Dear Mama,

My heart is heavy thinking about you today. It doesn’t seem possible that it’s been a year since you’ve been gone. One of the hardest things was letting go and relinquishing you into God’s hands. He took you home on Mother’s Day around 3 pm. I believe you received the best Mother’s Day gift ever. It was difficult to see you in pain, a prisoner in your own body, lying in that bed. I never gave up on you, Mama! But I had to let you go. You had suffered enough.

In the end, friends and family came together for a celebration of life in honor of you. I’m sure the Lord gave you a glimpse of this side of heaven. You saw your beautiful flowers and heard the music choice. I know you would have been pleased and touched by what was said on your behalf. You were loved. And you are sorely missed.

I think about you often, especially during the holidays. You were always a vital part of our household. You sat at the dinner table, surrounded by family and chatter. You always enjoyed our delicious home-cooked meals. I think about you whenever I cook one of your favorites. I’m glad I can look back at some photos and see you grinning with your plate full! I loved to make you smile. Whenever I’d see a pretty blouse or jewelry, I’d buy it for you. I knew it would please you. Even bringing you a banana split or a vanilla shake did the trick.

Reflecting back, my heart is also heavy for the times I grew impatient with you. I had tried to express how sorry I was for any harsh words spoken out of frustration between us. I’m grateful that our God is merciful, and His grace covers us. We were not the perfect mother-and-daughter role model. Our words weren’t always laced with honey. But we were quick to forgive each other. After all, you were my Mama, and I remained your little girl.

You know, you went with us to Miami. I took some of your remains. I scattered them alongside Grandma & Grandpa. I also scattered them alongside my baby sister, whom we lost so long ago. You always wanted to be near them. I know this was more healing for my benefit, but I wanted you to know I hadn’t forgotten.

Oh, Mama, you have a precious great-great-granddaughter now! You would be tickled-pink and all over her! She was born three months after your passing, two days before my birthday.

Mama. You. Were. Right. You can have ten fathers, but only one mother! Mother’s Day is around the corner. I still imagine you sitting at the dinner table across from me. But your chair is empty now. You are gone, but will forever live in our hearts until we meet again.

I hope you know, you are loved beyond words. Missed beyond measure.

With all my love, always your little girl.
I also took Mama to Puerto Rico with me to scatter some of her remains…

Philippians 1:3 “I thank my God every time I remember you.”

 

12 Comments

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12 responses to “Dear Mama,

  1. So sorry for your loss. It is very sad when we lose a parent!

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  2. Jimmy Johnson's avatar Jimmy Johnson

    Nice

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  3. I know your mama loves this lovely tribute. I love my mama too. Following you now.

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  4. Angela's avatar Angela

    Beautiful words, mom. Your expression of love for Grandma is so beautifully said. Through tough times and frustration, a mother’s love always wins. Mom, I know that Grandma remembers all the wonder times we had as a family. As we continue to carry Grandma in our hearts, she truly is missed. We love you Grandma. As my kids and grandkids grow they will always know who their Grandma, Great-Grandma, and Great-great grandmotherS are. Love you.

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  5. Deborah Hulen's avatar Deborah Hulen

    Beautifully written MA 🤗

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  6. Anna Marie's avatar cneamcp

    Mom, this letter to Grandma is incredibly touching. Not all memories are easy, and it’s important to acknowledge the complex realities of our relationships. Your letter to Grandma is a profound act of love and reflection. It’s a brave acknowledgment of the imperfections that make us human, and a celebration of the forgiveness that binds us together. Your words are a reminder that even in moments of frustration, our family’s love and grace prevail. Thank you for sharing such a personal and heartfelt message. It’s a tribute not only to Grandma’s memory but also to the enduring strength of our mother-daughter bond.

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  7. geri1034's avatar geri1034

    Hi Mary, There’s nothing like a mother’s love. I too lost my mom, one day after mother’s day 8 years ago. God blessed me with the opportunity to care for her. I still miss her so much. As many times we talked, I still wish I had one last time to say “I Love you”. So much I learned from her, so much of my personality is like her. Happy mother’s day to you. Enjoy the day. Continue to enjoy her memories. Geri

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    • Yes, I am grateful for the time she lived with us for the last five years. We grew closer and I am grateful for those times. Thank you for taking the time to stop by and sharing your heart. God bless you.

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  8. What a wonderful memorial to your mom, my friend. I deeply appreciate your honesty and the way you grieve in grace.

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