Mother’s Day is always bittersweet. My mom “Joanie” passed away back in 2013, within four months of being diagnosed with a rare autoimmune blood disorder, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura, TTP [more on her story here]. I swear it still feels like yesterday. I skipped spending Mother’s Day with her because I had just moved to D.C. for a new job and was planning to visit Memorial Day weekend. I vividly remember our last time together – in her hospital room with the theme song of Golden Girls playing in the background on TV as I said my final goodbye. It was so fitting yet so surreal. I wish I could have pressed the rewind button and spent more time with her. We had no idea she wouldn’t be coming home.
Joanie was more than my mother. She was my best friend, confidant, shopping and travel partner, my stylist and my rock. I told her it was okay to let go. I knew I had to mend my broken heart and push through with the life she wanted me to have. I had to show up and be the fabulous woman she was and raised me to be. I think of Joanie each time I add new frames to my collection. I cherish the fun times we spent over the years shopping for glasses together, so I dedicate Be Seen by Staci to her.