She’s gone. You ache for her but you will no longer be blessed by her presence. She’s dead and a piece of you is dead too. She slipped away quickly. She slipped away before you could get all of her insight, her knowledge, her memories, her expertise. She slipped away before you could tell her everything.
She died with things left unsaid, because let’s face it, there is always more to be said. Always more hugs to be given. Always more memories to make. Always more left to say, to know, to wonder.
In her absence I find myself yearning for answers to the questions that pierce my heart and soul. Sometimes in the middle of the night, sometimes while in line at the store, sometimes while driving down the road, these questions pop up and remind me of the harsh reality of her death. She isn’t here. She can’t answer. I won’t know.
But it doesn’t stop me from asking…
Did she know that her smile could light up a room? That I would still remember it like I saw it yesterday. That when an image of her pops in my head, her best accessory is always her smile.
Did she know that her influence is endless? That we would listen to her with intentionality now that she is gone and honor her in every way possible.
Did she know that she was loved? Truly loved. A love so deep, so pure, so effortless, that it occupies a part of our heart and soul that no other love will ever replace.
Did she know how many people admired her, looked up to her, and would miss her when she was gone? Did she know the amount of people that saw her as an inspiration?
Did she know how much she changed our lives? Did she know that even from the grave she’d be pushing us to be the best version of ourselves? That even from the grave she’d be inspiring us and motivating us to live our best lives?
Did she know that she was more than a mother? That she was the best teacher, friend, counselor, nurse, and so many others. Did she know the many roles that she played in our life? Did she know how many empty spaces she would leave behind?
Did she know that she was my hero, my person, my everything?
Did she know all that she was? Did she know all that she was loved for? Did she know her greatness, her never-ending legacy, her joy?
Did she know that she can’t be replaced? That she can’t be forgotten? That she is missed so fiercely it changes the composition of our heart?
If not, I’m telling her now. Wherever she is. Whatever her view. I say,
Mom, you are loved and missed more powerful than words can describe. You were everything and remain everything. Your smile, your laugh, your touch and your life, are irreplaceable. You are the holder of a piece of our hearts. You are the keeper of a spot in our soul. Your absence hasn’t changed your importance, it’s solidified it. You are and have always been our everything.
Thank you so much for sharing. My mother passed away last year unexpectedly at the age of 54. These are thoughts I wonder on a daily basis. It is nice to know I am not alone in my thinking. I am so sorry for your loss. It is a grief I wouldn’t wish upon anyone. ❤️
Thank you so much for being here and reading my work! It means more than you know that you took the time to write such a kind comment. I hate that we share this loss and heartbreak but I am comforted knowing my story and my words resonated with you! I started writing for this very reason. In hopes that my story and my words would help someone else, while also helping me heal and get the story out of my heart and into the world. <3 Thank you for visiting my page! I hope you'll keep coming back. <3, Chels
Thank you for sharing this
Another Indiana girl! This brought tears to my eyes. Everything you said resonated within me, having been without my mom since 1982. I wish she could have known that the ripple effect of her decision would reach across time, causing pain to the beautiful grandsons she never got to meet. Maybe she’d still be here for us all…
Thank you so much for sharing!!!
Thank you so much for reading my work and taking the time to tell your story! I appreciate you being here and hope you’ll keep coming back! <3, Chels
It has been 21 years since my Mama passed away and your words struck such a chord with me. She knew without a doubt I loved her but I sure wish I could say it to her again just as you said it here.
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and for reading the work that flows from my heart! I appreciate it more than you know! <3, Chels
Another Indiana Gal here as well ~ I am going thru my Grief Journey as well with the loss of my Mother in 2018 from Cancer. Your articles help me to see that I am not the only one and that no matter how long its been you will have days that the grief still tries to take over and that is ok ~ The loss of a Mother does change you forever……… Praying , Hoping and Healing one day at a time <3
Hello! Thank you so much for reading the work that flows from my heart, and for taking the time to write such a thoughtful comment. I hate that we share this heartbreak but am honored that you are resonating with my words and stories and hopefully finding comfort in them. I hope you’ll keep coming back and find new inspiration and heart, each and every time! <3, Chels Oh, and GO HOOSIERS!!! 🙂
Thank you so much for beautifully putting into words what many of us feel. My mother has been gone for 24years.
Hi, Aliza! Thank you so much for reading my work and taking the time to comment. My mother has been gone three years. Some days it feels like one hundred, other days it seems like she’s still here. <3, Chels
What beautiful words you write ♥️ Every single one of your words meant something to me. I lost my Mom suddenly in 1989 without a goodbye. My life has been a hard one. I have lost so many loved ones and each time I wish I had my mother’s comfort. Keep writing because you put into words everything I am feeling. Thank you ♥️