Five years ago when I was 3 months pregnant with my first daughter, my mom passed away. Just like that, she was gone. It was the worst day of my life, it felt like the world caved in on me. What was supposed to be the happiest time of my life was clouded by the sad realization that I was going to experience motherhood without the person I needed the most by my side. I naturally always imagined that she would be there when I had my own children, it was unbearable to accept the fact that I had to do this without her.
The days that I gave birth to my two girls were beautiful and perfect, yet I couldn’t shake the sadness of wishing that my mom was there to witness the miracle. I had a constant stream of visitors from family and friends, yet the flurry of people could not touch the loneliness I felt knowing my mom would not be walking through those doors. All the nurses were amazing taking care of me and making sure I was ok, but none of them had the nurturing and soothing touch that my mom would have had to make me feel better. My husband was by my side the entire time but my mom was not there to help me with the gross after birth stage that he shouldn’t have had to deal with.
After getting home from the hospital, everyone was over to help with the baby, but my mom was not there to make sure I was taking care of myself. My mom would have known when I needed to eat or sleep and made sure it happened. She would have cooked such great meals to soothe my soul after trying deliveries. She would have just known what I needed at any given time and would have gotten it for me. If my babies were crying (not from hunger) most people threw them back at me to figure it out while I was already overwhelmed, my mom would have instead taken my daughters and instantly known how to soothe them. She had that touch, that knowledge, that instinct to know how to fix everything for me. But she was not there.
I was never one to ask for help with my girls, even when it was offered. It is hard for me to ask for help because I don’t want to feel like my children are burdening anyone, even if it’s immediate family. If it was my mom, I wouldn’t think twice about asking for help because she naturally would have helped before I had to ask for it. She would have done it in a way where I didn’t even know I needed something until she did it for me. I think this is why I am so independent and why I take on so much more than I should at times. I don’t want to have to get help from anyone else because simply put, they can’t replace my mom. I know it’s something I have to work on, asking for help and actually letting people help me with the girls – baby steps.
I developed anxiety after my mom’s death and because of this I have a hard time being away from my girls or letting other people watch them. I fear that something may happen to them or to myself if we are separated and I don’t want them to experience the pain I did when I lost my mom. I feel as though no one else can take care of them the way that I can, or the way my mom would have. I know that this is not a healthy way to think and it is something that I am working on – baby steps.
What was supposed to be the happiest time of my life was clouded by the sad realization that I was going to experience motherhood without the person I needed the most by my side.
Another tough thing about being a motherless mother is watching your children grow up way too fast and wishing your mom would have seen that funny face they made or watch that clumsy first step. You wish you could call your mom for a recipe that your baby who is learning to eat solids would like or ask for advice on how to handle the not-so-fun teething stage. My mom will miss the first days of school, dances, proms, weddings, and the birth of my grandchildren.
I do take comfort in knowing that both my girls now have a guardian angel to watch over them. I also know that she is watching and protecting my two brothers and my three beautiful nieces. She would have relished her 5 granddaughters and spoiled them to pieces with love, food, and so much more food. That is how she showed her love, through feeding you until you couldn’t eat anymore. I will continue to try and do my best for my girls, to make my mom proud. If I could be half the mom that she was, I know that my girls will be ok. I always tell my friends to never take their moms for granted, because in one split second your whole world can change. My oldest daughter says that her grandma is a star in the sky, so at night she likes to look out the window and point to the brightest star saying “there’s grandma!”. Keeping her memory alive through my daughters is something that brings me peace and comfort during the tough days. It is not easy doing this without her, but she raised me to be strong and that is what I am. Thank you, mom.
Have you lost your mother?
How were you able to cope in the midst of motherhood?
Contributing Sister Site and Author
About Anny
Anny is a 32 year old mommy to two beautiful girls. Sofia is her sassy girly girl and Olivia is their 8 week old newborn who loves to be attached to mommy. Anny was born in the Dominican Republic and moved to New Jersey with her family when she was 5. She has been a Jersey girl most of my life until two years ago when she moved with her husband to Pittsburgh, where he’s originally from. Anny has a career in human resources and was working as a Corporate Recruiter until March when she delivered Olivia.
Anny is now a stay at home for a bit until she figures out this work life balance while having two little ones. Anny loves living in Pittsburgh and exploring the city’s Latin culture. She also loves to write and blogging has always been something she has wanted to do!
Try 3 days before having my 1st child. T THREE DAYS.
On the6th was 2 years . . .
Hasn’t gotten much easier.
To make matters worse my son’s father hardly helps with anything. Im not sure of the lesson I’m suppose to learn by all this….
I lost my mother 25 years ago when I was 8 months pregnant with my oldest child. He was born 3 weeks after her death. I too have had a very similar experience as a motherless mother. She was never there to help me through all the milestones of motherhood or see my children accomplish their milestones. It definitely changed my world view. I hope you have discovered the book “Motherless Daughters” by Hope Edelman, there is also a Facebook page and now she has arranged retreats as well. It helped me realize I am not alone and there are other motherless daughters and motherless mothers. Wishing you peace as you continue mothering your children.
I’m currently reading that book and it’s helping me so much! Thank you for the kind words! Hugs!
I can most definitely relate to this article! I lost my mom 9 years ago and found out I was pregnant a month after she had passed. It was the most terrifying time of my life. What’s even worse now is that my two little ones will never know their grandmother who would’ve showered them with love and positivity just like she did with her own 6 children. I just hope I’m making her proud. ❤️ Thank you for your blog post!
I’m sure to are making her very proud! Sending you hugs!
I can so relate. My mom died suddenly when o was 33 weeks pregnant. It’s been nearly three years. I feel ALL the things you just described. Especially the trouble leavinf my daughter and the fear of something happening while I am away. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for reading, so very sorry for your loss. It’s the worst pain, but you have to stay strong for your kids. Sending prayers and hugs.
This hits home so much. My mom was there when I had my first son but she died when I was 34 weeks pregnant with my second. I was lucky enough to be by her side and take care of her the last 12 days of her life but it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. This month makes 6 months and I still struggle every day with the loss.
Tristine, I’m sorry for your loss. I’m still waiting for it to get easier 5 years later. I promise there are better days ahead. She’s your guardian angel.
Hi Jeff,
Thanks so much for reading. You seem to be such a great dad, your kids and grandkids need you more than ever. I’m so sorry for your loss. I feel your daughter’s pain, it’s not easy. Praying for peace and comfort for your family.
Oh my, this is me. 2 years ago I Lost my mom at 3 months pregnant with my daughter. I wrote something very similar not too long ago. To the author, you got a friend in this club neither of us asked to join. We can do it.
Hi Lindsey,
It’s definitely not a club we would have chosen to be in. Thank you for reading. Absolutely, we can do this. We have our kids that need us to be strong.
Beautifully written! So true! I lost my wife two plus years ago. My daughter, son, and I grieve her loss every day. My daughter has two girls, that absolutely own me, and she shares and expresses the exact same feelings you have so accurately expressed here. She writes for the Mom’s Blog in Columbia, SC and has written about the same experience. May God bless you and your daughters, your family, going forward.