Remembering My Mother’s Nearly Fatal Crash, On Her Birthday

Family is so important to all of us Mainers and I would like to highlight someone who is extremely important, not because she gave me birth but because she taught me to survive. She is the reason I am sitting here typing these words for you to read.

Today is my Mom's birthday. She is 72 years old. I wanted to talk about something that happened. This terrible situation happens to so many of us and flips our lives upside down.

When someone in your family gets hurt, has an accident, or falls ill, you feel helpless. If you are currently dealing with an unbearable situation like that, read this story and I hope it will lift you up and give you the purpose you need to keep fighting.

Mom has carried me through every misstep and mistake I've made in my life.

2 years ago, my mom got into a car accident. It was bad. She broke her collar bone, her sternum, her tailbone, and her back. Her ribs were bruised and she not doing well.

When things like that happen, your heart melts and you wish that you could take all of the pain away from the person you love.

My mother is a warrior. It is in her DNA to survive no matter what. She has always pushed through adversity but this, this was different. I saw her in a different light. Vulnerable. Helpless.

That is when the roles change a bit. When you become an adult and your parents get older, there is a time where things shift. You merged into that parenting role. It's beautiful but also something that none of us are ready for.

But we do what have to, don't we. I stayed with her, every day, and we got through it, together. Seeing her will to live, her purpose to heal, and her never ending strength showed me something invaluable. Her healing and survival spoke to me without using words.

Today, on her birthday I am celebrating the strength she shared with me. As I said earlier, I am here because of her.

She is now doing amazing. At 71 years old she tore down the walls in my new house, is the most remarkable Yia Yia to her grandson, and finds a beautiful purpose in each and every day.

If you are feeling that heart wrenching pressure of helplessness for a loved one who is suffering, I see you. I witness you. Please don't give up.

I also want to add a resource that has been very helpful for me throughout the years anytime I need a little extra hope in my life. Visit NAMI Maine if you are or anyone you know is struggling and they have your back.