Dedicated to
Karen E. Quintana

Mom & Me

In June of the year 1992, I was returning home to stand alongside a dear friend as she married. Little did I know I was actually returning home to find my mother had terminal cancer with an estimated time of 3 months left to live.

Having moved to Boston from Salt Lake City after high school to be a nanny, I now needed to come home. At 21, the youngest of 4 children, I found myself having to face the horrors of my mother's cancer alone. With the aide of Hospice, Mom was able to stay in the comforts of her own home.

Unfortunately our family was all to familiar with this organization. Grandpa (mom's dad) was also able to remain home with the aide of the first hospice in Brigham City, Utah. Randy (Mom's baby brother and my uncle) also was able to stay home in Provo, Utah. My dear aunt Bobbie also had cancer. Grandpa and Uncle Randy preceeded mom in death and the battle with cancer. Aunt Bobbie is still with us.

With a lot of time alone with mom, I needed something to keep my mind active while Mom 'rested'. I purchased a counted cross stitch kit. I didn't really know what cross-stitching was, but it looked like something to fill my time other than soap operas and romance novels. I taught myself to stitch and am honored to be a part of this project, combining two things very dear to me.

It has been very difficult and rewarding to stitch this beautiful butterfly, taking flight with her new found wings in the warm sun light, dancing freely about the flowers and watching over us.

So it is this beautiful butterfly I dedicate to my mother, Karen E. Quintana. I Love you Mommie.

Hugs,
Ladybug Mia