On September 2nd at 12:15 pm, my mom passed away suddenly. She was my best friend—the Lorelai to my Rory—and losing her has left me shattered. She was loved by so many, and now she’s reunited with my dad, her grandma, her parents (probably avoiding her mother, haha), and so many who loved her in Heaven already.

Next month will mark 15 years since my dad passed. My mom carried that loss every single day, and in these last few weeks she was just so tired. While she had moments of being okay, and held on for myself and her younger brother Jeff, her heart finally gave out. She suffered a massive heart attack, went into cardiac arrest three times, and coded twice. She fought, but couldn’t come back. I know in my heart she wouldn't have left if she didn't know he and I would, in time, be okay.

I’m raising funds to cover the cost of her urn and some unexpected expenses. If anything extra comes in, I’d love to put it toward paying down her home loan. She only owed about $33,000, and being able to keep her house would mean the world to me as a way to honor her memory. This isn't just for me, but also for her brother, who over these 15+ years, I know had been her rock. He maintained the house yard work, the garage; anything she needed help with, he would figure it out. My uncle I know is broken beyond words without his older sister; their relationship had grown so strongly, leaning one another, being typical siblings as they'd tease one another and laugh. This house is going to be quiet without her now, but it's also my childhood home, and my uncle's home as well since before my dad passed.

If you or someone you love is struggling with grief, please talk to someone. My mom’s passing is a reminder of how much the heart carries. Thank you for any support, shares, or even just keeping her memory alive with me.

I'll be updating her Facebook about a potluck at the house, sharing memories, stories of her, while playing music she loved.