she needed to hear — in comfort or in tough love . Joanna knows this isn ’ t going to be easy , especially for her own children , who were also close with their grandmother .
Yet , she has found some solace in the memories of them singing together . The song “ The Truth I ’ m Standing On ” by Leanna Crawford has been a treasured release as she navigates the world and fondly recalls the beautiful moments she cherishes of her mother .
To honor her mother , she says , “ The only thing I can do is try to be even just half the mother she was .”
A New Generation
Sophie Taylor ’ s mother passed about 10 years ago from breast cancer . She admits there are hard days , days when the sudden grief will wash over her . This became particularly noticeable after the birth of her own daughter , Faye .
“ I have great women in my life , who have been super supportive and helpful ,” she shares . “ But you know , not to sugarcoat it , it ’ s not my own mom . It ’ s just not the same .” By acknowledging her emotions , she is able to move through the absence of her beloved mom . “[ I ] lean on my husband . I talk it out when I need to , and I do have a counselor that I call on and talk to as a third party .”
And she chooses to make every effort to show young Faye the dynamic essence of her grandmother .
Favorite hobbies of her mother included making freshpressed flower frames with watercolor paintings , Sophie explains . “ I was able to get one of those frames from my dad and I put it in Faye ’ s nursery . So , she ’ s [ my mom ] physically there and so Faye can look at it .”
She continues , “ My mom was really into gardening and had a green thumb , and Cory [ my husband ] and I are the same way .”
The pair has turned it into a new favorite pastime , not only for the fresh fruit , vegetables and beautiful flowers but also as a way to connect their daughter with her grandmother .
Leaving A Legacy
Nearly 13 years ago , Jennifer Presswood ’ s mother lost her battle with breast cancer . Though the way she honors her mom each year changes , the sentiment , love and admiration are ever radiant .
“ She did everything with so much passion behind it ,” she reflects . Her mom was a pharmacist , committed to helping people . Jennifer is now a marketing executive for a regional health insurance company with a mission that inspires Jen . After her cancer diagnosis , Jennifer ’ s mom , Karen , founded METAvivor , an organization dedicated to metastatic breast cancer awareness , research and support .
“ My mom left a legacy ,” she shares proudly . At first , she felt a subtle pressure to be involved in the organization to keep her mother ’ s advocacy alive , to continue what her mom started .
“ The legacy of starting a nonprofit organization , advocating for the need for more dollars to go to research and support for Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer while fighting cancer herself , those are some tough shoes to follow or step into ,” she says .
Eventually , Jennifer found her own passion in the volunteer world . “ What I have learned over time is I need to honor those shoes by creating my own legacy to keep her passion and spirit alive ,” she acknowledges , collaborating with METAvivor when possible .
As she has evolved both personally and professionally , Jennifer is in a place where she is more now than ever a striking comparison to her mother : living her purpose and passion through work .
“ As I have become more grounded in my grief , this year I will honor my mom by resting , pausing and simply celebrating her ,” says Jennifer . She wishes her mom could see how far she ’ s come .
Anna Jarvis secured her mother ’ s legacy so we could continue to honor mothers for years to come . Simply choosing to remember our maternal figures , no matter the manner , is the greatest gift we can give . It embodies all forms . From artistic endeavors and rest to maternal aspirations and legacies , our recognition of what they do and have done will continue to guide our path .
We honor those who have moved on from this life by living our lives . By carrying out our dreams and by welcoming each day with unyielding zest and energy for whatever comes our way , we honor them . By using the lessons they have taught us , engaging with their passions and joys — even in our own way — and sharing these facets with our own children , we honor them . Now and always , we carry them in our hearts .
MAY 2022 | 23