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Month: May 2023

The Best Tribute I Can Give to My Mother on the 10th Anniversary of Her Death, this Mother’s Day

Published by Autumn Brooke on May 13, 2023

Another year, another Mother’s Day, has become one of my least favorite days of the year since my mother’s passing. She left us just 24 hours after her last Mother’s Day but for some reason, I am always able to forget the actual date until the season comes. A few days ago I was struck with the realization that this year, this Mother’s Day coincides with the 10 Year Anniversary of Her Death. That definitely hit differently. Ten years that she has been missed at family milestones and events. Memories that have been created without her. 

As I have been processing how to go about the day, and how to feel or react, a friend of hers sent me a message on Facebook. She received a screenshot of her memories that included a comment from my mom and she thought that I might appreciate it. I love seeing old comments or memories of her so she was right, but I don’t think she knew just how special this one would be. It struck me at first because Tammy’s memory was her actually Remembering the 10th Anniversary of Her Mother’s Death. I honestly don’t think when she shared it with me, she was even aware that this will be my mother’s 10 years. Quite a coincidence, but who says God doesn’t have a sense of Humor? 

The comment to Tammy from my mother, Katherine, was able to change my mindset and give me a different perspective. The sorrow remains the same but knowing her love for me soothes a little of the pain. My mother had written that “Our children are the best tributes we can leave of ourselves!” I am my mother’s Only Child, so in her words, I am her tribute to the world. As a mother myself, I understand that I have raised my sons to be the best versions of themselves and a value to the world. I just never thought about that my mother did the same with me. 

I have tried to remember all the lessons she taught me over the years and the wisdom that I gained from her that I try to pass on. So, this Mother’s Day I will remember that although she is not physically here with us, her legacy is, as I am here, “her best tribute’ and her grandsons continue to carry on for generations to come. 

Thank You, Mama, Happy Mother’s Day! 

I hope this blog post may help you appreciate the legacy of your mother or the mothers in your life. If you have any stories or thoughts to share, please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you.

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How to Parent Your High School Senior Who’s About to Graduate

Published by Autumn Brooke on May 11, 2023

If you’re a parent of a high school senior who’s about to graduate, you might be feeling a mix of emotions. You’re proud of your child’s achievements, but you’re also worried about their future. You’re excited about their new opportunities, but you’re also sad to see them leave. You’re happy for their independence, but you’re also concerned about their safety.

Having gone through this transition with my oldest son, I thought I would be better prepared with my second son and stepdaughter that are preparing for this momentous milestone in the upcoming month. However, I still found myself struggling so I decided to face it like the first time and revisit all the tips that helped the first time.

How do you cope with these feelings and support your child during this transition? Here are some tips that might help:

  • Celebrate their accomplishments. Your child has worked hard to get to this point, and they deserve recognition and praise. Whether it’s throwing a party, buying a gift, or simply saying “I’m proud of you”, make sure you celebrate their graduation and acknowledge their efforts.
  • Listen to their plans and dreams. Your child might have a clear idea of what they want to do after graduation, or they might be unsure and confused. Either way, it’s important to listen to their thoughts and feelings without judgment or pressure. Ask open-ended questions, show interest and curiosity, and offer encouragement and guidance when needed.
  • Respect their choices. Your child might make decisions that are different from what you expected or hoped for. They might choose a college that’s far away, a major that’s unfamiliar, or a career that’s unconventional. They might decide to take a gap year, join the military, or start a business. Whatever they choose, respect their choices and trust their judgment. Remember that this is their life, not yours, and they have to follow their own path.
  • Prepare them for the challenges ahead. Graduating from high school is a big milestone, but it’s also the beginning of a new phase of life that comes with its own challenges. Your child will face academic pressures, social changes, financial responsibilities, and emotional adjustments. They will need to develop new skills, such as time management, self-care, problem-solving, and communication. You can help them prepare by giving them advice, sharing your experiences, and providing resources and support.

Parenting a high school senior who’s about to graduate is not easy, but it’s also rewarding and fulfilling. You get to witness your child grow into a young adult who’s ready to take on the world. You get to share in their joys and sorrows, their hopes and fears, their successes and failures. You get to be part of their journey and cheer them on along the way.

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