By Miriam Rees
Introduction
June 11th marks one year since my mom went to heaven.
Honestly, it’s hard to believe an entire year has passed.
In some ways, it feels like yesterday.
In other ways, it feels like a lifetime ago.
Over the last several days, I’ve found myself reliving those final days we shared together. Certain memories have surfaced unexpectedly, and moments I thought I had tucked away safely have come back into focus.
Grief has a way of doing that.
It reminds you that love leaves a lasting imprint on the heart.
The Last Few Days with my Mom
As this anniversary approaches, I keep finding myself thinking about those final days.
I remember sitting with her. I remember the conversations, the quiet moments, and simply being present.
Looking back now, I realize what a gift that time was.
At the time, I knew our moments were precious. But I don’t think I fully understood just how much those memories would mean to me later.
Today, I am incredibly grateful that I was there.
Not everyone gets that opportunity.
Not everyone gets those final conversations, those final hugs, or those final moments together.
And for that, I will always be thankful.
The Moment I Will Never Forget
There is one memory that remains crystal clear.
I was with my mom when she took her final breath.
My son, her first grandchild, was there too. One of my sisters—the sister who had lovingly lived with and cared for her—was also by her side.
As we sat there together, my mom opened her eyes and looked directly at me.
It wasn’t a long moment.
It wasn’t dramatic.
But it felt intentional.
Almost as if she was saying goodbye.
Then, slowly and peacefully, she left us.
There are moments in life that change you forever.
That was one of them.
Grief Doesn’t Follow a Schedule
One thing I’ve learned this past year is that grief doesn’t move in a straight line.
Some days feel normal.
Other days, a song, a memory, a holiday, or a simple photograph can bring everything rushing back.
There are moments when I smile while thinking about her.
There are moments when I still cry.
And honestly, both are part of healing.
I’ve learned that grief and gratitude often walk hand in hand.
I miss her deeply.
But I am also incredibly thankful that she was my mom.
The Things I Miss Most
Sometimes it’s not the big things I miss.
It’s the ordinary things.
Wanting to call her.
Wanting to tell her something funny.
Seeing something she would have loved.
Hearing a story that only she could tell.
Those little moments often carry the greatest ache.
Yet they also remind me how blessed I was to have her in my life.
Heaven Feels More Personal Now
Losing my mom changed the way I think about heaven.
Before, heaven was a promise I believed.
Now it’s also a place that feels deeply personal.
Heaven feels more personal now because someone I love deeply is there. The woman I miss every day is now in the presence of Jesus, and I look forward to the day when I will see her again.
Jesus gave us this promise:
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many rooms… I go to prepare a place for you.” — John 14:1-2
That promise brings me comfort on the days when grief feels heavy.
God Has Been Faithful Through the Grief
This past year hasn’t been easy.
Losing my mom came during a season already filled with challenges, health struggles, and life changes.
There were days when my heart felt incredibly heavy.
Yet through every season, God remained faithful.
He provided comfort.
He provided strength.
He provided peace when I couldn’t find it on my own.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18
I have experienced that closeness firsthand.
Not because the grief disappeared.
But because God walked through it with me.
What Grief Has Taught Me
If this past year has taught me anything, it’s that life is precious.
People matter.
Relationships matter.
Time matters.
The things we often rush through become the memories we treasure most later.
I’ve learned not to take ordinary moments for granted.
A conversation.
A visit.
A hug.
A shared meal.
Those simple moments become priceless when someone is no longer here.
Until We Meet Again
I miss my mom.
I probably always will.
But I am grateful.
Grateful for the years we had together.
Grateful for the memories.
Grateful that I got to be there in her final moments.
And grateful for the hope that this goodbye is not forever.
Because for those who know Christ, death is not the end of the story.
It’s simply the beginning of eternity.
Scripture Reflection
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain…” — Revelation 21:4
What a beautiful promise to hold onto.
Prayer
Lord,
Thank You for the gift of my mom.
Thank You for every memory, every lesson, and every moment we shared together.
As I remember her this year, help me hold both grief and gratitude with open hands. Comfort my heart when the loss feels heavy and remind me of the hope we have in You.
Until we meet again, help me live with the same faith, love, and strength she demonstrated throughout her life.
Amen.
