Momma's Day

It's Mother's Day... my second one without her. I'm in Wasilla right now, relaxing on the couch with a cup of coffee and bacon sizzling in the oven.

Last night at the grocery store, I fought back the tears when I saw people walking up and down the aisles with their Mother's Day bouquets. For a split second, I had made the mental note that I needed to be sure to call Momma for Mother's Day.

This morning, I awoke to this thoughtful comment from a sweet stranger in Florida who found my "Memories of Momma" photo tribute on Instagram. My Mom loved angels, so it was especially touching that this woman referred to Momma in that way. Her words are a gift!

I can't speak for others' experiences dealing with grief, but for me, getting past the "firsts" has been the toughest. This year, my head is a little clearer now that I'm further from the fog of grief. And these little surprise comments — from strangers and from friends — sure help too.

Today, we baked a big peach cobbler, in honor of my Momma. Piping hot from the oven and smothered with ice cream, my heart was warmed with memories of her. 

Love and miss you everyday, Momma.  

"Memories of Momma" — A 71 Day Photo Tribute (Day 3)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

My Mom looked like an absolute movie star! I'm going to take a wild guess and say that Mom made her outfit in this picture. She was an incredible seamstress and learned how to sew when she was a kid. They didn't have a lot of money, so she was incredibly resourceful, even making her dolls' clothes by hand when she herself was a little girl.

Nowadays, my closet is full of kuspuks that she has made for me over the years. I will cherish them — and these memories — always.

*It's Day 3 of my 71 day photo series in honor of my dear sweet Momma who passed away on 03.21.2016 after a harrowing 71 day health battle. Those 71 days do not define her. Oh no. What defines her — and me — are the incredible 66 years that she lived her life. I hope you enjoy these snapshots of the beautiful moments and memories of her life.

The Day of All Saints

Since losing my Mom in March, I have appreciated the gentle guidance of a page-a-day journal called "Healing After Loss." Today's meditation was on the topic of the "communion of saints" — the fellowship between the living and the departed. It was a fitting subject because today, the 1st of November, also happens to be All Saints' Day.

Admittedly, I never really paid much attention to this day of remembrance when I was growing up in the Deep South. It seems I was always recovering from the sugar high of Halloween or more focused on trading candy with my parents and my friends.

I'm thankful that today, my lovely friends, Jenny and Chelsea, introduced me to the tradition of All Saints' Day when they hosted a potluck in honor of the occasion.

Their invitation simply stated, "You are invited to bring anything to share which reminds you of those {saints} you love." I knew instantly what to contribute. That's right, you guessed it: Momma's peach cobbler. Other than that, I wasn't sure what else to expect for the evening.

As folks gathered together in the cozy space of my friends' home, we had a smorgasbord of memorial dishes laid before us — lasagna from a WWII recipe, mashed potatoes with a secret ingredient, broccoli and mayo, white chicken enchiladas, kielbasa in pumpkin porter, grandpa's pecan pie, grandma's peanut brittle, decadent chocolate sauce, and saucy finger lickin' good barbecue ribs.

We sat around eating and sharing our cherished memories and celebrating our Loved Ones. It was a deeply touching evening, one I hope to take part in again next year.

Here's to the blessing of shared memories, warm hugs, and the comforting presence of dear friends. May the memory of your Loved Ones be eternal.

Light and Darkness

Today is the autumn equinox.  It is also the six month anniversary of my dear sweet Momma leaving this earthly home for her heavenly one. 

On March 21, 2016, she passed peacefully and quickly at Huntsville Hospital after a long illness, which she battled courageously and bravely and with so much sass.

She will forever be my best friend, my biggest fan, my rock, my solace, the person I love most in this world. I remain her baby girl, her best friend, her biggest fan, her pride and joy.

We have a depth of love and a special bond that spans death itself. God knit me in her womb, and this incredible woman gave me life. Without her — without my Momma — I wouldn't be.

My heart has been broken into a million pieces since her passing on. I am grateful she isn't suffering any more. I miss her more than I ever imagined. The death of a mother is no doubt the first sorrow wept without her.

My sweet, beautiful, smart, resourceful, talented, silly, resilient, strong Momma — I love and miss her in an indescribable way that aches me to my core.

My Friends: love on your Loved Ones today.  We aren't promised tomorrow.

View fullsize