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Missing Mom: A Bittersweet Day for Some

The classic Hallmark card Mother’s Day in America is filled with flowers and brunches and pretty packages all tied up in pink ribbon. But for some, Mother’s Day is a bittersweet experience because Mom passed away. And so, Mother’s Day becomes a challenging event to push past: no one to buy for, no fancy lunches, just an empty feeling somewhere down deep.

That’s because in most cases a distinctive love exists between a mother and child. In the classic book The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis we get a glimpse of this extraordinary relationship from the Greek word in the Bible translated into English as “storage.”

Storage love is the unique affection that grows out of a family bond. It is the natural love a mother feels for her child. It is something that cannot be replicated, and when it’s gone, it is sorely missed. Thus, this Mother’s Day at Liberty Nation, we salute all the men and women in America who have lost that “storage” love. Here are a few stories we thought might both inspire you to appreciate your own mother and permit you to feel that you are not alone if your own dear mother has passed away.

(l to r) Miriam Stubbs (Cheryl’s mother), Cheryl S. Butz and Mamie Vaniman

Cheryl S. Butz, Owner, Koko Fit Club, Reston, VA

“Thinking about my dear Mother this Mother’s Day brings me to tears even after 31 years of not having her with me.  I deeply miss her unconditional love, her listening ear, and her sound advice.   I am eternally grateful for the sacrifices she made for me and the role model she was in my life. She had a way of steering me in the right direction without admonishing me, often by making me look at the situation in a new light. I watched her be a successful businesswoman and mother when very few women were doing both. She instilled values, morals and a work ethic that have served me well. And in a way, I live my life hoping my Mother would be proud of the woman I am today.”

Kathryn W. Davis (Diana’s mother)

Diana Spencer, Chairman & President, Diana Davis Spencer Foundation

“My mother created her recipe for aging that I like to maintain: “Keep laughing, keep learning, keep loving, keep making new friends.” She said “yes” to life: At 95, she took up art and kayaking after the age of 100.  She opened our home to young and old. She lived life to the fullest. She continues to be my role model.”

Rose Ann G. Melosh, Retired, Human Resources Director

“There are so very many things I miss about my mother that thinking of her brings tears to my eyes almost daily. Mom was a great cook, baker, and dancer and loved being with and doing for others.

(l to r) and Bettina G. Barrett,
Betty Guzzi (Rose Ann’s mother), Rose Ann G. Melosh

Her cooking was phenomenal — most especially around the holidays when trays upon trays of cookies filled our homes. People still talk about Betty’s cooking! In later years she lived much of the time with us and what I find that I miss so much is her telling me what a wonderful daughter I was every night when I helped her get ready for bed. Then she would kiss me goodnight. But I suppose what really stays with me is Betty’s faith and her love for God. This is what got her through the toughest times of losing her son, husband, and mother within three years. That faith was the bedrock of my mother and I am grateful she passed it on to me.”

Leesa K. Donner, Editor-in-Chief, Liberty Nation

Amy Lee Kelly Freier

“It’s always the little things I remember most about my mother. Yes, she was beautiful, smart as a whip and savvy. But it was her “Amy Lee-isms” that I remember most: “When at a party, you make your own fun. Never be the last to leave anything. Don’t cry over boys,” (very important when you are 16!). And my personal favorite, “Have a sip of sherry if you can’t sleep.”

She was different from anyone else I have ever known – a template of her own, if you will. Watching her pass was heartbreaking but being without her for over a decade is even more of a trial. Her words, her laugh, her love are buried deep within my soul, and for that, I will forever be grateful.

And so dear reader, if you don’t have a mom to celebrate today – remember you are not alone. And while it is a bittersweet day for many of us, perhaps we can find some solace in the words of Amantine Lucile Dupin, also known as the author George Sand, “There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved.”

Read More From Leesa K. Donner

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