Lost my mother January 27, 2026

I'm So sorry. We understand.

Loss from this disease is very different from other losses I've suffered. I'm learning to give myself time to feel all the feelings. I hope you will do the same. And remember to reach out here anytime.

Now that my mother has passed, I am finding myself in the position to comfort others who are now embarking on the same journey with their loved ones. Two former colleagues, a secretary and a guidance counselor at the high school where I still teach have retired. The secretary developed a profitable hobby as a photographer. She took the photos for my daughter's wedding last weekend. We had a couple minutes to catch up, and her mother is now suffering from the early stages of dementia. She was wondering whether to consider assisted living facilities. The guidance counselor messaged me and confided that she had recently put her husband in MC and wondered if she had done the right thing. The answer was a resounding YES to both of them. They appreciated the fact that I had been through it and could offer informed advice. As a teacher, myself, I am always happy to share my experiences in an educational way. It felt really good to be able to help them. Part of the grieving process for me has been taking away the fear of the unknown for others. I can't prevent the sting of this terrible disease, but I can send the people I care about into battle properly armed. There are more people who understand than you realize. It certainly helps to come here and know we are among friends.