I met another mom (If these walls could talk)

I've been wondering if I over share this story that has become mine. But Ella is my little girl - and always will be, and I will always speak about her. I’m proud to be mom to both of my girls – and always will be.

So I will tell you about Ella’s naughty giggle, and how much she loved tea. How she loved to read and that she was ploughing her way through the Harry Potter series. I’ll tell you how proud I was of the PowerPoint presentation she made for her teacher before her wedding day and how well she did at school. I’ll boast that she made the best French Toast and I won’t hesitate to let you know about all the little notes she would write for me; and the reminders she put on my phone – that still pop up every singe day. I’ll also share with you those long ago memories of when she was just a little squidge, how she would point at everything and say, “Ooooo”; and how her little smile would melt my heart.

I’ll tell you too that she is the best big sister ever; and I know that Jem misses her hugs so much.

There is so much to tell you about Ella. She will always be in my heart, and by sharing my memories, I’m hoping she will remain in yours too. If you knew her, you’ll have your own memories of her…please, don’t stop yourself from sharing them with me. You'll probably have to find me some tissues as the tears pour down my cheeks, but don't let that stop you. I want to, and need to, speak about my daughter.

The thing is…you never know who you might meet along this journey. You don’t know someone else’s story until they tell it, and in the end they might need you just as much as you might need them.

In sharing my story at work I’ve met two other moms who have lost their children. One of them I see almost every day. She is so good at what she does, she has such an inspiring role and I truly do admire her. I don’t walk around the office looking gloomy, I actually love being there, but I know there are days when I’m pale and exhausted and when she sees me on those days her eyes fill with tears…and she shares my pain.

The other mom is someone I’m going to be working with a lot in the next few months. At the end of our first meeting I told her about Ella, and I’m so glad I did. She told me that she had lost her daughter too. I’m sorry and so, so sad for her pain.

She wrote this blog about her first meeting with me http://www.shebee.co.za/i-met-another-mom-today.

Next time I see her, I’m going to hug her.

xoxo