
01/21/2025
Ten years ago, late on a dreary winter day, Pete and I received a phone call that would change our lives forever. The details of that evening have blurred in my memory, but I can still recall the immense feeling of disbelief that overwhelmed me as if I were floating through someone else’s strange dream. I wanted to escape, but I was frozen in my tracks. My heart was filled with agonizing pain, and yet I felt numb all over. Some of Mandy’s friends and co-workers huddled around as we all waited for answers, but I had never before felt so detached from the world. Looking back, I know that it was just the beginning of learning to live without Mandy while also learning to cope with the vast array of emotions that would become a part of my everyday life from that day on. And I can honestly say, without any hesitation whatsoever, that losing Mandy was absolutely the worst experience of my life.
Since then we have lived through 3,653 days of waking each morning with the realization that what were once everyday pleasures and enjoyable experiences with Mandy had ceased to exist. There would be no more phone calls or messages. We were abruptly denied any more impromptu dinners with her on her break from work. There would be no more planning birthday or holiday celebrations together. Mandy would never again ask us to help her paint her condo or choose a new couch. Pete would no longer assume responsibility to ensure that the oil was changed in her car or the windshield wipers were replaced as needed. I would never again hurry to make chicken soup if Mandy said she was catching a cold.
Suddenly our lives were divided into two distinct phases – before we lost Mandy and after. The first few months of my “after Mandy” were made bearable because of the unwavering support of our loving family and friends, the guidance of our amazing grief counselor, and our decision to create ways to honor Mandy. Then midway through our first year of grief, Matt established this memorial page, and I began to write about missing Mandy while trying to accept the changes that were thrust mercilessly upon me. It’s been therapeutic for me to put my thoughts into words and see them before my eyes in stark black and white. I’ve written about Mandy’s childhood, school years, work life, and all her wonderful qualities. I’ve written about my personal journey through my grief and all the emotions that bombard me when least expected. I’ve searched for meaningful articles and books that might help to console me, and I’ve shared quotes that proved to be of comfort to me.
Along the way I’ve come to realize that at some point in our lives, we all have things happen to us that we are unable to control, but it’s important to remember that we are able to control how we react to them. I’ve been driven by a desire to ensure that Mandy is not forgotten. And as strange as it may seem, I also feel compelled to conduct myself in ways that would make Mandy proud to call me her mother just as I have always been proud to call her my daughter.
I believe that Mandy will always be with me, and I’m open to the signs she shows me when she is near. Pete and I see Mandy’s signs every day and everywhere. And it’s not just cupcakes and yellow butterflies. There are special songs on the car radio, mashed potatoes with gravy, Cabbage Patch dolls, pineapples, hair scrunchies, and so many more. I’m grateful for these daily reminders that fill my heart with love, and I will continue to look for them.
In these years of “after Mandy”, I’ve often gone through all the photos Pete and I have amassed, and I’ve savored the memories they evoke. I’ll always wish that there had been time to make more memories, but I’ll be forever grateful for the years we had together.
I’ve come to realize how important it is to always be kind and do what you can to help others who may be hurting. I’ll be forever grateful for those who have shown me kindness, and I’ll do what I can to pay it forward.
I’ve learned the truth to be found in the saying that sometimes the simple things are the best. I find pleasure in listening to my favorite songs, walking along the beach, or simply sitting in the sunshine on the patio. I know that not every day will be a good one, and sometimes just getting through a day can be an accomplishment. But hopefully those not-so-good days will only serve to make me more appreciative of the good days.
You may have noticed that these last few paragraphs conclude with thoughts of gratitude. I’ll continue to be grateful for all the blessings in my life because gratitude can lead to contentment. And I’ll continue to be grateful for all the joy that Mandy brought into my life and the lives of many others. But no matter how many years go by, I will forever wish for one more day with her because I’ll forever be .
To quote Lexi Berhndt, “I could only be grateful when I realized that I would rather have known you for a moment than never at all. I would rather endure this inexplicable pain of outliving you than to have never seen your face, spoken your name. I would rather be yours, you be mine, regardless. Regardless of the sorrow, the sleepless nights, and the years I will walk this earth, carrying you in my heart. “