Rachel dear, I am so sorry for your loss. And I do understand. I lost my father and a sister in less than a year. The grief and pain can be intense. I've read that the more significant the loss, the more intense the grief. I can tell you loved your mother very much, which makes her loss feel so dreadful.

My father was my rock. Such a good man, and I feel blessed to have had him in my life. After almost 12 years since losing him, I still miss him, but I must admit the pain isn't as fierce as in the beginning. The first year or two, the grief was overwhelming. I felt so many different emotions. Excruciating sadness, anger, fear, and depression.

But I think that is probably normal. I've read that it's normal to go through stages of grief, but I don't think everyone experiences it the same. We're all different, and we suffer in different ways. The main thing is to remember to be patient with yourself and allow yourself to go through the grief process.

I've read the grief process is usually in five stages: 1. Denial - (This isn't happening.) 2. Anger - (Why is this happening to me? Who is to blame?) 3. Bargaining - (Make this not happen, and I in return will ______.) 4. Depression - (I'm too sad to do anything.) 5. Acceptance - (I'm at peace with what happened.)

Try to remember there is no right or wrong time frame to handle grief. And, for me, I leaned on my faith. It helped me tremendously. Even now, something or a memory will trigger my grief, and it feels like someone punched me in the stomach. I think that's probably normal.

I also think I'm a stronger and wiser person now. I don't take people for granted. I acknowledge my blessings and am grateful for the big and little things. Try to enjoy life and pray when you're having a bad day. It will get some better as time goes on.

(((Hugs)))

I am so sorry for your loss. I know how empty your life can be without your mom.
I lost my dad in 2002 and lost mom in 2004. I was an only child and I am married and have just the one child. I also feel so lonely and lost without mom, but it does get easier to manage after a while.
Mom and I had each other all our lives it was just her and I against the world and even after I married we all spent every major event together. Mom was my best friend and after she passed I was completely lost and did not know how to live without her. It was like I had to re-invent myself.
My so is 19 and I know mom is looking down and is so proud of him and us.
I know your mom is doing the same thing.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.

first of sorry for your loss. Its hard to not haver her physically here and birthdays, christmas ect is the hardest time. I beilieve that they are there with us and I know its not the same as physical. My mom passed nine months ago and she was my best friend. Ive lost alot of family and I have no connection to my biological mom dad or brother. Not having the family support and feeling alone is so hard. You do have a son and husband and they value you. you do have a family and they love you. Its hard for me too at times cause i feel like all i have is my husband and cat. but your loved.

I agree that THEY are with us...Sounds kind of crazy but I watch Long Island Medium and she really validates that after life.
There are also books on how to connect with your loved ones.
I am also doing a family tree and geneology and it really helps.
However, there are days that I just long for my parents and grandmother.
The grief can come and go, but picture that your mother is with you and celebrating your son's birthday as I am sure she is.

mamie, I agree with you. Sometimes I can feel my Dad's presence. Not often, but sometimes, out of the blue, it's as tho' he's beside me. Perhaps our spirits will always be connected. I don't know, and I don't understand a lot of that. But, it's very comforting feeling they are still in our lives.

Your beloved mom will be with you all the days of your life, be assured of that. Speak to her in the silence and listen for her voice in the whisper of the wind.....You will hear, and you will understand xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Love to you from a "mommy person"

Today I just longed for my mother. I am almost embarassed to tell anyone...At my age and after 4 years I feel I should be well over her loss.
I really miss her so much, though. I am not enjoying "the holidays" this year and just wish them to be over. I think that all of the happy memories of Christmas past with my family are making them unbearable for me.
I also have an 18 year old heading to college next years. Though I have family I will never know a love as special as the one between my mother and I.

Thankyou for all your beautiful,uplifting responses.....I read all of them...I'm not alone...HUGS