Tommy and Virginia Stevens, both 91, were, in the eyes of their family and friends, a legendary couple. The Tennessee high school sweethearts proved earlier this month that their love truly endured until "death do us part."
I am currently reading Jill Duggar Dillard's memoir Counting the Cost about her life growing up in the 19 Kids and Counting Duggar family, and it is both riveting and heartbreaking.
"My deepest regret is that because I was so blindsided, I didn't know our last conversation would be just that: Our last. To all of those who have lost a mother, parent or loved one, know this: They are not lost, and we are not motherless."
It wasn't until I lost my mom that I learned to truly appreciate the simple times we had together. I pray you don't make the same mistake with your mothers—or daughters. It's hard being a motherless mom.
"Everyone wants to be there, all at once, at the beginning, and then they all leave – go and carry on with their own lives, all at once, as well. You wonder why nobody understands that this is such a terrible day and that you need all the support you can get."
This time of year is hard for you, I know. I was a single mom for almost five years. My sister was for seven. And my mother has been a single mom for almost the entirety of her four children’s lives.