Loss & Remembering

I was talking to a friend today and the topic came up on the loss of a loved one.  One thing that I was reminded of was how much I appreciate hearing other people's stories about my mom.  I'm having a harder and harder time imagining what she would say in certain situations, although her gift was definitely listening and empathisizing.  I'm starting to really forget her voice and laugh.  I have memories of her from pictures and my mind but there are only so many. Also, I only know her as a child, teenager, and young adult.  I don't know her as a fellow adult/mom so I wonder what conversations we would've had and the things that would come up.  I would just encourage you, that if you have a friend who has a lost of a loved one, and you remember something about that person, no matter how small, that you share it.

I wish she had seen the woman I had grown into because I was still changing so much.  I would love to have her listening ear so that I could tell her about all the ridiculous and awesome things our kids do.  She wasn't an advice giver (unless asked) and I really appreciate that.  It was such a wonderful gift in my life, growing up, to have someone who listened and empathised.  It's what I truly needed (and still do!).  I hope my kids know that I am here for them with a listening ear and an open heart.

{Off to go snowshoeing!}

{Story time}

{We `finally' went to Disneyland when Trish was 5 :)}

{`There's a whale!'}

{I remember this...dad was fishing off of this rock and he made all us all paranoid to stay far away so we wouldn't get a hook in our eye}

 I feel very connected to my mom when I make `her' meals.  You know, the dinners, desserts and cookies that she always had on hand.  My hope is to make my kids a recipe book with our favourites, but so far I'm not doing so well with that :)  

Is there something that makes you feel connected to your childhood?

Hope you are having a good day!

Love, Louise