It has been 8 years since my mother's untimely death at age 49.
I was 28 at the time and even though I was all grown up I felt like a lost little girl when she passed. Like a flash flood, I remembered all the things I should have said I was sorry for and all the things I should have shown more gratitude for.
When it came to raising my son Dylan (whom was only 3 at the time of her death) my Mother was my rock. She knew just what to do when a fever came about, and how to remove chewing gum from hair and markers off walls. She was the best "Me-Ma" any grandchild could ever wish for. I am very sad that she would never meet my son Owen who was born after her death. She would have been head over heals and known just how to tame him.
My mother also left behind, my younger brothers Andy & Danny and my sister Emily, who was only 9 at the time. Emily and I share a special bond and although I am almost 20 years older - sometimes you would think that we were only months apart.
This year when my sister turned 18, we got ladybug tattoos in memory of our mother. Ladybugs weren't necessarily our Mother's "thing", but based on stories that would take forever to explain we are certain that she sends ladybugs our way to remind us that she is about. My mother's sister Terri, a permanent make-up artist gave us our tattoos, which added to the sentiment.
The picture above is not the best in quality, but it is my most favorite of us two together. I believe I was only 5 at the time. I wish I could re-visit this moment.
I try to live in my mother's memory everyday. Her death was way too soon and as I approach her age in the short years ahead, I am aware that we are really only here for a brief moment and we are given only one chance to make our life count. Let us be thankful for those in our lives and let them know we are so grateful to have them while we still have the chance.
Thanks for taking the time!
:) - Kim
