Alisha’s mother is living, so she shares a different perspective on what it is like being a daughter without a mom. Due to mental health issues, her mother left the family when Alisha was 9 months old. Alisha was raised by her dad and paternal grandmother, until her grandmother died when Alisha was 11. That loss triggered the additional feelings of losing her mom.

Alisha’s Take-Away: There was not a resource like this for me when I was younger, and it’s a less common thing for the mom to leave, so I wanted to share the things that helped me get through a unique parental situation:

• Really great friends that are like family

• Your situation does not have an impact on what you are able to do. You can still have what you want in life

• Look to who you do have, instead of focusing on who you don’t have

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