It’s been a while since I’ve posted…the longest break since I started this venture…three months. I lost my mom at the end of April, and it has made me reflect so much on the magnitude of a mother-daughter relationship. I debated whether this was too personal to post at The Lounge, but I can’t imagine not giving my mom a tribute here. As a journalist, my goal is to make sure every story here follows our editorial guidelines and focuses on the business of motherhood, and I think this story fits on many levels.
My mom was incredibly organized. What I love to do on spreadsheets and apps, she did on notecards, meticulous files, and paper systems that could rival that of any computer. She ran my dad’s optical practice for 30+ years on paper and adding machines. No computer, no iPhone, just paper and an incredibly organized and methodical approach at work, with a rotating chore wheel (dog, dishes, dinner) at home. She was a major inspiration to me on many levels, and certainly in my approach to motherhood. We all learn from our moms, things we want to take into our own generation, things we don’t. But as a close friend pointed out to me recently about why this loss is so painful, moms are our oldest historian. They hold our history in their belly for 9 months, in their arms for dozens of years, and in their hearts forever. Who else has that kind of tenure with us? No one. (Dads certainly have an incredibly powerful and long-tenured role as well, and I would never discount that, but with the development of our every organ happening inside Mom, she’s got an edge).
While I was helping my dad find something, I came across a worn manilla folder with a typewriter-typed label, “The Business of Motherhood.” That was the first name and inspiration behind this blog, and my tagline to this day. My mom wasn’t storing all of her mothering organization in that folder…she was keeping track of my adventure. Early newspaper articles, my email announcement printed out when I told family and friends I was doing this, some blog posts she liked, etc. That’s good old-fashioned love. That’s support and pride for your kids and what they care about.
So I hope they get to read blogs in heaven, because if they do, here’s another hug to a mom I miss every day, and who was my first teacher and mentor in the most important job I have, being a mom.
– Amy
P.S. Six short months after I lost my mom, my dad passed away. My parents’ love was one for the record books. I didn’t write specifically about my dad’s passing. In fact, it was months before I could write at all…They’re both in my heart and on my mind every single day. Even though this site is “mom-centric,” there’s no doubt that dads play a huge role in our lives, in parenting, and in teaching us how to be moms.
Amy_
SO sad to hear about your loss> I THINK losing your mom is one of the hardest things in life. I wish I knew earlier to be there with you.My mom’s been gone 21 years and I still talk with her. I also tell Andrew stories like how she used to keep straws in the refrigerator because that’s where we needed them. I try to keep her alive by cherishing her funkiness.
Lovely tribute. It brought me to tears. Peace and blessings to you.
Wonderful article and tribute to your mom. Thank you so much for sharing something so personal and touching. I really love that she had a folder dedicated to track this journey.
Amy,
It was lovely to read about your mom. Although I probably had met her (maybe 50 or more years ago), I certainly did not know her or your family. Which I wouldn’t mind changing.
Your whole website is beautiful, thought out and so helpful. Wish you lots of success.
HaMakom yenachem et’chem b’toch shar avay’lay Tzion vee’Yerushalayim.
May the Omnipresent comfort you among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Bembi
Smiling and tearing up thinking about your Mom, her beaming smile and the impact of her life on so many of us. This is absolutely beautiful, Amy. Thank you for sharing your inspiration with us so vividly and genuinely. Big hug to you and thanks to The Lounge for providing this awesome and accessible platform.
Love this tribute to your mom, Amy, as well as your newly revised MomTini Lounge. I’m proud to be part of it & will tune in more often. You are an inspiration to many of us, talented on so many levels, and an all-around great person to boot. Thank you, Marlene, for your part in launching and shaping Amy! XXOX
Susan, thank you so much!!! The love comes right back atcha! And I cherish your kind words about my mom 🙂 She absolutely LOVED being an A’s fan and even needed a Grandma sweatshirt when the team ordered our customized gear. 🙂