I was excited to read about a new global writing challenge started by a group of blogging friends—Gail from Is This Mutton (UK) Deb from Deb’sWorld (Australia), Mary Katherine from MK’s Adventures in Style (USA), Penny from Frugal Fashion Shopper (UK) and Jill from Grownup Glamour (Australia). On the third Thursday of every month they’ll respond to the prompt “Tell Us About XXX” which could cover any subject matter. It could be a blog post with opinions or memories; a poem, photos, anything at all. Sounds intriguing right? I thought so too, which is why I decided to join in! This month, the first of the challenges is “Tell Us About…Time”…
I lost my mum (pictured above with my younger brother) when I was only 13 years old, she was in her very early 30s and obviously it really affected me and my family. One of the biggest things it did to me was it made me think that I, also, wouldn’t have much time on this earth. I’ve spoken to others who lost one of their parents when they were young, and the majority felt the same; that we wouldn’t live any longer than they did. It’s a scary thing to grow up, thinking that you might not make it to your mid-thirties.
The thought of dying young grew heavily on my mind for years, but fortunately I managed to pull myself out of that downward spiral, changing the way I thought to become the much more positive, happy person that I am today. And, at 47 years old, I am enjoying all the time that I have. And, hopefully, there’s going to be years and years and years more.
I’ve lost many loved ones over the years, not just my mum, and I always think about how the older we get, the more privileged we are to be alive. It IS such a privilege to have time on this earth and we should therefore live our lives to the absolute fullest. It took me quite some time to realise this, and I am so grateful that I did, because my life is so much more amazing now. Not that I do much else differently, it’s just the way I look at things, the small things and the big things. Waking up in the morning and seeing the sunshine—or even the rain, it’s just so good to wake up at all.
We have so little time on this planet, we must embrace every second…wouldn’t you agree?
I’m so sorry you lost your mom so young. That would be so tough. And I understand how an early death could plague your thoughts. It you have a marvelous attitude toward life. This characteristic always comes out in your posts. It’s one of the reasons I enjoy reading your blog.
Aging is a privilege! I totally agree. I’ve never been anti-aging or particularly fearful about it, but we absolutely should regard each new day as a reason to happy. I do!
My post on this topic is on my new blog. (What kind of idiot would have 3 blogs? Me!)
Michelle
https://followingmymuse.space/time-the-first-tell-us-about-blogger-challenge/
What a lovely post Suzy. So sorry you lost your mum at such a young age. I lost my brother aged 60, a few years ago. It made me see how precious life is, and none of us know how long we have left. So like you I try to embrace every day, rain or shine! xx
Oh this is such a poignant post. Your mother had a really short life and I’m not surprised that it affected you deeply. She was lovely and what a sweet smile she had. Hugs to you as it sounds as though you’ve really turned your life round to enjoy it. Thanks for this lovely post.
This was a thoughtful post and a nice tribute to share your mom with us.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Suzy, this is such a heartwarming post! You look so much like your beautiful mum. I experienced a lot of loss early in life as well and it really does change your whole perspective on everything. I am just now getting the the ages when my parents died and it definitely makes me take healthy living a lot more seriously than I used to!
Shelbee
Bless your heart. I didn’t know you had lost your mom at such an early age. Probably when you needed her most. Those middle school years can be so hard under the best of circumstances. I am so sorry.
My mom lived to be 95 and I have wondered if I will live as long a life. But her father and my other grandfather died in in their early 50s, if that. I guess we always wonder how long we will live.
Such a lovely post, Suzy and you are so right that it is a privilege, growing old.
I lost my dad when I was 9 and he was 32 and I lived a life from then on where I was sure I wasn’t going to make 32 either. I was desperate to surpass it and once I did it was like a huge sigh of relief. Isn’t it strange how our minds work like that?
I’m 60 in 4 months so I’ve lived a life so much longer than my poor dad.
I really enjoyed taking part in the writing challenge too. It’s helping my spur on to write more again.
Thanks for coming over and reading my post xo
Lovely post. I can see your mother in you. Your mum and dad were a lovely couple. How hard must it be for the ones left behind.
I agree on living life to the fullest and be thankful for our time on earth.
Greetje