An Ode to My Mother

An Ode to My Mother
“A mother’s hugs lasts long after she lets go.”

On August 20th, I blogged that a close family member was in the hospital. Soon after that, I was able to go see her and spend her last days with her. In the early morning hours of September 11th, I saw my mom take her last breath.

I am thankful that I had that time with her in the end, but her final moments have left me with painful memories, that I can’t seem to escape every time I close my eyes. Some days are harder than others, and the heartache doesn’t seem to be getting any easier. I wish so much I can go back in time to relive all the happy memories again.

Recently I was recording a video with Draxtor Despres and he asked me to read a poem. I don’t think he realized what he did for me with that request. As I read it, I imagined my mother saying the words to me, and it became really difficult to hold back the tears. This is the poem that was on the wall of Angels Rest in Second Life. The poem is by Henry Scott Holland.

In this video, you will hear the recording Drax made of me reading it.

This poem gave me a bit of solace. Thank you, Drax, for asking me to read it.

At Angels Rest, you can also rent a memorial spot for your loved ones, so I picked one up for her.

 

2020 has been a tough year for a lot of us, and it’s going to get worse until it gets better. My mom didn’t have the coronavirus, but one of my biggest fears is losing another loved one. I’m hopeful that 2021 will be different, and all of us will have more empathy for each other. Please wear a mask and social distance whenever necessary. Let’s take care of each other.

Have a safe holiday season with your family and friends. <3

Strawberry

Strawberry has been a Second Life Resident since 2007 and a Linden Lab employee since 2019.

31 thoughts on “An Ode to My Mother

  • November 10, 2020 at 1:10 pm
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    Oh Berry, I am so sorry. It’s been a rough year for us all, and I know how you feel. I’ve lost an aunt, a cousin (her son), and a great aunt this year alone…and it’s been difficult some days and somewhat okay on others.

    We have our memories of them, I tell myself, and those will keep them alive in our hearts.

  • November 10, 2020 at 1:13 pm
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    I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved mother. The poem is beautiful and full of wonderful truths. I hope for a day when the memories bring more smiles than sadness.

    Sending love and hope your way.

    -Hugs-

    Stay well…

    Red

  • November 10, 2020 at 1:31 pm
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    My condolences for your loss. That poem is heartachingly beautiful and a lovely way to remember to think of all the happy moments, to not mourn, but to embrace that love that even death can’t take away.

    Much love,

    Gingir

  • November 10, 2020 at 1:39 pm
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    I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom…my heart goes out to you. It was extremely difficult to hold back the tears while I listened and watched your video. I could almost hear my mom repeating those same words to me. Thank you for sharing this with us, Strawberry.

  • November 10, 2020 at 2:04 pm
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    Can I use this poem in my Sunflower Memories Park? I love it. Sorry about your lost, you mom is watching over you still and an angel guiding your steps. Not easy losing a mother. I lost mine and a sister. It is super hard, but all I know is that you will feel her close and you will not feel alone. Take care and God Bless you… hugs (Enid) Palomma

  • November 10, 2020 at 2:09 pm
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    Strawberry, you and your family are in my thoughts. Virtual hugs to you.

  • November 10, 2020 at 2:32 pm
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    You read that so beautifully Berry. I could hear in your voice what it meant to you.
    I’ve lost both my parents and I know how it feels to want to rewind and add more into those memories.
    I never believe people go. I just think they lift to the next time we are together again in a different time and place.
    Big hugs to you lovely lady and if ever you need an ear. Always happy to give one and a virtual hug ❤️

  • November 10, 2020 at 3:11 pm
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    Dear Strawberry,
    My heartfelt condolences. I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family.
    Such a beautiful poem. Take care and God bless you and your family.
    Hugs, MetteKenzo Nagy

  • November 10, 2020 at 3:29 pm
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    I’m so sorry for your lost my praying ❤ for you and family

  • November 10, 2020 at 4:22 pm
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    My deepest condolences for your loss, Berry. I hope your mother’s soul can find her peace. I remember losing a really close person who i still see as my closest friend and second mother till today and holding her one last time in the hospital before she ascended to heaven. Having a memorial place at Angel’s Rest is a wonderful idea, I would further suggest to have a picture that you hold dearest of you and your mother framed and put near your work desk. One day your pain will be relieved and only the most beautiful of memories stay.

    I hope you will stay safe as well.

    Love,
    Chuu.

  • November 10, 2020 at 4:28 pm
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    Sends you hugs and thoughts of those precious memories you will always have and no one can take those. I don’t think time heals it will always hurt but what time does do is it strengthens us to go on and bare the pain of our loss a little easier, the sad days become a bit less and the moments of returning sadness a little less challenging to get through. The loss of that close loved one always stays with us, until we pass over and see them again. This year sucks big time. I lost 2 very close girlfriends and a third that I did not know that well. None of them were to COVID but that does not make it any less or more hard. My prayers are with you as you find your own pathway through this.

  • November 10, 2020 at 5:25 pm
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    Strawberry, first of all, Thank you for this. I lost my mother a year ago last month to cancer and also was able to say goodbye before she drifted away. Your pain is felt and I keep you and your family in my heart and prayers during this time. I till firmly believe that the loss of a mother is the most difficult for a woman aside from losing a child. I am thankful each day I was able to thank her for choosing to be my mother ( I was adopted) . Just writing this is hard, but just know, my heart goes out to you during this difficult time.

    Aerlinniel

  • November 10, 2020 at 6:30 pm
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    I am not even sure how I found this…but this was very much needed in my time of hurt.
    An acquaintance of mine has recently lost her life in the most senseless way. One would think an acquaintance, why would that hurt at all? I can’t explain it much other than the fact that 2020 as a whole is a lot to contend with, and so to see that it was not the coronavirus that took her beautiful life, but a person… a person she called friend and lover. THAT hurts.
    R.I.P. Elena
    Thank you for this beautiful and touching poem, Strawberry and my condolences to you.

    Val

  • November 11, 2020 at 4:14 am
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    Hi Berry, I know what you’re going through, my father passed away nearly two years ago after a long terminal illness. Sending you lots of warm fuzzies.

  • November 11, 2020 at 6:07 am
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    I am so sorry for your loss Berry. I know how hard it is to watch the life slip away from your mother, I had the same experience, but now 10 years later I consider it was a privilege to have shared that last time with her and to have her know I was there with her as she passed. She was my best friend as I am sure your mother was to you.

  • November 11, 2020 at 6:16 am
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    My heartfelt condolence to you and your family~hugs~We belong to God and to Him we shall return.

  • November 11, 2020 at 6:44 am
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    My deepest condolences, I know how painful it is to lose the one who gave us life, but try to keep smiling while thinking of her, hugs and comfort ♥

  • November 11, 2020 at 12:54 pm
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    I lost my mom this year, too, but I wasn’t able to get to the hospital soon enough and be there with her. I regret that, though I know that I, too, would have difficult memories of that moment. I’m glad you were with her, Berry. My heart goes out to you.

  • November 12, 2020 at 3:05 pm
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    Not much can be said during such a difficult time in someone’s life. Losing a parent is probably one of the hardest challenges we face in our lives. It is important to remember you are not alone and to seek support when you need it. I know most of us are strangers to you, but you are not to us due to your videos and blogs. You have an entire community here for you, remember that. My most sincere condolences to you and your family dear Strawberry. Stay strong ♥

  • November 13, 2020 at 2:25 am
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    My dad died at the end of August, I wish we could hug right now to give each other strength! At times I feel so lost, grief comes and goes in waves. Just listening to you reciting the beautiful poem has me in a flood of tears.
    Thinking of you, sending lots of love. Stay safe!

  • November 13, 2020 at 9:15 pm
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    So sorry to hear Strawberry, I am late seeing this and I hope over the last months your pain has eased some. My thoughts are with you.

    I won’t tell you of all the family that has left my life. It is a very hard thing you face, but it does get better. You have all of your memories to keep warm thoughts of mom in your heart.

    Blessed Be to you Sweet Strawberry

  • November 17, 2020 at 10:48 am
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    My condolences for your loss. My heart goes out to you during this difficult time.

    Stay strong & safe ♥

  • November 19, 2020 at 2:47 am
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    Strawberry, I was touched when I read your post, I lost my mother in 2013 and the pain is still fresh. I wish I could say it gets better but it just gets easier to push aside the pain and you get to where you can push it aside for longer and longer. For me, at first I cried every hour, then every four hours then every six….now I think of her daily and cry weekly…to me that’s pretty good. I believe we will meet again and it gives me life, I understand your feeling of not wanting to lose anyone else…I feel the same. There is no way we make these strong relationships with people for nothing, I just don’t think this makes any sense. We will see our loved ones again and then it will last for eternity. I lost my beloved dog last week and I also believe we will be together again. Life is painful, there must be a reason we go through this. Hugs and Amazing Wishes for you… Kreed6671

  • November 27, 2020 at 1:55 pm
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    My condolences Berry…I lost my mother 12 years ago…I understand how you feel.

  • December 3, 2020 at 1:56 am
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    إنا لله وإنا إليه راجعون

    May bless her soul and place her in heaven. Aameen

    May ALLAH bless you with the strength to bear this huge loss. Aameen

  • March 8, 2021 at 1:39 am
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    I am so sorry that your mom has passed away, Strawberry. She must have been a really lovely, warm person as she helped you develop into the creative and kind person that we have been fortunate to meet in sl, or through your helpful blogs, etc.

    I sat by the deathbed of both of my parents back in 2004, who passed away one month apart. I thought that there was no way that I could go through the pain, but somehow each new day healed me slowly. Over 16 years later, and yes, I still think of them several times a week.

    One song that helped comfort me was ‘Turn, Turn, Turn’ by The Byrds, which talks about ‘A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” I wish you peace and serenity.

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  • June 5, 2022 at 9:29 am
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    Minha mãe faleceu no dia 17/05/2022 aos 84 anos, não faz um mês ainda e eu não sei como respirar sem ela. A dor, o vazio não irão passar nunca para mim e eu só poço para ser levada para o lado dela todos os dias.

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