I discovered "Lavender Valley" and Bubba about 8 years ago. I had some heartbreaking experiences and Hood River became a home away from home and a huge band-aid over hurts. Bubba painted a large vase for me with red poppies. It was exquisite in that the vase already had a lovely red, black and green patina glaze but your mother's intricate detail of the flower's anatomy and leaf structure is clearly painted over this, enhancing the beauty. My treasure and a piece of your mom I cherish.

It was one of those "trips home" from the airport after having said my last good-buy to my mother at the end of February that I really needed to be cheered up. So I drove into the dirt turn-off of Lavener Valley, grabbed my camera from the back and was walking toward the entry of the shop when out of no where Verva comes towards me with open arms, greets me by MY NAME and gives me a "Bubba Hug"...was I surprised? In a blink of an eye, I went from feeling like an abandoned orphan to feeing like I was someone really special. She was excited to see ME! (Reminded me she just had another birthday...I giggled)...and felt I had another Mom wth me right here, on Earth. She was real. That is why I was always checking up on how she was doing...she was not just an acquaintance but a meaningful part of my life. I don' know if it's that we related as artists, or that as an artist I knew we would "see" things differently. I appreciated the beauty in the smallest detail of her work. She may have greeted everyone this way, but it was special to me.

I loved the 'character' that was Bubba. I could see grace, elegance, warmth and charm spill out of her as we visited. Her eyes always shown bright with enthusiasm as she showed me "her latest work" of the winter.

So even though we met rarely, I feel I  knew her in a unique and treasured way. My vase is sitting next to me now, with the red blossms. It is shining in the lamp light as I know Verva , "Bubba", "Mom" is shining now in heaven. How blessed I am she was in my life! It was an honor I will treasure.

I know how difficult this time is and the road ahead. Been through the details of it all. But, I'm ok. Our children watch us, they grow from it and understand life isn't to be taken for granted. It stops us in our tracks. It's the part of life we don't like but we all have in common.

I still want to pick up the phone to share a joke or news of my son in the Air Force, send a special card, hop on a plane an go home to help Dad in his Japanese garden, and have lunch with Mom... What do I do? I close my eyes and remember, the times I love best, their voices, their own smells an send love up to heaven and thanks to God.

My prayers will be with you all during this time. This is the longest relationship you have ever had. It will take time. Thank God we were designed with memories. Mine will be that very special welcome hug that day when I needed to know someone cared. God sent his love when he sent Bubba into my life.

With fondness and deepest of sympathy, your friend, Denise.