in 2012, just after my daughter Billie was born. I am forever grateful that they had the opportunity to meet but continue to miss her every day.
She loved long bike rides, a good laugh, and a glass of Zin at the end of the her day. Some of my best childhood memories include catching crabs along the shore in North Carolina, our Christmas Eve tradition of shrimp cocktails and opening just one gift, to ziplining in Puerto Rico with her in my 20's. Later in life, one of the most beautiful things to see was how happy she was to become a grandma.
A few years ago, when I created our one of a kind dried floral arrangements, it felt only right to name this one The Laurie. Designed with blues and greens and an unexpected pop of something unique, it reflects a little of her spirit. Over the past three years, it has quietly become one of our Backbone Floral favorites. I think she would have gotten a kick out of knowing something with her name on it was bringing joy into people’s homes.
Today I’m simply thinking about her and feeling grateful for the love she gave me over the years.
And if you happen to have The Laurie in your home, or have sent one as a gift, know that it carries a little piece of that story with it.
