This weekend we got to celebrate the life of my mom. We celebrated life in the most beautiful way.
Typically, when people die there is a wake, a funeral and a repass. My mom was sure that she wanted none of that. My mom wanted a party where people could celebrate the life she lived. I’m so happy we were able to celebrate her in the way she wanted. And what a celebration it was! We shared memories, laughed and danced. Myself among many others had never experienced something like that, and so many people changed their mindset about what they want when they pass. I thought it was incredible that even from heaven, my mom is making an impact.
Although celebrating her this weekend was beautiful, it was also really hard. It felt a whole lot less whole without her there, without her smile and laugh and without her hug when I needed it. The first evening of the weekend was incredibly tough for me, so much so that I thought I wouldn’t be able to get through the rest of the weekend. I felt swallowed whole by the pain of not having my mom here. But I did get through the weekend and I realized that it’s pretty incredible what we are capable of when we recognize our inner strengths. And I did that by giving myself the time I needed to cry and cry, and then I gave myself the space to talk about it, and then I gave myself the space to get up and try to keep moving forward the next day. I know how proud my mom would be of me for staying strong, showing up and throwing the party she wanted.
Always remember that tough times will come, and when they do, it’s more than okay to struggle and sometimes feel like you can’t get through. But you can and you do. Over and over again, with your head held high, you get through. Sometimes the pain will be too much, that’s okay. But always know that there is someone out there somewhere rooting for you to keep moving forward. Even if that person is not physically on this earth anymore, they are rooting for you. I am rooting for you. Just like we celebrated my mom’s life this weekend, I hope you too can find the strength within you to celebrate yourself, to keep moving forward and to know that you are stronger than you think. I hope you can celebrate all you have endured and continue to endure. Let’s continue to celebrate life while we are still here, even when it’s hard.
Xo,