Today our family mourns because we lost our Tia (aunt) Esther, from my wife’s side. She was such a loving, humble and encouraging person. Although I have only known her for 20 years, her life example has impacted me deeply. As we learned of her passing I wrote this poem in remembrance of Tia Esther Cantu.

Destined for beauty, you were planted in the garden, to reflect the glory of the Planter.

Destined for growth with roots firmly planted in the fertile soil of your Creator. The Creator supplied all you needed to reflect the glory of the Planter.

Destined to give life to those around you, to those who crossed your life giving path, you inspired with awe, wisdom and grace,  pointing to and reflecting the glory of the Planter

Destined for humility even though you were arrayed with such beauty. With petals so vibrant, you stood out in the garden. But in humility you worked in unison with the garden to reflect the glory of the Planter

Destined to pass the garden mourns it’s loss. We remember your beauty, your growth and your vitalizing and humble nature. We stand in awe because even in your passing you reflected the glory of the Planter.

Destined for eternity for you were chosen by the Planter. Chosen to grow and be a humble life giving flower in the garden of your Creator. As you pass from one life to the next I can almost hear the words of the Creator “Well done my good and faithful servant for you reflected the glory of the Planter”

In Loving Memory of Tia Esther Cantu