Motherless Since 2007-A Mother's Day Tribute to My Mom

It is hard to believe that Mother's Day 2007 was the last Mother's Day I would celebrate. Last one for buying of a card from my mother, chocolate, or flowers. No more dinners at Red Lobster. If I only knew that she would leave this world 6 months later on November 3rd, I would have made it a special one. That said I have decided to write what I feel about her using her name. All of these words or phrases are very reflective of my mom.

Here we go:

Courageous beyond belief

Humble 

Religious 

Intelligent 

Sassy 

Talented 

Interesting 

Never ending faith 

Emotional 

Ridden with illnesses 

My mother is a Legend in my eyes. Her ability to deal with the great challenges she faced in the short life she had (57) deserves a medal. She can never be replaced and I suspect there will never be other like her. 

Gone But Not Forgotten-An Early Mother's Day Reflection

Around this time of year, I am reminded of the hole that lives in my heart. At 42, I have lived the last 9 years without my mother physically in my life. This journey beyond her death has taught me any lesson on what it means to be a strong woman and the responsibility I have to others to be so.

My mother taught me that strength is shown in many ways and often does not mean that you sacrifice your ability to be vulnerable or live authentically.

The death of a love permanently changes you forever and the loss of a mother simply makes you think differently. Her short life has taught me that our time is limited and we must live accordingly.

Over my personal and professional life, I have always struggled with why we must be silent. My mother taught me that silence although necessary sometimes cannot linger for too long. She taught me to talk out loud, cry out loud, and many others things. Showing emotion was not a crime and that having a differing opinion is not a crime but an opportunity for a discussion.

As I continue to feel like a "Fish Out of Water", either due to my type-A-personality or that some make me feel this way, I must remember that my mother raised me to be a strong, intelligent, playful, black woman who is passionate about life and helping others.

Mom I am listening! Happy Early Mother's Day in Heaven!