I am my mother’s daughter

I am a 56-year-old wife, mother, friend and daughter. I’ll always be a daughter, her daughter, even though mom is gone. It’s been over 3 years and I miss her every day. I thought it would get easier, but I still reach for the phone to share a story I know she would enjoy. I still unconsciously pick out clothes she would like while shopping.  No, it hasn’t gotten any easier. Some memories are bittersweet, as a disagreement or a disappointment comes to mind. Some are joyful; the crafts, laughter, and travel. But most seem to be of her last difficult years, when life became tough for the oh so resilient Betty.  The illnesses, falls, accidents and struggles made those last few years memorable in a bad way. I hope as I share my story that I remember the good times, as well as the trying. That I am able to jog my memory to recall her humor, love of family, and strength as we navigated those years together.