I’ve been dreading typing this. My mother died this morning.
Many of you know that she had been diagnosed with cancer. Her death, oddly enough, was completely unrelated to that. She was 70, and lived as positive and full of a life as anyone could have dared to ever live. She was my rock; my biggest cheerleader. Even if she didn’t understand, she supported, unconditionally.
My mother gave me life, and taught me how to seize it. I haven’t heeded that lesson as well as I should in recent years. She always forgave me for my mistakes, and I am learning to forgive myself a little, too. I urge you to do the same.
If you have a parent worth loving, love them. See them. It’s cliche to say so, but, it’s also a well-worn tradition to regret the things we didn’t do while we had the chance. I haven’t seen my mother in over five years, and haven’t been home in eleven. Don’t make the mistakes I made.
I’m going home to care for my family. I’m leaving as soon as I can.
To those that have supported me through this, I thank you, and I love you more than I can possibly express.