Feb 14, 2023Liked by Sari Botton, Catherine Gigante-Brown
I know exactly what you mean when you say, "I still carry my mom around inside me. In an invisible locket. In my cells. In my essence." I felt that as soon as my mother died, closer to her than ever. I'd expected intense grief, but instead felt great comfort. Thank you for expanding our perception of death and how we can carry other lives forward into our own.
I’m comforted! The origins of my ‘Mom’ story is similar-lost to her own horribly neglected health at 63 and missed out on so much. All 3 of her children thrive and succeed long past the age of her demise. She’d have liked that. It would’ve been the great eff you to our father’s lack of interest in his own progeny after the ‘great divorce of 1968’ (it took 5 years in the courts!)
Although I didn’t need my Mom per se (I was 28 in a secure career when she died and I’ve not suffered nor survived cancer or anything closely resembling the author’s tribulations), but I do wish she could’ve enjoyed the fruits of her labors. As she would’ve turned 100 in 2022 my siblings and I believe were it not for the demise of the flesh just but sheer force of will she’d be living in the UK enjoying her great grandchildren today. Thanks so much for a great piece!!
Wonderful essay. My mother and I had a challenging relationship, but I still feel regrets twenty years after her death. I guess this is a relationship that stays with you. I tried to mother differently in hopes that my child would have different memories.
My mom died last year at age 98, after suffering from dementia for about 2 years. She had a good, long life. Still, I miss her! If we are lucky and were raised with love, we never get over our other's absence. Cathy, this is a beautiful tribute to your mother.
Thank you so much, Michelle. This means the world to me!
I know exactly what you mean when you say, "I still carry my mom around inside me. In an invisible locket. In my cells. In my essence." I felt that as soon as my mother died, closer to her than ever. I'd expected intense grief, but instead felt great comfort. Thank you for expanding our perception of death and how we can carry other lives forward into our own.
Wonderful story. Quality writing.
I emailed this to my mom, whose unconditional love means the world to me.
Très bien écrit et tellement plein de vérités sur la vie. Bravo Cathy! Aimes-tu toujours les chaises berçantes?
On the days when I miss my mom so much, I’ll call to mind the final paragraph of this strong essay. Thank you.
Absolutely beautiful and true.
I enjoyed your piece so much! It has inspired me to write a piece about my father I lost when he was 64.
I’m comforted! The origins of my ‘Mom’ story is similar-lost to her own horribly neglected health at 63 and missed out on so much. All 3 of her children thrive and succeed long past the age of her demise. She’d have liked that. It would’ve been the great eff you to our father’s lack of interest in his own progeny after the ‘great divorce of 1968’ (it took 5 years in the courts!)
Although I didn’t need my Mom per se (I was 28 in a secure career when she died and I’ve not suffered nor survived cancer or anything closely resembling the author’s tribulations), but I do wish she could’ve enjoyed the fruits of her labors. As she would’ve turned 100 in 2022 my siblings and I believe were it not for the demise of the flesh just but sheer force of will she’d be living in the UK enjoying her great grandchildren today. Thanks so much for a great piece!!
Beautifully written tribute to your mother and to you! 💞😍
Thank you, Catherine. We are lucky to have had great mothers.
Wonderful essay. My mother and I had a challenging relationship, but I still feel regrets twenty years after her death. I guess this is a relationship that stays with you. I tried to mother differently in hopes that my child would have different memories.
I love this. Love this. Thank you.
My mom died last year at age 98, after suffering from dementia for about 2 years. She had a good, long life. Still, I miss her! If we are lucky and were raised with love, we never get over our other's absence. Cathy, this is a beautiful tribute to your mother.