This year marks my first Mother’s Day without my mom, and let me tell you, it’s been a whirlwind of emotions. My mom passed away unexpectedly earlier this year, leaving me grappling with how to navigate life without her. I often find myself wishing for just one more chat, one more piece of advice—just one more moment with her.
What I’ve come to realize over the past few months is that my mom had been preparing me for this very day throughout my life. Motherhood isn’t just about nurturing your kids while you’re present; it’s about equipping them to face the world when you’re not there. In the midst of late-night conversations, heated debates, and family dinners, I absorbed invaluable lessons from her life that help me cope now.
Take Pride in Your Work
My mom was a dedicated seamstress, crafting everything from high-profile gowns to dresses for charitable causes. Regardless of the project’s scale, her commitment to quality never wavered. She taught me that at the end of the day, it’s your work that defines you, not your paycheck.
Learn to Sew a Button
As a child, I grumbled about learning to sew buttons and hem pants. I thought, “Why bother? I can always pay someone else!” But she wisely pointed out, “If you don’t know what good work looks like, how will you know if others are doing it right?”
It Takes a Village
My mom seemed like a superhero, whipping up homemade pasta for 100 or baking mountains of cookies for every occasion. But she didn’t do it alone—she had a network of friends who rallied around her. No one can do it all; together, women can achieve incredible things.
Learn to Swim
Although my mom adored the water, she never learned to swim. Instead, she ensured we did, taking us to lessons at the community pool. Life can throw you into the deep end unexpectedly, and it’s essential to stay afloat.
Love Deeply
My mom didn’t get to fulfill all her dreams—she always wanted to visit Las Vegas but never made it. Yet, she embraced each day “all-in.” My daughter often says that her Nonna’s hugs felt like they were squeezing the very essence of love into her.
Always Say Goodbye
In my family, it was customary to greet and bid farewell with a kiss. I cherish that tradition because it means the last time I saw my mom, I hugged her, said “I love you,” and goodbye—just like always. If I had known it would be our last moment, I might not have been able to let go, but life rarely gives us such warnings.
My mom lived with fervor and without regrets. I miss her every single moment, and the thought of living without her is daunting. However, my main focus now is to ensure my daughter can stand strong, even when I’m not around. For those looking into home insemination, you may find helpful insights on this topic at this blog post. Also, Make A Mom provides a trusted guide for anyone interested in artificial insemination kits.
In summary, while the loss of my mother weighs heavily on my heart, I strive to honor her legacy. By embracing the lessons she taught me, I hope to raise my daughter to be resilient and capable. After all, the love we share is what truly matters.