Isabelle’s mom died in 2016, just 11 days after receiving a diagnosis. Her mom, Greta, entered hospice and Isabelle became her primary caregiver. When someone is sick, you take care of them so they can get better. How do you nurse someone not back to health… but to death? Isabelle and her mom had just entered the part of their relationship where Isabelle looked at her mom more than just simply her mom, but as a woman and a friend.

Isabelle’s Take-Away: When the social worker came to go over the business of death, it made everything real. At that time, my mom said, “You know, I’ve never done this before.” Recently, I’ve realized how applicable that saying is to my grief. I’ve never done this before. Neither have you. We should all give ourselves some grace in our grief.

All of our stories are important. If you have a story to share, please send an email to ⁠daughterswithoutmoms@gmail.com⁠. You don't have to be a DWOM to share your story. All are welcome! 

For more of my thoughts on grief, please visit my website, www.yourgriefjourney.com