“Claim your blessings today baby.”

— My Mother

February 24th, 2021 is a day that is forever stamped in my mind and on my heart. It was the day that my Mother left this Earth to be with God — the day she died. I like to think I was prepared, she had told me in December of 2019 that she was diagnosed with Stage 2 Colon Cancer. As much as that news was hard to absorb, I guess I wasn’t surprised. For as long as I can remember my Mother had been ill. In her 30’s she was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and Rheumatoid Arthritis which for the remainder of her life, left her in intense pain 24/7. This being my reality when I was young, seeing my Mother in constant suffering — well, it taught me some extraordinary strength, pain tolerance, self reliance, and how peace is possible when you lean on God. My Mother was my matriarch, my guide — my friend. She and I shared the same emotional sensitivity that allows you to feel other people’s pain — and also a heart that encourages and loves others. She taught me how strong and stubborn a woman can be — how fiercely one can love and fight for what is right. She often reminded me of the importance of being present — that our moments are so quickly stolen. She taught me how to be resourceful, sacrificial, and humble — to think of others before myself. She taught me the weight of my words — how they have the power to build up or tear down. She taught me my Faith — to love and trust God with my life no matter what. She gave me my creativity and my love of bright colors and ridiculous patterns. She gave me so much and there is so much more I could say. I miss her….

As I reflect and remember my Mother, I am also thinking of all those in the world who are missing their’s —maybe while also trying to embrace their own Motherhood and children today. I am also thinking of all those who are struggling with infertility or mourning the loss of a child or loved one. No matter what your story is, I want you to know that it’s okay to embrace the hurt you are feeling right now and it’s okay to embrace the joy that is in front of you at the same time — it’s okay.