More Than 2,000 Days Without My Mom

My mom died six years ago today. That’s more than 2,000 days without my mom.

Of all the loses in my life, her loss is the greatest. She also may be my greatest love. We had a connection that I know was special. She could read me a block away. She always had an answer, maybe not the answer, but she always tried, and her hug was about the best feeling on the planet.

She wasn’t perfect but she was about as close as you could get.

My memories of her are clear and happy, warm and embracing. She was one of those women who packed in a lot of living.

It’s fitting that it’s International Women’s Day. My mom advocated for women and girls every day of her life. She raised two girls to be strong, independent and caring human beings, and she helped countless women and girls through her work.

My mom loved to travel, to meet people from all corners of the earth, connect and learn. When she realized she could take her nursing skills and help young nurses in India and China she was off.

While I know she loved us, nursing was her great love. Being a nurse was her calling, her passion, her gift. She had patience that seemed endless and deep compassion for those in need.

Outside of nursing and family she lived large as a tried-and-true Democrat, advocate, book reader and letter writer. Almost everything I learned and how I live my life comes from my mom.

To be without someone I love for more than 2,000 days could send me reeling into my pillow but it won’t help in the end. I knew a better way to honor her.

I took a walk, I talked to a friend, I did something positive for someone in need, and I got a nice hug. Of course, I shed some tears but that’s also what you do when you miss your mom.