Of Moms & Pink Orchids

When we started selecting the mothers to feature in our first-ever Mother’s Day cover special this year, we were faced with the arduous task of narrowing the list down from 50 to 5. Thankfully, the globetrotting mavens on the island narrowed the choices to a more manageable level because of trips they had scheduled for business and pleasure during the week we were scheduled to shoot. The moms that eventually made it onto our cover represent what we feel is an appropriate sampling of all the dynamics that have come to define the island. Their families are unique, their children are of varying ages, their homes are located in diverse enclaves throughout the Key and their personal stories and journeys toward happiness are at once inspiring and beautiful. As I was interviewing each of them, I found myself in awe at the daily balance each has had to master in order to make sure that the life, work, dreams and goals of themselves and their families exist together in seamless harmony with everyone’s needs always coming before their own. During the shoot, we were all immersed in — and impressed by — a sea of rare pink orchids brought in especially for the shoot. Their silent beauty perfectly paralleled the mothers we were spotlighting. Ever since, every time I see a pink orchid, I remember all the mothers I met that day, and think of all the women who have shaped my life and helped mold me into who I am today. Pink orchids, after all, symbolize perfection, pure adoration and unconditional love. So next time you come across a pink orchid, take a picture and send it to the most special woman in your life to let her know you’re thinking of her. For without them, none of us would be here and the world would be filled with a lot less love.
Jorge Arauz | Editor-in-Chief