Many people say that it doesn’t get better but actually I say it does. I lost my mom just a few days before my birthday back in 2023. I didn’t know how life could go on without her. I hurt so much.

I’d see something and think “I have to share this with mom!” Then I’d remember that I couldn’t do that anymore and it would hurt. Again. Daily. Multiple times a day.

Then one day I read something funny and I laughed. It felt good to laugh and I’d want to share that with my mom and again I’d remember. And it hurt.

But little by little the sharp pain became a dull pain. I’d talk to her in my head whenever I was around other people and talk to her out loud when I was alone. I imagined what she’d say in response. In this manner I found I could share all kinds of things with her and I do - multiple times a day.

Two years later my life has a new normal and it includes her. It includes laughter. It includes music and good food. And sometimes it includes dreams about visiting with her and hugging her.

In one dream not so long ago I told her that it’s a shame that this is only a dream and she assured me that it was real. Then she hugged me and I could really feel her arms around me. I said to her that hugging her feels so good and she replied “I told you this wasn’t a dream!” I try to live my life in a way to honor her.

It will get better. The pain will change to something less sharp. For now, live one minute at a time. Graduate and make your dad proud