Mother's Day

Political matriarch Rose Kennedy endured an incredible amount of tragedy in her life. Out of her nine children, four died tragically and young. She famously said the following:

"It has been said, 'time heals all wounds.' I do not agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue and the pain lessens, but it is never gone." *

I agree with Mrs. Kennedy. No matter how many years go by, this day never gets easier for a mom who lost a child--no matter what age her child was when he/she passed away. My daughter died at the age of 25 and she would have been turning 40 this July.  There's nothing that can take away the utter despair of losing my daughter. A mother just doesn't "get over it" and I will always be her mother.

Over many years the constant agony eventually subsided, leaving me a residual ache in its place. Almost 15 years and I  still think of Laura every day and every night I still say "goodnight" to her. My pain has diminished and like an old injury peaks only at certain times. Not when it rains or the weather changes, but when anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, and celebrations approach. Mother's Day being the worst. I do my best to move forward and honor my daughter by living my life and always carrying her in my heart. 

* Reprinted from How to Say ‘Happy Mother’s Day’ to a Mother That Lost a Child by Kate Wight, BA in English