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You are here: Home / Favourites / 17 Lessons I Learned From Losing My Mum

17 Lessons I Learned From Losing My Mum

October 24, 2016 by Sandy

17 Lessons I Learned From Losing My Mum

It has been almost a month since Mum passed away. Almost a month since losing my mum.

A month…and a lifetime’s worth of lessons on what it’s like to lose your mum.

Some days, it seems like just yesterday she left us.

Some days, it seems like it’s been years since she’s been gone.

A few weeks ago I shared my thoughts on getting the chance to say goodbye to a loved one. I wrote this shortly after my mum had fallen and broken her hip. She required hip replacement surgery. Surgery that we, her family, and her doctors, thought her 83-year-old body could not handle.

Surgery went very well but, sadly, her heart could not withstand all the stress her body endured in the weeks following surgery.

So on a rainy day, at the end of September, I became a motherless daughter.

I’ve learned so much since losing my mum.

Lessons I wish I never had to learn.

We all come from different backgrounds, family dynamics, and life experiences. Many of us will grieve the passing of our loved ones in different ways. There is no right way, or wrong way, to grieve. Grief is a very personal experience.

For those of you who are lucky enough to have such special parents like I’ve had, this one’s for you.

Because I know from experience, you are the ones that have the most to lose.

It goes without saying though, many of these lessons hold true for anyone who stands to lose someone very special to them.

So, in the hopes of helping others know that they are not alone in their grief, and what they are feeling, here’s what it’s like to lose a parent, and the lessons I’ve learned since losing my mum…

17 Lessons I Learned From Losing My Mum


You Cannot Predict Death

The last 3 weeks of Mum’s life was like a roller coaster ride. We thought we were going to lose her during her hip surgery. She pulled through. Then we thought we were going to lose her during 4 separate episodes of pulmonary edema. Then she started to improve. She was able to start eating, gain strength, sit up at the side of the bed, then get out of bed and walk again. Things were looking up. She was even wanting to play her favourite card game, Skipbo, again. Things were so good by week 3, the hospital told us to prepare for her move to a long-term care facility until she was strong enough to start rehab. The very next morning she died.

You’ll Watch Your Parent Lose Their Dignity

Mum’s dignity got left at the Emergency room door when she entered the hospital. After surgery, and during her worst moments, she needed help with everything. Everything. Somehow, that loss of dignity becomes okay in those moments. You just deal with it and do what needs to be done to help your parent.

You’re Never Prepared To Lose A Parent

I was prepared for losing my Mum. Or so I thought I was. I even wrote a post alluding to this. I was wrong. Dead wrong (pun intended). No matter how much you prepare yourself, or how much time you have to say goodbye to your parent, you will never be prepared to actually lose them. Never.

Things Will Seem Surreal

In the moments after Mum died, and for many days since, Mum’s death has seemed very surreal. In my head, I know she has passed away but…maybe it was all a bad dream. Maybe tomorrow she will call me. Maybe I will see her sitting in her favourite chair when I visit her home next. My illogical mind is still living with some sort of strange hope that I will see my Mum again. My logical mind, however, knows very well that I never will.

You’ll Find Strength Where You Thought You Had None…And Then You Actually Don’t

In the first couple of weeks after losing my mum, I somehow found a strength I didn’t know I had. I dealt with necessary issues at the funeral home. I got through her memorial without crying (mostly). I wrote a long tribute to her that I shared at her memorial. I spent countless hours on the phone with many family members and friends who called to offer condolences, and I spent days going through Mum’s stuff with family members, sorting everything into piles of keep, donate, and toss. Most of the time, I have this strength. Then, out of nowhere, that strength disappears and I suddenly feel like a lost little girl, one who is longing for an “everything will be alright” hug from her mum.

You’ll Sink Into Some State Of Shock

Everyone reacts differently to the death of a loved one, however, I believe everyone experiences some form of shock within the first few hours/days of a loved one’s death. I had read about this before. I just didn’t know what it was like to experience it until now. All I can tell you is that it makes you feel like you are on “auto-pilot”. You can’t seem to cry when you think you should be crying, and because of that, you start to question yourself. I sure did. You question a lot of things. Why am I not crying? Why is my mind all over the place? Why do I not feel like myself? It’s probably just a coping mechanism but, it sure feels weird once you realize you’ve gone through it.

You’ll Regress To Your Inner Child

I have cried – hard. I cried like I never had before. Maybe you won’t cry right away. Maybe you’ll cry just a little. But when your loss truly hits you, you will sob uncontrollably. My advice? Let it happen. It won’t seem like it at the time but, it will help you.

Regrets, There’ll Be A Few

Regardless of how great a relationship was that you had with your parent, or all the wonderful discussions you had with them before they died, regrets and guilt are nasty little feelings that have a way of sneaking into your thoughts no matter what. In my head, I know Mum would never want me to have regrets, or feel guilty about anything but, somehow, I still do. My head is full of “what ifs”, including the final one…”what if I had left for the hospital the very minute Mum first called me on the morning she passed away…would I have made it in time to be with her when she died?” I know it shouldn’t but, that one question will likely haunt me for the rest of my life.

You’ll Feel Like A Part Of You Has Died

This is especially true if you are close to your parents, like me. The people who gave us life. For most of us, they are the people we have the closest relationship with. The people who know us best. Inside and out. For me, my Mum was someone I could count on. No. Matter. What. She was always there for me. My rock, my support, and my biggest cheerleader. All my life…until now.

You’ll Be Alone In A Room Full Of People

We’ve all heard this before. Some people experience this feeling when experiencing anxiety. This is how I’ve felt on many occasions since Mum passed away. I am incredibly lucky to be surrounded by so many wonderful family and friends, yet at times, that doesn’t seem to matter. The person I most want to be in that room, my Mum, isn’t there. And, at that moment, that’s all that matters.

Thoughts, Prayers & Condolences Will Surround You

This is similar to being alone in a room full of people. When your parent dies you will immediately be surrounded by thoughts, prayers and condolences. You will be showered in phone messages, emails, cards, flowers, food, and donations. Then…nothing. When everyone else goes back to their normal lives, that’s when your parent’s death will hit you the hardest. This is when you will feel most alone. This is perfectly understandable, and normal. Life goes on – for everyone else. Face it, we’ve all done this. I know I have. I’m just as guilty. You just don’t think much about this until it happens to you. Losing the 24/7 support of loved ones and friends makes this time one of the hardest moments to get through.

You’ll Think About Your Parent – A Lot

Your parent will be on your mind, almost constantly, for the first few days, and maybe even weeks. I still think of Mum numerous times a day. I always have but, I think of her even more since her death. I think of her during the day, often when I least expect it. It could be a chore, baking something, or hearing one of her favourite songs on the radio, that will make me think of her. She’s in everything I do. There’s nothing wrong with this and, in fact, I hope it’s always like this for me. Only one day, instead of making me sad, I hope it brings nothing but happiness to remember her in these ways.

You’ll See Your Parent In Everything Around You

Everything your parent liked, disliked…from tv shows, to music, to clothing, to food…when you see, hear, smell, taste and touch these things, memories of your parent will come flooding back to you. For me, music and foods have been the most obvious things. A drive in the car listening to music, or a trip to the grocery store – such everyday things – have led to a few unexpected tears.

You’ll See Your Parent In Other People

The grey hair in tight permed curls, the TanJay outfit, the polished fingernails and matching purse. For a split second I swore it was Mum. Of course, all hopes were dashed when the lady turned around at the grocery store. Like me, you will find yourself looking more closely at those who are your parent’s age. You are secretly hoping to spot your parent amongst the crowd. As disappointing as this will be, people who resemble your parent will provide you with a strange sort of comfort at times like this.

You’ll Long For Thingsย 

You will find yourself wishing for just one more day with your parent. Just one more phone call. You will long to ask your parent’s advice on something. You will wish you could share that exciting news with them. You will want to ask them questions that you’ve just thought of after they passed away. I still wish I had kept Mum’s last voicemail message to me. I wish I had asked Mum how she felt after her own mother died, and how she coped with it. I also know that, over time, I will continue to long to ask Mum many things. I don’t think that will ever change.

Ask The Questions You Never Got To Ask

Speaking of questions, if you still have your other parent with you, ask them the questions you long to ask your parent who has passed. I had a conversation with Dad, shortly after losing my mum, and he was able to answer a few questions for me that I never thought to ask Mum until now. Two of my aunts have answered other questions for me. For this, I feel very grateful.

AND FINALLY…

Do Not Fear Death

This was by far the biggest lesson I learned from Mum. Mum taught me not to fear death. After numerous bouts of pulmonary edema, Mum’s doctor sat at her bedside to explain to her that the next time this happened, could be the last.

There were no “ifs” in this conversation…only “when”.

Mum’s doctor looked her in the eye, anticipating that Mum would instruct the doctor to keep her alive by any means, should something happen. She was wrong.

Mum’s response to being told she could die at any moment?

It was a response full of strength, courage, and acceptance.

It was a response that was so very much my Mum.

It was a response that let us know that Mum knew her time was almost up…and she was okay with that.

And it was a response that none of us will ever forget.

With raised eyebrows, and a shrug of her shoulders, Mum uttered her best one-liner ever…

“Oh well, Toodle-oo!”ย 

 

SANDYFONT

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Filed Under: Family, Favourites, Health, Reader Favourites Tagged With: Death, Loss, loss of a parent, Loss of Loved One, Mom, Mother, Mourning, Mum, special mother

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lian says

    October 24, 2016 at 10:32 am

    Thanks for sharing this very important post. I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. I believe your last point is probably the most important one. Since we do not know about death, it is a hard concept to understand. I loved how your mum was so full of strength and spunk until the end. I wish I could have met her. She seemed like an amazing woman.

    • Sandy says

      October 24, 2016 at 10:36 am

      Thanks so very much, Lian. It’s definitely a hard concept to understand, we couldn’t get over how she faced it. Strength…and spunk (great word!)…that totally describes my mum. I wish you could have met her too, Lian. Thanks so much for stopping by. Truly appreciate your comments. xoxo

  2. Lynn Duchesne says

    October 24, 2016 at 11:15 am

    I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. I lost my father suddenly in 1974 when I was only 19. Let’s just say your story in so many ways are so true, ask questions, hug and forgive. Now, as you well know My mother is not going to be around for too much longer, and your inspirational story brought us together ,is a great reminder how important to embrace TODAY and FORGIVE…. I truly appreciate you sharing your strength and pain…..>Lynn

    • Sandy says

      October 24, 2016 at 11:24 am

      Thank you so much, Lynn. I’m so sorry about the loss of your father – at age 19! I cannot even imagine being 19 and losing a parent. I just can’t. Devastating. I am SO very happy that you and your mother are back together. That you read my other post and took the steps to reconnect with her, just made me so very happy. I will never forget that. I truly hope you get to make some wonderful memories with your mom in the coming months. And don’t forget…take some photos and videos…they are priceless. Hugs to you, Lynn, and thanks again. xoxo

  3. Carole says

    October 24, 2016 at 8:56 pm

    I’m sorry about the lost of your mother. I lost my mom last October from lung cancer and it will be a year on the 27th. It does get a little better with time, but some days I miss her so much still.

    • Sandy says

      October 24, 2016 at 9:04 pm

      Oh Carole ๐Ÿ™ I am so very sorry about your mom. Lung cancer. How horrible. I am encouraged to hear that it does get better with time but, like you, I will forever miss my mum. Hugs to you, Carole. Thanks for stopping by and sharing about your mom. xoxo

  4. margo b says

    October 26, 2016 at 8:06 am

    I’m so sorry for your loss hun and although its will be 5 years this coming March, it still feels like yesterday. I think of her all the time. My mom was my rock and she was always there for me no matter what. She never judged me and was always there for me. I miss talking to her daily. I can hear her voice in my head talking to me but thats about it. I’m so thankful for videos that I have of her. My sisters used to say why are you video taping again why why why? Hubby put a video together of my moms best moments and when we were at her viewing, my sisters came up to me and said, “now I know why” , memories are all I have now. My mom beat cancer but she died of heart disease. I will never forget her smile, her hugs & her I Love you’s , its right there in the back of my mind & will always be there till I die. thank you for sharing your story.

    • Sandy says

      October 26, 2016 at 8:14 am

      Oh Margo! Thanks so much for sharing your story about your mom! I’m so very sorry. Five years, yet it feels like yesterday. I’m sure that’s how it will be for me. It sounds like your mom was so special. She must have been a wonderful lady. I love how your siblings came to you and told you they finally understood about the videos. You were so smart to have done that. Those are precious now. Also love what your hubby did for you. Margo, I thank you again for stopping by to talk about your mom. This is the sort of thing that helps me – when I hear from others what they have been through and to know I’m not alone in my feelings. xoxo

  5. Melissa Story says

    October 28, 2016 at 3:39 pm

    My condolences on your Mum’s passing. She sounded like a really interesting lady. That one-liner cracked me up! Reminds me of my grandmother who battles several conditions, still hangs in there, and does it with grace and humour. The saving grace for me when a loved one passes away is knowing that they live on through me and others. While the darkness will never diminish, know that Mum’s light still shines through you. Many blessings.

  6. Margaret says

    November 3, 2016 at 2:43 pm

    Sandy – I can totally relate to your point about your mom losing her dignity. Imagine helping your grandmother (who was like a second mom to me) clean herself up after a bathroom break as she’s weak and dying. Mine hated the feeling of being helpless. I had to alleviate the moment by saying “You wiped my bottom when I was a baby, now it’s my turn to help you out.” It taught me a lesson in patience, humility and that in the end, it’s all love. Beautiful post – I hope you are doing OK. Sending you a virtual hug.

    • Sandy says

      November 3, 2016 at 2:56 pm

      Your comment just made me tear up, Margaret. I can totally relate to that. My sister did that for my mum while I assisted by holding her on her side just after her operation. I said almost those exact same words to my mother as my sister helped her. You’re right, in the end, it’s all love. I’m so very sorry about your Grandmother. Grandma’s are often just as special as a mom. Thanks so much for sharing your experience, Margaret. I appreciate it more than you know. xo

  7. Lauranne says

    December 21, 2016 at 10:06 am

    I am in tears reading this. We lost my Dad, aged 54, in June. He died from cancer and we had 6 months from diagnosis to death. I agree with so much about what you say, and the hardest thing I am dealing with right now is the impression you get from people that everything should now be ok. Like you said, when you stop getting all the messages and calls and flowers, it’s almost like a “well, that’s done time to move on.” But I can’t. My Dad was my rock, my strength and the only person in the world who I could lean on. I am very close to my folks, but my mum is severely disabled and so I have spent all my life protecting her. I never lent on her the way I could on my Dad. Since his death it has fallen on me to become my mother’s main carer, and I am finding it hard. I can’t think about the good times with Dad, it hurts too much. I feel like I have entered this weird alternative reality and I don’t like it!

    • Sandy says

      December 23, 2016 at 2:33 pm

      Oh Lauranne ๐Ÿ™ My heart goes out to you! I cannot even imagine losing one of my parents at that age. Way too young ๐Ÿ™ Plus now all of the care giving is on you. That’s so very hard. Your mom is very lucky to have you. I’m sure she would call you HER rock. I relate to everything you say about missing your dad. All I can offer is to try to think about the good memories. I find it helps. I find it helps to think about funny times and things that my mum did to make me laugh. Your dad would not want you to feel so very sad for him. I’m sure he would be so proud of you and the way you are looking after your mom. He was likely worried about your mom’s care when he knew he wouldn’t be around to help her. Everything you are feeling is normal. Try to enjoy the time with your mom if you can. I have found it has helped me to focus on my dad and make sure he’s okay and well taken care of. Big hugs to you, Lauranne. Truly appreciate you sharing your story with me. xoxo

      • Lauranne says

        January 5, 2017 at 10:06 am

        thank you xx

  8. Crystal McLeod says

    December 21, 2016 at 10:23 am

    Hugs Sandy, I can relate to so much of what you wrote, and as you know there are good days and bad days. The firsts are always hard and I am sure that you will think of her lots in the upcoming days. Sending you big hugs this Christmas xo

    • Sandy says

      December 23, 2016 at 2:24 pm

      Thanks so very much, Crystal. It’s words like yours, from those who have been through this before me, that help the most. Because you truly understand what it is like. I think of her every day, and you are right, the first days are the hardest. I’m not past those “first” days yet. I’ll be surrounded by many family and friends this Christmas and that will help immensely. Mum would be so happy we are all getting together. Thanks Crystal. xoxo

  9. Julia Chiarella-Genoni says

    December 21, 2016 at 11:29 am

    Oh Sandy,
    I have felt every single thing you wrote. All of it. And as much as I find comfort in your beautifully written post, my heart also breaks for you. I know how hard it is, and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. And what you said is so true, if you had a wonderful relationship, it’s the hardest. My parents sound a lot like your Mom. I wish you some peaceful moments over the holidays. I’ll be thinking of you. xo Julia

    • Sandy says

      December 23, 2016 at 2:20 pm

      Your thoughtfulness and support is so very much appreciated, Julia. I know you totally understand and I’m sorry that you do. It was much too young for you to lose your parents. I cannot even imagine how you must have felt (and still do). Thank you so much. I feel lucky. Most of my family is able to be together this Christmas so this will help all of us deal with missing mum. Big hugs to you my friend. I’ll be thinking of you too. xoxo

  10. SoberJulie says

    October 15, 2018 at 9:17 pm

    I am so grateful to read this today…as you know I have my ailing parents here and I am benefiting from this post my love xoxox

    • Sandy says

      October 15, 2018 at 9:23 pm

      Oh Julie, it is so hard to watch our parents age and become ill ๐Ÿ™ . Hugs to you. It’s a rough road. My 91-year-old father is now very frail but, he is still doing “okay” and getting some great care at a home here in Ottawa. I feel very grateful to still have him here with me. Give your folks a big hug and cherish the time you have with them. Thanks for reading and I’m glad this helped you. xo

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