In Memory of My Mom: Love, Loss, and Navigating Grief

This story is dedicated to my mom, who always loved when I read my stories to her.

A funny thing happened yesterday—I thought it was December 1st and shared Day 1 of my Sacred Traditions Advent Calendar. I chuckled when I realized my mistake, especially because my family and friends didn’t say a word or correct me. They probably understood exactly why I might have gotten mixed up.

Let me explain.

This beautiful woman is my mom. She passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 26th, just four months shy of her 100th birthday.

It’s been a whirlwind of a week—spending time by her bedside during her final days, helping family from afar say their goodbyes, working with the funeral home, and packing up her belongings from the supported living facility. We’ve decided to wait until spring for her service and burial, so some details can pause for now.

Her passing was truly beautiful. Family surrounded her as she took her final breath, and in a moving procession, we followed the funeral home staff as they escorted her from the building. Watching the staff pay their respects—many with tears in their eyes—was deeply touching. She was so loved and respected, known for her quick wit, deep gratitude, and enormous heart.

In 2022, my husband and I made the decision to move closer to her. I’m so grateful we did. The last two years have been filled with precious joyful memories and special moments I’ll cherish forever.

My mom was married three times, outliving all her husbands. She always had a way of sharing her wisdom with humor. I’m reminded of what she used to tell my single girlfriends who asked her, “How did you meet all these men?” She would reply, “You know what you want, and you go after it.” Wise words that feel especially meaningful as I step into this new chapter of my life, pursuing my dreams with her boldness as inspiration.

This week, I’ve thought a lot about grief. Having lost my dad at just 11 years old, I know how profoundly loss can shape a life and how long healing can take. Over the years, I’ve lost many loved ones, and each experience of grief has been different. One thing that stands out is how much my healing process has changed with time.

Grief is such a personal journey, and no two experiences are the same. I’d like to share a few ways I’ve found healing through the grief process, in the hope that they might inspire or comfort you in your own journey.

Writing has been a powerful outlet for me. When a few family members passed, I spent tearful days writing about them—their unique qualities, the lessons they taught me, and the impact they had on my life. Putting those memories into words helped me honor them and process my emotions.

Music has also been a source of healing. After losing another family member, I spent hours by the ocean, listening to a deeply touching song while allowing myself to fully feel my grief. The combination of music, nature, and tears became a sacred ritual of release.

And then there’s creativity—perhaps the most meaningful tool I’ve leaned on. Creativity, my most cherished value, has been a guiding light through the loss of my mom. It has carried me, especially through the creation of my Sacred Traditions Advent Calendar. This process has brought me so much joy, and knowing that my creativity is a gift from those who have passed—especially my mom and grandma—feels deeply comforting.

For now, I’m cherishing the lessons my mom taught me and the joy she brought to everyone who knew her. Her wisdom, humor, and love will remain with me, guiding me as I honor her memory and carry her spirit into this holiday season and beyond.