My mother passed away unexpectedly on February 7. It was so sudden and so shocking that it still feels unreal. The last seven weeks have been a blur as the family has processed the shock and grief. Everything feels uncertain and I don’t yet know how to be in a world without my beloved mother. Grief is a knotty, unpredictable process.
My mother was my greatest influence. She guided and directed me throughout my life, and I honestly feel lost without her presence now. She gave up her career as a nurse to raise me and my brother, Chase. Mom was absolutely devoted to her children. We were everything to her, and then two years ago her grandson became her greatest joy.
Growing up, I recall how Mom was always listening to political talk radio in the car or kitchen. Around the age of 10, I started paying attention to what was being said, which led to my initial career choice: politics. I spent over twenty years working in various political, legal, communications, and policy roles.
Mom enjoyed talking politics, philosophy, and religion. She didn’t abide by the belief that polite conversation avoids these controversial topics. In fact, she wanted to have lively conversations and hear what others thought about them. Mom was an independent thinker and always had a unique, outside-the-norm perspective on life. If not for my mother’s boldness, I probably wouldn’t have had the courage to enter such a challenging career field.
Then Mom helped me realize my greatest passion: coaching. Mom was my life coach. She would challenge me, encourage me, and help me see things from a different perspective. She was never afraid to be honest and tell me—or others—what she observed. Sometimes it stung to hear the truth. She would fearlessly dive deep and explore difficult emotions or challenges with us. That’s exactly how a good coach powerfully serves their clients.
Throughout my life, people have approached me and shared how much my mother impacted their life. Whether it was an insightful conversation, or referral to a doctor or book, my mother was the person that others knew they could turn to for difficult conversations and encouragement.
People have told me Mom literally changed or saved their life because she was their pillar during a painful or confusing time in their life. Mom was the kind of person who would show up in someone’s hospital room and care for them as they battled a serious illness. She’d coordinate everything so they didn’t have to worry about logistics. And, sitting by their side, she’d offer powerful healing prayers that provided comfort and hope. She was a confidant and coach for so many. It’s an incredible legacy and I intend to honor my mother by living a life that also serves and inspires others.
The hardest lesson of this entire experience is to take nothing for granted. Each conversation or hug could be the last we’ll have with a loved one. Even when they aren’t sick or “dying”, they could be gone in the blink of an eye. In the end, we all wish for more time and connection with them.
Thank you, Mom, for how much you loved and devoted yourself to your family and friends. Your indomitable spirit will live on through your children and grandson. We will honor your legacy through our lives now.
Work happy. Live happy. BE happy.
Meredith
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The way we work and build teams is rapidly changing. Leaders often feel unprepared to navigate the transition. As a conscious leadership coach, consultant, and communicator, Meredith helps leaders and their teams create new ways of working and relating so they can prepare for the future by consciously co-creating it.
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