Reflections on My First Mother’s Day Without My Mom

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This Mother’s Day is going to be my first one without my mom. She passed away unexpectedly earlier this year, and every day has felt like a struggle to figure out how to move forward without her. I find myself longing for just one more conversation, one more chance to seek her advice.

Reflecting on my life, I realize that my mom spent all those years preparing me for this moment. Motherhood isn’t just about caring for your kids when you’re around; it’s about ensuring they can thrive when you’re not. Through late-night chats, disagreements, and family dinners, I absorbed valuable lessons from her that help me cope now.

Lessons from My Mom

Take pride in your work. My mom was always busy, working as a seamstress for some big names. Whether she was crafting a Christmas dress for a First Daughter or sewing garments for those in need, she poured her heart into every stitch. At the end of the day, it’s your work that defines you, not your paycheck.

Learn to sew a button. I remember my mom teaching me this when I was young. I once thought, “Why bother? I can pay someone to do it.” But she wisely replied, “If you don’t know how something should look, how will you know if you’re getting a good deal?”

It takes a village. My mom was like a superhero, whipping up homemade pasta for gatherings or baking countless cookies for baby showers. But she didn’t do it alone; she relied on her friends. No one can do it all, but together, women can achieve amazing things.

Learn to swim. My mom adored the water but never learned how to swim herself. Yet, she made sure we took swimming lessons. Life can toss you into the deep end unexpectedly, and it’s essential to know how to keep your head above water.

Love with all your heart. My mom never realized some of her dreams, like visiting Las Vegas, but she lived every day fully. My daughter often says that her Nonna’s hugs felt like they were squeezing all her love in.

Always say goodbye. Whether it’s a cultural thing or just how she was, my mom insisted on hugs and kisses when we met and parted. I’m grateful for that because the last time I saw her, I hugged her, told her I loved her, and said goodbye—just like always. If I had known that was the final farewell, I might have held on tighter, but life doesn’t always give you a heads-up.

My mom lived authentically and unashamedly, and her absence is felt every moment of every day. I wish she were here, but I know I have to carry on. My biggest responsibility now is to ensure that when my daughter faces challenges, she’ll have the strength to rise up, even when I’m not around. For more insights into home insemination and parenting, check out this post on intracervicalinsemination.com.

In Summary

This Mother’s Day will be a bittersweet reminder of the lessons my mom instilled in me. From taking pride in my work to loving fully and saying goodbye, her wisdom continues to guide me. I hope to pass those same values on to my daughter, ensuring she thrives, just as I learned to do.