Sunday, May 12, 2013

Missing You on Mother's Day


This day has been creeping up, and for the past few months, I have debated whether or not I would post this on my blog. You see, my mother passed away last August, and this is my first Mother's Day without her.   Even though it's hard for me, I want to share a bit of her here today.  

My Mom was a larger than life person.  Big hair, shiny jewelry, and lots and lots of opinions (the kind Asian moms are known for!).  She was everybody's "Auntie" and she filled our house with people, food, and laughter (and more food!).  Growing up, I always thought that my mom and I had nothing in common.  How could I relate to this country girl who went to secretary's school to find a husband?   Who was this lady who sent me to school with sushi when all I wanted was hamburgers and french fries?  Even though I was named after her (her name is Jeanne), I insisted that I was NOT my mother.  Fast forward 20 years and there's no denying that in all the ways that matter, I am my mother's daughter.  


So today, I wish a Happy Mother's Day to my wonderful and beautiful Mom!  


I miss you.  


I think of you everyday.  


I'm taking care of Dad and Joy.  

I love you.

Thank you so much for letting me share a bit about my mom.  Please know that my thoughts are with you and your mothers too!   

Big hugs,
jj




46 comments:

  1. Thanks for reminding us to appreciate each other while we can!
    A wonderful card, for sure so lovely!

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  2. JJ, I'm so sorry, but thank you for posting about this. My own mother passed away less than a month ago and I have really struggled with all the preparations for mother's day. I had almost finished my card when she died...

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  3. What a beautiful post in celebration of your wonderful mother, JJ. Celebrating our beloved lost ones is the best way to honor them and keep them alive in hour hearts. Sending big hugs your way!
    Lorena

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  4. Big hugs to you, JJ. What a beautiful tribute to your mother, she sounded like a wonderful woman. We may lose those we treasure physically, but they're forever in our hearts and soul. I face a difficult day come Father's Day this year, but I too will celebrate a wonderful parent who gave me so much!
    As always, a stunning and true JJ card that you're sharing with us today - beautiful!
    Big hugs!
    x

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  5. sending love and hugs your way, JJ. What a beautiful tribute!

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  6. Oh JJ, what a wonderful card, post and tribute to your Mom...I gotta tell you, the Asian Mom comment made me chuckle. Sending you big inky & sequiny hugs...

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  7. I am very sorry that your mom died last summer. What a beautiful card and tribute to her.

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  8. Hugs to you, JJ. Thank you for sharing about your mom. It's a beautiful tribute. As with Amy above, the comment about the "Asian Mom" made me chuckle, too. Oh, and I can't forget about your card - love the flower colors on your beautiful white card. Happy Mother's Day to you, JJ.

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  9. JJ what a wonderful tribute to your Mom, I am so sorry you are without her today.
    A beautiful card! xoxo

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  10. What a lovely card...but what a heartfelt tribute. Hoping the memories fill you with love and bring you smiles today...

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  11. Thank you for sharing a wonderful tribute to your mother. When I was young I was hoping I would not take after my mother, but when I grew older, and after my father died, I started to realise she had great wisdom and was able to take life without complaining. She passed away in 2009, at the age of 93.

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  12. JJ, a beautiful card that I'm sure your mom sees from heaven. My own mom passed 33 years ago; she was young and I've missed her terribly all these years. I can tell you that the sharp, hurting pains stop in time - it will get better. I talk to my mom everyday, and I know that she's waiting for me. Grieve until you are done, and know that your mom is with you always. Bev

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  13. What a wonderful tribute to your Mom. Also a beautiful card to share on such a occasion!

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  14. My eyes got a little wet after reading your post, JJ! Your memories of your Mom will last you a lifetime even though she is no longer with you! She obviously has done an awesome job in raising you! Sending you HUGS! Love your sweet card, of course!! CELEBRATE the day with your family! You are now THE MOM!

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  15. And yes, I dread to be the Asian Mom....but my kids told me that I can be a tiger mom (sometimes!!) :)

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  16. So glad you shared this JJ! Been thinking of you all day (read it on mobile earlier). What a great tribute to your mom, she sounds like an amazing lady, she sure produced an amazing daughter!

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  17. What a beautiful post today, JJ - celebrating your love and memories of your mother is the perfect tribute to her. Sending you lots of hugs today. <3

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  18. My thoughts are with you and your mother, JJ! {tears}

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  19. What a sweet post. My thoughts are with you because I know how difficult that first Mother's Day without Mom can be. I lost my mother when I was only 37 and always felt that I didn't have enough time with her, even though I know many people have had less time with their mothers. I can relate to how different you felt that you were from your mother. I felt the same way growing up. But, the older I get, the more often I "see" my mother in myself. Sometimes I hear her in my laugh and sometimes I see her in the way I do things and the way I react to things. So, it seems that she is with me even when I'm not thinking about her. May your memories of your mother always bring you joy.

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  20. Such a beautiful tribute to your mom, JJ (sniff, sniff). I know you would give anything to have her back...so my thoughts are with you today! Thank you for sharing this post and your absolutely gorgeous card!!!

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  21. Beautiful post and beautiful card JJ. Thinking of you.

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  22. One word comes to mind... bittersweet. Life is, isn't it? Thank goodness for memories. Maybe it's time we start being grateful that we are turning into our mothers... Big hug.

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  23. Such a wonderful tribute to your mother, JJ. So sorry she's not here to hug you in person. She must've been a good mom, cuz you are so smart, talented, thoughtful and compassionate. Sending you a big hug today!

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  24. JJ - Your post touched my heart. Just remember we never really lose our mothers as they are always embedded inside our hearts and souls. I celebrate my mother each day by trying my best to be a wonderful and brave woman like she was - so proud to have had a mother like her.

    P.S. - Love your card - simply beautiful!

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  25. This is such an incredible tribute to your Mother, JJ! I'm sorry for your loss, but you sure do her proud! Happy Mother's Day to you! ((hugs!))

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  26. It's so nice to "meet" your mom. She is a beauty! I am glad you shared her with us today, on this special day to honor moms. I kind of take it for granted that my mom is still here, your tribute reminds me to love my mom a little more and also hold my kids a little tighter cuz I want them to remember me like you remember her...with respect and affection :) hugs friend

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  27. Beautiful testimony of your mum, I think the "firsts" of all special days are the hardest! Stunning card, full of beautiful character :)

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  28. JJ - your post is such a lovely tribute to your Mom! And your card is beautiful! Bless you my dear!

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  29. My thoughts are with you as you miss your beautiful Mom this Mother's Day! Your tribute to her was so touching. Thank you for sharing pictures and sweet memories.

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  30. JJ, this is a really beautiful tribute to your Mom. I'm sorry she's not with you on Mothers Day. She was obviously a very special person. Big hug to you.

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  31. JJ......I didn't know this about you even though we've gotten to know each other this past year through GI. My heart goes out to you my friend......I'm not sure I have much to offer or say but keep the memories close! That's all I have now of my mom too especially since my dad had my final goodbye to my mom with an auction of most of their things just a month ago. It's was hard.....very hard to see all her beloved things she collected be sold to others. Bittersweet. My mom has been gone 8 years this past Feb. 13........not a day goes by that I don't think of her. Your mom sounds just like the kind of mom mine was.....it's hard to lose someone like this. Look at photos, talk about her.....you'll keep her memory alive!!! Huge hugs JJ!!!! xx

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  32. Teary just reading your post. I send you my love and prayers for comfort and peace. Love you! xox

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  33. Oh JJ, what a beautiful post about your mother. So very touching. Thanks for deciding to share this. LOVE the photo of her in the pill box hat ... what a striking lady!!

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  34. Beautiful tribute to your Mom...thought are with you today.

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  35. What a beautiful post on your mom. Made me hug my mom as I realize i never do that often enough. Thanks for reminding me to appreciate my mom even during the "Asian mom" moments.

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  36. Big hugs, JJ. What a lovely tribute to your mom. I'm sure this day was a hard one. It sounds like you have great memories of her. And try as we may to follow a different path, we are ALWAYS like our mothers. I'm thinking of you.

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  37. This brought a tear to my eye JJ. What a beautiful way to honor your mom. My heart goes out to you, you're in my thoughts.

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  38. What a beautiful tribute to your mom.

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  39. This was lovely and I'm so glad you shared it. We also had a tough Mother's Day. My husband's mother passed away in January and she was like a second mother to me. We are thinking of you!

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  40. It is a great tribute to your mom. You are in my thought!

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  41. Oh, JJ - thank you for sharing your mother with us. No matter how much we struggle with our mothers, all of us eventually learn that we are lucky to carry them inside ourselves - the best parts. Huge hugs to you :)

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  42. Your post is so moving JJ and I can only repeat what others have said, your Mum obviously meant a lot to you and she will always be with you in spirit... Mothering Sunday is such a bittersweet day for us all :0) hugs to you and your family
    Jenny x

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  43. Beautiful card, post & photos of your mom, JJ. She will continue to live in your heart and through your family members. My mom passed away April of last year so I feel your pain. I thought the 2nd mother's day would be easier than the first but that was not the case for me. I think the first one was so close to her death that I was still numb. Will keep you and your family in my thoughts.

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  44. What a beautiful tribute to your Mom. And your card is simply gorgeous. Simply JJ.

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  45. Oh gosh JJ - I started tearing up reading this post. So glad that even though I am behind I found this one. Beautiful tribute to your mom sweetie! I know it has been so hard for you - wish I could give you a big hug! The wonderful lady you are is your moms legacy - she did a wonderful job raising you!

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  46. JJ thusost brought tears to my eyes! Such a beautiful tribute to your mother! :)

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