I wrote this one about three weeks before I needed it…
It's the last one I've got about my mother tonight —
the yellow roses, and the way she made everybody feel like the only person in the room…
In a quiet room by candlelight,
We gather, hearts in bloom tonight.
To honor love that gently grows —
We place a circle of yellow roses.
She had a way with the little things,
Like folded napkins and golden rings.
Seasonal wreaths and sweet white wine,
Card game laughs, frozen in time.
From Valentine hearts, to Christmas lights,
She made a house feel warm and right.
And somewhere between her grace and style,
She raised our hearts with every smile.
So lay a circle of yellow roses,
Round the love that never closes
Every breath we take, each wave that rolls —
Her spirit lingers, soft and bold.
From island winds to holiday halls,
She poured her love into us all.
Now she rests where the warm sun closes —
Inside a circle of yellow roses.
She danced through life in turquoise seas,
Snorkeled dreams beneath the breeze.
With Ken she wandered shores afar,
To Mexico's moons and island stars.
She showed us joy in every hug,
In Levi's toys and grandkids' love.
A legacy in Christmas trim,
And every place she let light in.
So lay a circle of yellow roses,
Round the grace that never closes
Every story, every shore —
She's with us now and evermore.
From island drums to fireplace glows,
She knew the way the good life flows.
Now she rests where the warm light closes —
Inside a circle of yellow roses.
She gave so much, a tender ear,
A steady hand, a voice so clear.
She walked beside us, through the years,
And stayed around to dry so many tears…
So place that circle, proud and true,
For a love that time still softly knows.
Let the sea breeze carry her name,
In every tide, her love remains.
She's the hush in a child's delight,
The guiding star in Key West night.
And where the final shoreline closes —
Blooms a circle of yellow roses.
So let the tide roll soft and slow,
She sails where peaceful waters flow.
Her spirit warm, her memory sweet —
In every bloom, her heart still beats.
And somewhere out past setting skies,
A rose still blooms where ocean lies.