It's been almost 7 years.. but yet feels like yesterday. Last year didn't seem so hard, but for some reason Mother's Day this year is.
November of 2001, I lost my best friend, my mentor, my mother.
She was one of the smartest people I have ever known. She raised four kids by herself when my father died when i was 6 and the oldest was 14. She was strong, she was brave, she was funny.
No matter what happened.. or when it happened, I always knew she would be there for me. She defined unconditional love. I never questioned it, I never doubted it.
I watched her wither away during her illness. A strong, vibrant and sassy woman became a shell of her former self. She was often in pain and had trouble breathing and never wanted to show my two brothers her weakness. But for some reason she clinged to the two girls. My sister and I sat by her bed during some of her worst times... holding her hand or making a joke (because that is what my family does).
Through it all.. I try not to remember her then... but all the times we would catch a baseball game.. hang out... and tell jokes. She loved to debate and i would often pick the other side just to tweak her. It was our thing.
I know I am lucky... I had a relationship with my mother many others don't. I may have only had 30 years with her... but it was years full of quality. I have no regrets... i was loved.. and i loved her
She is my hero... and while I may and have shed a tear this week. I will do everything i can to appreciate what i had.. NOT what i lost.
So to those who's mothers are still here... I just ask that you take a minute and appreciate what you have.. have a chat.. share a joke... maybe even a drink... make sure you have no regrets... not too sound cliche... but you only have one mother... and i would give up everything to have mine back.
Happy Mother's Day to all those moms for doing what you do. And to my mom.. i know you are always with me... you will be in my thoughts, my heart every single day.
