Tomorrow marks the 16th anniversary of my mom’s death. It’s not a day I mark in any significant way. I mean, I think of my mom, but I probably think of her most days anyway. It is on my mind a little more this year, though, because last weekend was the 10th anniversary of the death of my cousin Len’s mom, my Auntie Lois. And yesterday I had a conversation with a friend who just lost her mom last month. Her grief is new and raw right now and I tried to comfort her as best I could. I told her it would get better and I told her that she would get used to missing her mom.
Because, you know, I’m mostly used to missing my mom. There are days when it’s still difficult but my memories now make me smile and not cry. Here are just a few of the things I am remembering about my mom today:
- she loved to entertain and cook for our family and friends
- she played records and music all the time, singing along and dancing, too
- she was so excited when she got her first car – one that was just hers and not shared with my dad
- she worked – briefly – at a bank but quit when I got my first boyfriend at 15
- she could knit, but didn’t
- she could sew, and often did
- she told me, from the time I was a little girl, that I could grow up to be anything I wanted to be
- she loved my brothers deeply, sometimes I think even more than she loved me and she loved me like nobody’s business
- she was thrilled to become Nana when Hannah was born
- she was beautiful in a million different ways
hugs! your mom left a beautiful and loving legacy and I know she’s beaming with pride looking down on you.
Lovely memories, Carole. XOXOXO to you.
Those are good memories to have. Love that picture.
You have her with you always. Our moms never stop being our moms. Our love for them and their love for us is continuous. Big hug, friend. XOXO
Sweet memories of your mom <3 I lost my mother just over a year ago and I still from time to time find myself picking up the phone to call her about some random thing.
She sounds like a very special lady – kinda reminds me of another special lady I know (hint hint). She raised you well. I miss my mom every day as well. It’s been 10 years and I think of her all the time.
She sounds like a wonderful Mom and looks like she had some style! Enjoy the happy memories Carole – we’re so lucky to have them!
This is a beautiful post.
I know how much you love your Mom….and it is evident in the adult you have become….she raised you well. 🙂 xoxo
What a great photo. Love her big smile. And you are adorable! Hugs to you. XO
I wish I’d had the chance to know your Mom. I kind of feel, in some way, that I do … because I know you, and you’re so very very special 🙂
Sounds like your mom was a wonderful lady – who raised another wonderful lady. What great memories.
It is so easy to see Carole in the reflection of her beautiful mother. For her to be missed so much is such a reflection of a life well lived!
Hugs. It does get better with time. Beautiful post and photo. When I see rainbows and dragonflies (esp the ones that land on me), I know my mom is with me and watching over me.
What a beautiful picture!
Such good memories. You look a lot like her in that picture!
Aww, sweet memories!!
Such a lovely post and photo. I lost my mom this past July, and it’s still very fresh and very sad. I miss her.
I know it gets easier. I lost my dad in 1998, and while I still think of him every day, it’s not as sad as when he first left us.
Thanks for posting this.