The holidays have almost come and gone, but they felt like they never arrived this year for us. The tree went up and the cookies we’d planned to make somehow went into and out of the oven, but it hasn’t come close to being the same.
I could never bring myself to imagine a world without my mom. Every time she referenced this day, I shrugged it off. Mom had overcome so many things over the years that I don’t think I ever thought there’d be something she couldn’t surpass. In my mind, she’d always be invincible. Larger than life. Yet somehow a little over 2 weeks ago we suddenly lost my best friend.
My mom taught me so much over the years – from big things like love, selflessness, overcoming heartache and standing up for myself to the little things, like her love of baking, her impeccable skill for getting stains out and ability to find the most gorgeous home decor elements at Marshall’s. And she taught so many others things, too. We’ve been watching comments come in over the weeks on Facebook from those who were her students, other students at Grissom High School or Huntsville Middle School who knew her, fellow band parents and those who went to church with my parents. Reading those stories have given our family so much joy.
38 years ago she took a big chance on having me – the biggest one possible. While 38 years will never come close to being enough time, I’m thankful for every one of those beautiful 13,971 days we had together. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect mom.
I don’t know what heaven looks like, but I’d like to think it looks like Destin, Florida – her favorite. Peaceful, seagulls overhead, and my mom smiling, reaching for my hand to walk with her in the sand.
I’ll be there, Mom. Someday.
We are helping to raise money for St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in her honor. If you’re interested in helping, please visit this link and indicate in honor of Linda E. Ruth to my attention, notification address of 909 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022. Thank you.
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