Today you’d be turning 64. I’m not sure if we would have had a party for you. I can’t say we would have gathered like a normal family, while you played with your grandchildren. It’s a picture I like to believe was possible. One that under normal circumstances would be predictable. Then again, nothing about your life was predictable.
I’ve learned more about you since you have been gone, but still feel like a huge piece is missing. When did it all start to unravel for you? Who dropped the ball and failed to reach out to you? Why didn’t you ever reach for the hands that did?
I walked into your childhood bedroom this summer. If only walls could talk. I have a fitful rage to know what it was like for you. To unravel your story, so that I can see where the direction my life took began. Drug abuse, alcoholism, mental illness, inability to parent, not seeing yourself worthy enough of love until the very end…that doesn’t stem from no where.
I have such a good life. And that is why my heart breaks for the life you lost. Not just since you’ve been gone, but I get the sense, since the day you were born – today. There must have been love around you – I’ve seen your baby pictures and they are ones of proud parents and a beautiful baby girl, but the photos never tell the whole story. You are no longer here to tell me your story. That’s what I grieve the most. the inability to acknowledging your story.
What I can’t see, I feel inside. I know there was a survivor’s strength fueling your wild heart. I have that light. Your granddaughter has that light. I just pray she won’t ever have to go looking for it, like we did. Maybe the generational cycle of dysfunction is ending with me. I can only hope.
The difficulties your survived, while you tried to find your place in the world have not been forsaken. The movement forward you made in your short time here, travels on with my soul. I love you, Momma. Cheers to you – the life you lived and the life you gave me.
W.T.F. 
((Hugs)) I think you and I have more in common than I realized.
Knowing there was a cycle of dysfunction is the first step toward breaking it.
Ain’t that the truth girl. Hug accepted and sending one in return.
Thinking of you on this tough day. I’m impressed with your strength and honesty–as you write this post and as you look to the future with hope.
I’ve had many years to process the grief and continue to do so. My Mom passed away in ’97. My grief looks different all the time and some days are better than others for me. Her birthday is always tough for me though.
Your momma’s story didn’t end when her life did, you continue to write it every day as you raise her grandchildren. Hugs to you this day. – Fawn
Thanks, Fawn. I needed to hear that.
What a beautiful way to honor your mom. Breaking that cycle is so big and not something we get to see right away. It may just be the most important thing we ever do for our kids. Peace to you today!
This piece touched me on so many levels. I, too, hope the cycle is broken with you. But I am sure it will because I don’t see why it couldn’t be.
Very Well written, my Dear Dawn! Am too moved for more words. God Bless.
So heart touching Dawn. I wish you strength and so many hugs to keep you warm.
With love,
Zee ❤
Sweet Zee…thank you so much.