Sakura

Sakura means cherry blossom in Japanese. Every year in Japan, the Japanese make a huge deal of viewing cherry blossoms and appreciating their short yet uplifting beauty. I was happy to see upon moving to the UK, that there are plenty of cherry blossom trees around which makes me feel close to a time in my life when I was quite happy.

Isla was born and died at the end of cherry blossom season here in the east of Scotland. We hadn't figured out an appropriate middle name for her but having found the place where she'll be forever remembered, and realizing that there were cherry blossom and plum blossom trees around, we should have given her the middle name of Sakura. From when she was conceived to when she was born, she gave us so much joy and beauty. For over 5 months, we dreamed of her, talked to her, hoped for her and loved her. We met her briefly and we appreciated our time with her, much like the Japanese do with their beloved cherry blossom trees. Every year, when the blossoms come out, we'll celebrate her birthday and our love for her. Our Isla Sakura.