I should have written this post a month and a half ago, but it’s taken me a long, long time to find the courage and the words.
On February 18, my mom, Joanne, passed away. It wasn’t completely unexpected, but it was still much too soon.
I’m never quite sure how personal to get here on the ole blog. I love sharing our adventures with the world, but when it comes to sad times and personal struggles, I try to keep those more private. I wasn’t sure I was going to post anything at all about my mom, but as I continued blogging throughout the past month and a half, I’ve started feeling like an imposter, just going on as if everything is fine and dandy.
Nick and I have done a few fun weekend trips in the last couple months that I’ve meant to share, but kept putting off until I wrote this post. I’ve been avoiding the blog more and more, so I decided it was finally time to just put it out there.
My mom was a great lady and was loved dearly by many, many people. Judging by the turnout at her services, even more than I could have imagined. She always had a smile on her face and touched many lives.
I like to think I have my mom’s cheerful outlook on life, but I also inherited many of my hobbies from her.
Did you know my mom graduated from culinary school?
And she worked with and around food for as long as I can remember. When I was in high school, she worked for a food broker and my friends always thought of her as the food lady. She’d send us off on beach weekends, ski trips and to parties with huge boxes of all the delicious foods she sold. We were always well fed!
My mom also loved to run. I guess I was destined to love it, too. While our running careers only overlapped for a little while, we did do a couple races together. But we may have done a few more together back in the day, when I was happy to be pushed along.
And maybe, just maybe, I’ve figured out where the cat lady in me came from…
Love you, Mom. Miss you more and more every day.
I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. It’s is such a painful thing to go through to lose a parent. My father passed away last year on Feb 12th after a 2 1/2 year battle with cancer. I took me a long time to even write on my blog about it. Like you, I was hesitant to share because I don’t like to get very personal on my blog. I don’t even like to show others around me just how painful my father’s passing was for me to deal with. For me, grieving was very personal and private.
After reading your post I can see you and your mom had a wonderful relationship and that is something to be so grateful for. All those wonderful memories are what makes it easier as time goes by….and then we realize just how truly blessed we were to have such a wonderful parent. My prayers are with you and your family.
Thanks for your kind words, Asiya. It’s helpful to know I’m not the only one feeling this way 🙂
I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s very brave of you to write about her. What wonderful pictures and memories you’ve shared.
Thank you!
Beautiful post Jess, Joanne is missed every day. May time be good to you.
My deepest condolences to you and your family, Jess. Losing a parent is so tough, brings one’s own mortality to the forefront.
Jess, this is a big step in healing from the pain of her death. Your memories, and sharing them with people who care about you… and your blog readers do…help to keep your mom with you. I find when I miss my mom the most it’s wonderful to share a special memory with my friends. I love reading your blog…and I’m looking forward to your adventures!
Nicely said. Wish I could give you a hug. Love you, Dad.
Oh my….I am so sorry seems so tiny to say but my goodness I certainly am!! I love, love your food blog and I understand keeping it foodie. I read every post and care about every post. I understand about keeping certain things close to the vest. Please know that when you open the vest a warm breeze will warm your skin. Your followers love you. My deepest sympathy.
You are beautiful just like her, this is very beautifully written .
Kim
Well put. I think about her everyday. <3
I am so sorry for your loss Jess. Your mother seemed like a beautiful woman, inside and out. I hope you find comfort in this difficult time. Thanks for sharing. Hugs to you friend.
Jess: My heart is so sad on reading about the loss of your mom. I lost my mom 9 years ago and I still miss her so much. My thoughts and prayers are with you and God will help you through this difficult time.
Your mom would be very proud of you! We all miss her and I am sending you a big hug and kiss!!
Jess, I’m so very sorry to hear of your loss. What a loving post you did here on your blog – great photos. (My DH worked for a food broker for a good many years, until the company was sold – I can relate to the excitement you felt when Mom came home from a food show and filled the kitchen table with great treats! She will always be in your heart.
Jess, first let me say that I’m so sorry for your lost. There is little that words can do to soothe you right now, I’m sure, but know that I’m out here saying a prayer for you and sending a virtual hug.
Thank you so much for sharing these pictures with us. You and your mom look so much alike! I’m sure that’s only the tip of the iceberg of things that you inherited from her as she sounds like quite a lady.
Thanks 🙂