Victoria’s Story

My mom was a light, a giver and an incredibly beautiful woman. She was funny and feisty, warm, tough, nurturing, caring and calming to my soul. Words cannot express the gratitude for all the beautiful memories you gave to me, lessons you taught me, and challenges you faced with me.

In 2008, two months before my wedding, I got a phone that my dad had passed away, a phone call that would change my life forever. It was unexpected and he was my world. During that time, my mother was my rock even more so than she already was. Little did I know that only eight short years later, she would be taken away from us. The year 2016 was a nightmare. As we watched my mother deteriorate, we also found out my stepdad of 30 years was also dying from stage four cancer. My siblings and I split our time between both of our parents. We lost my stepdad in 2016 and my mom lost her battle a month and a half later. My four siblings and I felt completely numb. We were now left to face this dark world alone - without any parents by our side. 

After months of waking up with the weight of the world on my shoulders, I finally realized I needed to change my way of thinking. I also had a daughter that needed me as much as I needed my mom. I needed to be strong for her. It was at that time I started painting and my healing journey began. I painted my gratitude stone and left it on my nightstand. It forced me to focus on all the good things in my life.

I hope you choose to focus on the positive things in your life, even on your darkest days.  Love you Mom. Xo - Victoria