Don't get me wrong, there are happy things. My brother and sister-in-law celebrated their tenth anniversary yesterday, and honestly, I'm surprised that someone is able to put up with him for that long. Dad turns 70 next week, and it's fun reminding him that he's moving onto a new decade (even if he really doesn't want to admit it).
But this week has still been tough...
Mom passed away nearly nine months ago. She was 73, and lost her nearly two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. I made it through her birthday in September fairly easily; perhaps I was still a bit numb from all of it. With Christmas (her favorite) there were moments, but overall, I honored her memory with a vodka gimlet (with olives) and reminiscing about holidays-past with friends and family. Easter, although never a big holiday in our family, made me think of her as all the daffodils were in bloom.
And then the ads and reminders of Mother's Day popped up everywhere - work, CVS, even freakin' ESPN. While the initial pain isn't renewed by any means, the constant mention of the day certainly doesn't make it easy for me (or anyone) experiencing a first Mother's Day without Mom.
Sunday is Mothers Day. I will again have a vodka gimlet and buy a bouquet of daffodils in her memory. And yes, I probably will shed a tear or two.
Never miss a chance to tell your Mom you love her. I wish I could again.