Remembering my mother
This is something that is difficult and unexpected of me to write.
My mother died 5 years ago today.
It’s not something I usually tell people or enjoy talking about (who would?). I don’t want people to pity my situation or tell me they’re sorry 5,000 times. Although I appreciate people’s warm thoughts, I usually find it easier to keep this extremely important information to myself.
Today I feel like I want to honor my mother. It’s been 5 years and I finally feel comfortable enough with her death to talk about it openly.
Her life and death shaped me more than I will ever realize. She was beautiful and warm, she was the person that everyone loved.
I hope to be that person some day.
I miss her all the time. The first year after her death was extremely difficult on me and my entire family.
It is sad that Brad will never meet her. I can only tell him of her love and strength.
My mother was strong. She fought hard against cancer for 15 years. She was determined to raise me and see me graduate from high school. And she did. She was released from the hospital the weekend that I graduated and she was grinning ear to ear when I walked across that stage.
She was an incredible woman, and it pains me to think about how much I miss her. I’m glad that I am able to write this and remember her.
So anyhow, I don’t want to write this to get all teary-eyed, I wanted to write this to remember an incredible woman.
In memory of Donna Michel; wife, daughter, mother, friend, and wonderful human being.
You are missed dearly.
Comments
Melissa,
We all miss your mother very much and everything you said was truth and then some. She was extremely brave and loved you with all her heart. I still remember the joy she had when she found out she was finally pregnant with you. It was incredible. Talking about her may help you more than you think.
Love, Ted
Melissa,
Thank you for sharing this story. My wife’s dad died years before we met and she tells me she wishes he could have met me. It hits her hardest when our son ask questions about her “Daya”. Daya is the nickname my kids call me instead of dad or daddy. It’s nice when there’s a crowd of kids, I just listen for Daya.
May God continue to bless you and your family.
Melissa,
I too miss your mother. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of her and remember the great times we shared. She was a remarkable person who inspired many people by her faith and courage. She truly was the woman who everybody loved and respected. With fond memories and much love,
Cookie
Melissa,
John and I will always miss your mom. She was one of the strongest people I know, and she was so proud of you. I also remember how happy she was when she found out she was pregnant. And when you were born, she and your dad were on cloud nine. We were friends for more years than I can count, and it still doesn’t seem possible that she’s been gone for 5 years. Life isn’t always fair, but you have to make the most of it, and your mom did that. Take care of your dad, and yourself. Love, Julie
I am very touched by what you wrote. I think of Donna all the time...her courage, strength & determination to see you grow up was like nothing I’ve ever witnessed and being a nurse, I’ve seen it all! She was very brave and never complained about her illness--in fact, she used to actually get mad at me whenever I’d call to “check on her” to see how she was feeling! She was very proud of you. I’ll never forget our trip to NYC after her stem cell transplant. She seemed to really enjoy herself and I feel blessed that we had that special time with her and that the transplant was successful in giving her that opportunity but most importantly, gave her more good years to watch you grow up which is what she wanted the most. Thank you for sharing your story.
We love you! Deb