We buried my mom three years ago today. I want to hug both women in the photo below, but the girl on the right—I want to grab her and squeeze her and tell her she’s going to be okay. Getting ready for her mom’s funeral, wearing her mom’s sweater in her mom’s favorite color. Standing … Continue reading My Mom Would Be Proud of the Woman I’ve Become
Tag: grieving
My Thoughts on Grief Three Years After My Mom Died
Three years ago today, I was having coffee for the first time in our new house, when my dad called to tell me that my mom had died. It seemed so unexpected, but in reality, it was not. On that day and the days that immediately followed, the grief was fresh and raw. I tried … Continue reading My Thoughts on Grief Three Years After My Mom Died
Grief Never Goes Away, But You Can Feel Two Things At Once
I was my dad’s plus one for his best friend’s daughter’s wedding on Saturday night. When my dad got the invitation in the mail, I knew how much he wanted to go, but I also knew that he would never go by himself. When I saw that he was allowed to bring a guest, I … Continue reading Grief Never Goes Away, But You Can Feel Two Things At Once
It’s Been Two Years Since My Mom Died And I Am Still Her Daughter
Two years. Today marks two years since my mom died. That doesn’t even seem possible. The time seems to both have flown by and stood still. In the days after my mom died, I remember thinking that before I knew it a week would go by. And then a month, a year, two years. I … Continue reading It’s Been Two Years Since My Mom Died And I Am Still Her Daughter
When You Are Grieving, Doing Nothing Is Everything
After my mom died, I had a friend who would text me regularly to check in and see how I was doing. She would always ask, “How’s today coming along?” One day I told her how I felt lazy and unproductive because I had spent the last several weeks doing basically nothing. I told her … Continue reading When You Are Grieving, Doing Nothing Is Everything
I’m Better On the Other Side of My Alzheimer’s Journey
There’s a lyric from a song I like by Dua Lipa that has absolutely nothing to do with Alzheimer’s, but it makes me think of it nonetheless. “Though it took some time to survive you, I’m better on the other side.” That’s exactly how I feel about my Alzheimer’s journey. It took a long time … Continue reading I’m Better On the Other Side of My Alzheimer’s Journey
Take the Trip
I’m back! My husband and I had a beautiful (and much-needed) vacation visiting the Grand Canyon and Sedona. We did a lot and saw a lot of amazing views along the way. While I fully enjoyed myself and didn’t feel guilty about anything, I thought about my mom a lot. Many times as I was … Continue reading Take the Trip
Sometimes Grief Just Sucks
The other day I went to Target to get some face moisturizer because I was running out. As I was walking through the store, I saw an older woman looking at a cute crop top in the girls’ section. She pulled it off the rack and held it up, examining it. I’m sure she was … Continue reading Sometimes Grief Just Sucks
Before My Mom Died, I Never Knew a Pair of Socks Could Hold So Much Power
Before my mom died, I never knew that a balled up pair of socks could stop me in my tracks and deduce me to a sobbing puddle of tears all alone on the floor in my bedroom closet for longer than I even know or care to admit. I never knew that a balled up … Continue reading Before My Mom Died, I Never Knew a Pair of Socks Could Hold So Much Power
Success Is Always Bittersweet Without My Mom
Anyone who has lost a parent knows that success is always bittersweet without being able to share it with them. I’ve had the goal to write and publish my second book ever since I published the first one four years ago. Now that I’ve done it, I can’t help but wish my mom was here … Continue reading Success Is Always Bittersweet Without My Mom