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!
