First of all, I want to apologize for missing the last couple of months of Blog writing. I have been out of sorts and have struggled to express my thoughts.

It’s hard to believe that just a few months ago, I shared a blog about watching my mom’s battle with dementia. Now, here I am, trying to find the words to tell you she’s gone. It’s a gut punch.

You know, they say that losing a parent is like losing a piece of yourself, and boy, do I feel that now. The loss is, at times, overwhelming.

My mom wasn’t just my mom; she was my cheerleader, my confidante, and sometimes, the biggest pain in the butt. When I was a child I remember thinking she was the most beautiful woman in the world. As I grew, our relationship morphed. At times, we were close, sometimes strained, but always honest. We said both the good and the bad and said it loud.

She was the bravest woman I have or will ever know. She made many tough choices for the good of her children. As I think of the sacrifices she made by leaving her country to raise her girls in their country of origin, I am awe-struck. I don’t think I could have done what she did. How lucky were we to have her as a mother? So very blessed! Her choices led to the life I’ve had, the husband, children, and grandchildren that God sent my way because of the decisions my mom made.

These past few months have been a blur of tears, grief, and memories. It’s funny how grief works – one minute, you’re laughing at a silly memory, and the next, you’re sobbing.

It’s tough. It’s messy, it’s painful, and her suffering was downright unfair. But I’m also incredibly grateful for the time we had together, even during those tough days.

To those of you who’ve been through this, I see you. To those who haven’t, hug your parents a little tighter tonight. And to my mom – I love you, I miss you, and I hope you’re up there surrounded by the strays you rescued, dipping your feet in the ocean, laughing with those who greeted you with open arms and secure in the presence of God.