Welcome to Milkweed and Monarchs. I’m Dawn Klem, and today, I share a deeply personal story—one that intertwines love, loss, and the quiet ways in which memories shape us.

This episode centers on Cindy, a patient whose intelligence and creativity shone through even in the midst of her cancer treatment. Writing became her refuge, a way to process the uncertainty she faced. Over the years, she gifted me six stories—each one a window into her thoughts, fears, and hopes. Today, I share Flowers for Mom, a poignant reflection on family, tradition, and the enduring power of scent.

As I read Cindy’s words, I found myself transported back to my own childhood, to my mother’s garden, to the simple joys of picking flowers and preserving fruit. But I also found myself confronting the complexities of motherhood—my own journey through infertility, adoption, and the bittersweet reality of watching relationships evolve in ways I never expected.

This episode is about remembrance, about holding onto the things that matter, and about finding beauty in the smallest details—like the scent of freesia, lingering long after the moment has passed.

Join me as we honor Cindy’s story and reflect on the ways in which love, in all its forms, leaves an imprint on our lives.