Note: Today’s newsletter is about my mom. With Mother’s Day this weekend, I know it can be a difficult time for many. Please proceed with care. Sending love to all of you.
In my family, we call May “The Month of Kate” — Kate being my mom, and the month of May containing not only Mother’s Day, but also my mom’s birthday and wedding anniversary.
But if anyone deserves a month of recognition, it’s my mom. A friend recently described her as “human serotonin,” and no phrase has ever felt truer to my mom’s essence. She answers all of my phone calls as if we haven’t talked in years (and maintains that energy even as I complain about the mundane details of my life). She befriends everyone she meets (and has a strange affliction in which strangers feel comfortable sharing their deepest secrets with her upon first meeting). She’s like the sun, brightening every space she finds herself in. Sometimes, I can’t believe I get to call her my mom.
Selfishly, I wish my mom would live forever. I can’t imagine a world without her voice on the other end of the line, or her hugs when I travel home to visit. I find myself saving each voicemail she leaves me, preserving every bit of her that I can. I once confessed my fear of losing her during one of our phone calls. “Oh hons,” she said, “I’m always going to be a part of you, no matter what.” I’m pretty sure that just made me cry harder.
I know nothing is guaranteed. But what I do have is right now. And right now, I’m grateful to have a love so strong and deep for the person I’ve known longer than anyone else (sorry Dad, Mom wins this one). Hope you enjoy this little interview with her.
My mom also sent a few of her favorite things along, which will be included in my monthly bonus newsletter at the end of May! To end, please clap for this photo I found in an old album of my mom being an absolute babe.