Tribute to Mom

A tribute to my Mom's life in pictures.

My Mom passed away on January 18, 2007, after a 2 year battle with cancer. She was originally given just 6 months to live. Over the last 18 months I traveled to be with her 14 times, spending 1-2 weeks each visit in order to help care for her. Those were the most powerful and moving and difficult months of my life. Her courage and determination, her love of life, were incredible. And we grew close, nearly inseparable, spending more time in those months than over a lifetime.

She was my dearest friend, my confidant, my protector. Is there a trans issue here? Not really -- not in any deep way. I will say that she had a terrific hard time coming to terms with my transition and she never met me as Sarah until those last 18 months. But we found ourselves - eventually, slowly, with difficulty. And throughout that time she slipped on the pronouns and would often use my birth name -- especially towards the end. At the beginning I would correct her gently and then I learned to let it go, just to let it be. In the end what difference does it make whether I was her son or her daughter; called this name or that? Really -- let it be, let it go. Ultimately I was her child. And there was an infinite love and caring in the intensity of her gaze, peering into my face for hours on end, as if trying to forever burn that image of me into her heart and soul. I will miss her deeply.

'Unchained Melody', which I use for the soundtrack, was her favorite song.

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People & Blogs

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• mothers

[Rrozzalin]

I just teared up a bit watching this vid.

thank you sooo much for posting.  ~Rrozz~

[unmeasuredinstances]

I am sorry this is coming to you so late, but just wanted to say thanks for posting your comment.

[roseblossoms00]

wow amazingly beautiful i'm totally crying

[unmeasuredinstances]

Thank you.

[xChairx]

Thank you Sarah,

That is a beautiful video, heart warming; it made me cry.

I lost my mum too and to this day I have never forgotten her.

Take care,

X Reuben X

[unmeasuredinstances]

And I think its a loss I'm not sure we ever get over. It opens a space within us that stays open.

[xChairx]

You're right, thank you Sarah.

X Reuben X

[unmeasuredinstances]

Thanks Travis,that means a lot to me. I also extend my heartfelt condolences for you. 8 years is not all that long for those who occupied such central parts of our lives. And yes, I do wish she had been here for the wedding....that's a hard place for me to go emotionally....but fortunately, in her place, there is so much warmth from so many, including you. Thanks - truly.

♥Sarah

[accompliceXX]

What a wonderful tribute. Heartbreaking but still heartening, with all those smiles. So hard for you not to have her with you on this day. The second time I've watched this now, and I cried for you and your mother, and for me and mine, gone now 8 years. Thank you so much for making this.

[unmeasuredinstances]

Thank you so much for that. And I am also so SO sorry to hear about your own Mom....may you find strength amidst the difficulty. I know how hard that is.