Debby Denise Tingle was an artist, a poet and a teacher, but most of all, she was my mom.

She used to tell me I was “the only good thing [she’d] ever done,” but she was wrong. She didn’t need to do anything to be worthy of so much better than her life gave her, but she did so many good things that she never gave herself credit for, both as my mom, and as a member of her community.

She was a volunteer, an advocate and a deeply caring friend. When there was a way she could help someone, she would sacrifice her own needs to do what she could. When anyone needed a hug, she’d open her arms and give a big “bear hug” that made people feel protected, safe and unconditionally loved.

Debby loved rocks and plants and animals. When I was sad as a child, she taught me to find a tree friend that I could hug and talk to. She taught me meditation, magic and compassion for all creatures.

With her, the world was as open as her heart and, in her absence, the angels weep.