
For many children like myself, the loss of a mother leaves a hole in the heart that never really fills or fully heals. The gap seems to get smaller over time, and one learns to control their emotions most of the time, but there is an emptiness that never seems to resolve.
Over the years, I’ve learned that when those pangs of grief hit, to refocus on my gratitude for the time I had with my mom. This reshapes the loss I’m feeling, allowing me to realize how lucky I’ve been to hurt so intensely, because I loved so deeply. Missing my Mom, the last 30 years she lived with dementia

My Daughter Danielle
Then there is my daughter Danielle, a mother of three beautiful girls, ages 15, 11, and 3; and her fur baby, Tyson the dog. The pride I feel watching her care for them fills my heart. Her commitment to homeschooling the girls, managing her family, their appliance business, and her own business. In addition to her thoughtfulness when throwing fabulous birthday and holiday gatherings, and coordinating all the nitty-gritty details for their family camping trips; capturing memories in pictures and videos, which we all love.

Danielle supports the girls with their activities, interests, and favorite foods. She ingrains kindness, respect, love, and empathy through role modeling, as she cares for her family and many outside her home as well.
The love, laughter, and playful squeals from my granddaughters more than outweigh the difficult times of raising a family with the in-fighting and sassing back as the girls figure out their personal boundaries. Knowing these times are draining on moms of all ages, I have to say I’m proud of how Danielle cares for her girls. My granddaughters overwhelm me at times, with their thoughtfulness and the kind moments they initiate, which they pick up from their mom as she leads by example. ( Sorry, no pictures of the girls with all the AI stuff happening these days.)
There is no denying how much I love my daughter, and how grateful I am as I watch her grow into her ever-changing role of mother, and also as she cares for me as I age. This past year has exposed my vulnerabilities through a surgery, a broken elbow, and a funky ankle that acts up.

As for all the other women who care for their children, or other people’s children, and fur babies, I am grateful for all you do as you love and protect our children, your loved ones, neighbors, communities, strangers, and pets.

Last, reflecting on my own motherhood, I am grateful for the experience on multiple levels, and all of the amazing role models who step into the role of mom, within my own circle of friends, as well as those in my community and around the world. Thank you.



















































The post Another Mother’s Day And My Emotions Are All Over The Place appeared first on Alzheimer’s Speaks.