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: mom’s death
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
Life Is Meant For Living
During my mom’s ten-year battle with Alzheimer’s, I put my life on hold in so many ways that I basically stopped living it altogether. I did the absolute bare minimum that I needed to do to get by. I didn’t have the energy to do anything more than that. At the time, it was what … Continue reading Life Is Meant For Living
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
It’s My Turn to Live a Whole Entire Life Without My Mom
I turned 37 years old the other day. Although this was only my second birthday without my mom here, anyone who has experienced Alzheimer’s firsthand knows that I’ve been celebrating it without her for a long, long time. It would have been so easy to deduce myself to a puddle of tears all day long, … Continue reading It’s My Turn to Live a Whole Entire Life Without My Mom
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
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
Celebrating My Mom’s Life (My Mom’s Eulogy)
We were finally able to properly honor my mom with all of our family and friends at a celebration of life party over the weekend. I was finally able to read the eulogy I wrote for her to all of the people who loved her the most. And now I would like to share it … Continue reading Celebrating My Mom’s Life (My Mom’s Eulogy)