A Mother’s Day Without My Mom

This is my first Mother’s Day without my mom.

It’s hard to even write that sentence. There’s a quiet ache that settles in when someone who was such a constant presence is suddenly not there. But the truth is, I’ve been grieving parts of her for a long time. Years before her physical body left this earth, dementia slowly crept in and stole pieces of her—her voice, her sharp wit, her independence, her light.

And while I’ve always been a problem-solver by nature, this was a problem I couldn’t fix. Dementia is a cruel poison—insidious and heartless. You do what you can. You show up. You love harder. You brace for the losses, large and small. You try to plug the leaks on a boat you know won’t stay afloat forever. And still, you fight for more time.

I miss her voice. I miss our conversations. I miss calling her with good news or just to complain about something small, knowing she’d listen with patience, humor, and wisdom.

But most of all, I miss my partner.

Because she wasn’t just my mother—she was my teammate in the greatest role of my life: raising my children. Together, we faced the highs and lows of parenthood, tag-teaming everything from school pickups to college tours. She was there for the scraped knees, the heartaches, the triumphs, and the tough talks. She wasn’t just their grandmother—she was a second mother, a guiding light, and the glue that held so many moments together.

Her love knew no bounds. She gave without needing credit, showed up without being asked, and filled every gap with strength and grace. I wouldn’t be the mother I am today without the example she set—or the support she gave.

 This Mother’s Day, there’s an emptiness that’s hard to describe. But even in the silence, I feel her love. I see her in my children’s eyes. I hear her voice in the advice I still lean on. I carry her legacy every single day.

 To anyone else navigating a Mother’s Day filled with grief—I see you. You’re not alone.

 And to my mom—thank you for being my partner, my safe place, and my hero. I miss you every day.

 Happy Mother’s Day.