Today is the day my mother died. The date has loomed on the calendar like the storm clouds of an impending storm, much like they did last year. The only difference between this year and last is knowing when the rain would fall and hearts would be shattered. Several times in this year of mourning,… Continue reading On The Day My Mother Died
Category: mom
11 Months
Today marks 11 months since I sat on my mom's bedside, held her hand, and watched helplessly as she took her last breath. 11 months since eyes that sparkle, 11 months since squeals of delight; 11 months of silent stillness, 11 months to write. This time last year was the beginning of the end.… Continue reading 11 Months
RAK Week 2018 – The Gift
Today is the start of Random Act of Kindness week in the US! I'm so excited!! Promoted by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, based out of Denver, Colorado, this is a week-long celebration of kindness ending on National Random Acts of Kindness Day (February 17). The week spans over Valentine's Day which is a… Continue reading RAK Week 2018 – The Gift
First Birthday in Heaven
Today is my mom's birthday. In my memory, she is frozen in time. Vibrant. Laughing. Joyful. Alive. In my first motherless birthday post from September, I described some of the birthday memories my mom and I shared over the years. One of my favorites was from her 60th birthday where I surprised her with a birthday brunch… Continue reading First Birthday in Heaven
My First Motherless Birthday
Today is my first motherless birthday. The weight of those words has been lingering in the shadows, creeping up on me as the calendar page flips from August to September and the chill of fall permeates darkened nights. I've been pretty good at evading the thought as life returns to its natural state of busy:… Continue reading My First Motherless Birthday
Four Months
Today marks four months on the calendar. Four months of silence. Four months of "after." Four months of missing my mom. I'm reminded of her often, especially when I notice something unexpected. Since she passed away in May, I have become more attuned to those moments, pausing to soak them in and… Continue reading Four Months
College Bound
The car was packed so tightly even a sardine would feel cramped. From floor to ceiling there were boxes. Labeled trash bags. Plastic crates and zip ties. One tennis racket, eight pair of shoes and a newly purchased umbrella for the rainy days to come. Towels. Pillows. Blankets. Backpack. And one little girl heading off… Continue reading College Bound
Eight Months Late
I have a confession to share. This post is eight months late. We are two-thirds through 2017 and I'm just now writing about my New Year's Resolutions. Want to hear the best irony of all? My #oneword for 2017 is resilience. Go ahead. Laugh. It's OK! It really is funny! Eight months after choosing… Continue reading Eight Months Late
Be the Change
One of the reasons I love connecting with other people on Twitter and Facebook are the inspiring messages they share. This morning I was delighted to read a TBT post from Four O'Clock Faculty, reminding us that small moments matter. I am a keeper of small moments. I celebrate everything! As many of you know,… Continue reading Be the Change
Survivor’s Guilt
This month has been blur. Two weeks ago, my family and I traveled to Florida for the kickoff of an amazing vacation. We spent a day at Legoland then visited Sea World before boarding a Disney cruise ship to sail the seas with eleven additional family members (16 of us in all). As many of… Continue reading Survivor’s Guilt
