Monday 31 March 2014

A BITTERSWEET MOTHER'S DAY... LAUREN'S STORY

Mother's Day is a time to show your mum how much you care; but what if your mum is no longer around to share the celebration?

Lauren says:

This Mother's Day I wasn't celebrating with my mum. I lost her in 2012 from cervical cancer, and it really changed my life. It was a terrible time, but I am talking to people and getting things sorted out now; in some ways it has made me a stronger person. I've learnt a lot of things. You have to appreciate life and take every opportunity you are given, because you never know when it might be your last.

Losing Mum also started me along my fundraising path. I regularly raise funds for cancer charities and in the space of a year I have raised more than £1500. It makes me feel a little bit less helpless. I know my mother would have wanted me to carry on with my life and be happy, and that is exactly what I am trying to do - while also helping others in the process.

This Mother's Day, although Mum wasn't here, I still celebrated. I wanted to remember all the special times we had together. I made her a card and attached it to a balloon which I set free, to float up to the sky. I also put together a vase of flowers for her and set them by the window where the sun shone most brightly. My mum was the kind of person who always put other people first, making sure they were OK and happy. She had a great sense of humour and the most beautiful smile. To me she was perfect.

Mum always wanted a small dog, and we got her Daisy as a birthday present the year before she died. Daisy is my dog now, and she helps me to feel close to Mum. I would like to let anyone out there who may have lost their mum that it will be OK... your mother will always be in your heart and she will always, always be proud of you. Remember the good times - and if you ever feel down, do talk to someone because it really does help.



On Mother's Day I remembered Mum for the the special person she was... and I reckon she was looking down on me and smiling.

Cathy says:
Sometimes my readers make me feel very proud and humble, and Lauren is one who definitely does. She wanted to tell her story in order to reach out to other readers who may have lost their mums, and that was a very brave, moving and inspiring thing to do. If you have a message of support for Lauren, please do COMMENT BELOW.

18 comments:

  1. A very moving and inspiring story that touched my heart and brought a tear to my eye. Well done!

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    1. Agree... just lovely, and very brave of Lauren to share. I hope it helps other readers who are missing their mums right now.
      xxx

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  2. Laura I really feel for you! You are really brave trying to help others who too have experienced loss

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    1. Such an inspiring girl; this is one of my favourite ever reader posts on DREAMCATCHER. Thank you, Lauren.
      xxx

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  3. What a brave young lady you are Lauren to share this with other readers. As a mother of two daughters myself, I found this very moving and I'm sure your Mum would be very proud of you. xx

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  4. That is so sad but it's good that you're trying to help other people and you are very brave to be able to share this. Remember your Mum is always will be with you and always is. Blondie

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  5. Hi lauren, I lost my Mum when I was a little girl and, though I'm a Mum myself now, not a day goes by when I don't think about her. I was lucky enough to get a step mum who grew to love me ( not an easy task, i was quite a difficult child) but I still miss the unconditional love of my mother, it's a gift like no other. But I wanted to say, you're right, your mum is always in your heart, and in every cell of your body, she's part of you and will always be with you and all that love doesn't go away. I look at my own children now and know it's true because she's in them too. Much love to you Lauren, thank you for sharing your story xx

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  6. Awww... lots of love here today. Fab comment Kathryn. xxx

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  7. Lauren, it seems that you are your mother's daughter in lots of ways and she has left the gift of you as an inspiration to us all.

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  8. You're really brave to share a story like that! I have a friend who's mum died quite a few years ago and she's perfectly fine about it now so I know you are too. Just like Celine Dion sang, She is safe in your heart and your heart will go on and on!

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  9. Lauren's story is very moving and I think that her mum would be very proud to know how she has turned such a devastating situation into something positive.

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  10. So sad fell so sorry for Lauren

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  11. I know how you fell I lost my mum on my birthday 25 june 2014.

    I had just turned thirteen I was opening my presents and she collapsed she died of cancer. lung cancer bone cancer and cervical. I miss her loads.

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    1. satay strong anon, ur so amazing and so brave. My mum's mum died of bowel cancer before ay of here grandchildren were born so I never got to see her. Stay strong. Hamdi:)xxx

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    2. Lauren ur mum would be so proud of u. Hamdi:)xxx

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  12. my mum died then my dad did so I live with my cousin who is 20 as we have no other family drunk driver went into my mum and dads car mum died in the ambulance dad died in the hospital it was 1 and a half months ago I miss them so much

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