An Empty Seat at the Table

November 8, 2018

The holidays haven’t officially started, and I’m already having a difficult time. This year, the same as last, there will be an empty seat at the table and an empty space in our hearts. My mother passed away in July of 2017. I haven’t been the same since. Her absence leaves an emptiness that can’t be described, nor filled. It just sits there, in my heart, always.  

This is the second holiday season without her, but it’s proving to be harder than the first. I’m not sure why this year seems harder to comprehend and accept. Maybe because last year I was in complete denial about her forever absence. Maybe because I was running on pure adrenaline to ensure my children didn’t feel the heartbreak as much as I was. Last year was tough and gut-wrenching, but this year it’s as if the wind has been knocked out of me.

I go through bits of denial, confusion, sadness and complete shock, even after a year without her. Several times a day I think of all the things I wish I would have said or asked her. I think about all of the things she is missing, all of the things she isn’t here for and should be. I think about her smile, her laugh, and the way she would still cuddle with me at 35 years old. My son said it best the other day. He said, “Mom, I miss Memeré. I miss her all the time, even when I’m doing things I love. Even when I’m playing Mario Odyssey and I’m happy, I miss her.” It’s simple but true. We miss her, always.

As I sit here in my own grief, I think of all the families out there with empty seats at their table too. I think about all of the other families dealing with the same emptiness, loneliness and sorrow. I hate that we share this unique grief and heartache.

To those of you with an empty seat this holiday season:

To those of you with a full table:

Friends, I hope you celebrate the people and traditions you have. I hope you never take them for granted. I pray you treat everyone you meet with kindness. You don’t know the trials and heartache they might be facing. Most importantly, I hope you celebrate the fact that we are here to enjoy another day with those we love.

xox, Chels

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7 comments so far.

7 responses to “An Empty Seat at the Table”

  1. Mary T Blum says:

    This was a beautiful blog. I lost my mom Dec. 21st, 13 yrs ago and still feel her loss every day. It is not surprising that this year is harder than last for you. We miss people more the longer they are gone until we somehow move on, not forget, not love less, just move on. Others fill the seats at our table and although we still grieve for our loves (most especially our mom who gave us life) we find joy again in the season and believe it or not we even find joy in remembering and speaking of our lost loved ones without feeling as much pain. Wishing you and your family a Joyous Christmas!

    • chelseaohlemiller says:

      Thank you so much, Mary! Your comment is so incredibly kind and your words could not be more true! Wishing you a blessed Christmas and holiday season!

  2. Mary Camp says:

    Beautiful blog. My Mum has been gone 9 years now and each year it still feels just as hard. I miss her just as much.

    • chelseaohlemiller says:

      Mary, thank you so much for your kind words! Thinking of you during the holiday season as you miss your mother and the fond memories with her! Blessings!

  3. Jordan says:

    I lost my mom Oct 2016, just 6 months after having my third child and this second year of holidays without her were by far the hardest yet. The first it was expected or like you said denial, but the second is realizing that this is the new normal.

    • chelseaohlemiller says:

      Jordan, I’m so sorry we share the heartbreak of losing a mother. I’m so glad you found my page and were able to relate. I hope it helps you feel understood and that there are so many others feeling the same pain. This grieving path has been unique and difficult in ways I’ve never planned for. Thank you for visiting my website. I’m lifting you up today in positive thoughts. <3, Chels

  4. Jamie says:

    We lost our mom Aug 2017. The holidays still don’t feel the same. She died very unexpectedly and some days it makes me so mad I didn’t get to say all the things. She was the best mom and we were her favorite achievement. I hope and pray you continue to find peace knowing how much your mom loved you❤️

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Chelsea Ohlemiller

Chelsea Ohlemiller

A wife, mother and educator who has Indiana roots and a passionate spirit. Chelsea is a sappy romantic, coffee junkie, book collector, and person who wears her heart on her sleeve. She’s sarcastic, full of jokes, full of tears, and enjoys writing most when life gets messy or complicated. In 2017, Chelsea's mother passed away. Through her grief journey, she decided to take her mother’s advice and share her writing with the world. One day she gained the courage to honor her mother's wishes and write. It turned out to be one of the best decisions she's ever made.

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