I find myself writing this feeling incredibly lucky I still have a mother. A mother who is my best friend. I am so fortunate that I get this wonderful time with her to just sit and cuddle up on the couch at night and watch Netflix with her and just continue to make wonderful memories. I wouldn’t trade this time with her right now for anything in the world.     I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again life is extremely precious and we never know when it can be gone in just one single breath. 

      My heart is filled with a mix of emotions today. They range from sadness, reflection, empathy and gratitude for my dear friend Rachel. Rachel is one of the bravest, kindest, most pure, beautiful souls I think I’ve ever met. And she lost her Mom on Friday evening to a long battle with Alzheimer’s. I can’t imagine her journey. She never stopped fighting for her Mom and always made sure until the very last moment that she knew how much she was loved. 

     As I write this, I am recalling the many friends I have spoken to recently about their own mothers. Each had interesting little tidbits and facts that I picked up on. Karen was deeply affected by the passing of her Mum 10 years ago, as was her sister Rachel, and yet, together they soldiered on, and still carry the many life lessons she instilled in them to this day. Kym is incredibly close with her Mum & is looking forward to going back to Australia for “Chrissy” (Christmas) this year. Anna’s Mom is a wonderful gardener who is incredibly strong, both in personality & fortitude (& she just adores her twin grandchildren). Maggie lost her Mum when she was far too young. Janet’s Mom came to live with her for a month when she had her last baby. Candice’s Mom is from North Carolina. Amy’s Mom is Denise. Oh Denise. And Rachel, Rachel’s Mom loved to listen to music. 

     And my Mom? I have a wonderful mother. She sings like a songbird, clear as a bell. A mother I cannot fathom being without one day, and yet, I know some day, that time will come. But as my most wonderful, amazing mother would say, “we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.” For now, I’ll cherish the time we have together, and remember that every moment is a blessing. Every hug should count, every memory created should have meaning and every “I love you” said as if it were the last. Motherly love is as real as it gets, & that is just “the good stuff”.