My mom had a deep love for the beauty and majesty of lighthouses.
As I was growing up, she collected trinkets and artwork of these structures in all shapes, sizes, and colors—each one standing tall in its glory.
Lighthouses held a special meaning for her, and now, they carry a special meaning for me.
As I reflect on my mom’s legacy and the profound impact she made and continues to have on my life, I realize that she was my lighthouse.
From birth to adulthood, to everything in between, she was a beacon of love and wisdom guiding me through the tumultuous waters of life— always leading me to safety.
Like a lighthouse, her steadfast presence illuminated a path forward through hardships and struggles.
Like a lighthouse, she used her bright light to help me find my way when I veered off course.
Like a lighthouse, she alerted me to unforeseen dangers and kept me safe from harm.
Like a lighthouse, she provided answers and solutions when I needed them.
Like a lighthouse, she was a trusted presence that provided security, stability, and reassurance.
My Mom was my lighthouse.
But now her brilliant light has been all but extinguished by Alzheimer’s.
A painful truth I face every day.
A truth that is surreal and unfathomable even all these years after her diagnosis.
Like a ship lost on a vast, endless sea, I must forge ahead all the while not fully knowing where I am or where to go.
Navigating this journey without my Mom is incredibly difficult, but I know I can and will endure for she instilled strength and resilience in me. She instilled a will to go on even when things get hard and scary.
My Mom’s legacy serves as my brilliant North Star—my compass— and her love, warmth, and spirit continue to steer me forward along this beautiful, messy, and precious journey of life.
Photo: Dan Mall via Pexels
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