March 22, 2024: 12 things I’d do if I had just one more day...

2 years. 731 days. 17,544 hours. 1,052,640 minutes. That’s how long my heart has been beating since Mom’s stopped. Some days the pain still feels as raw as it did the day she died, other days have been easier.

I often find myself imagining what I would do if I was given the chance to spend one more precious day with Mom. So for the anniversary of her death this year, I'd like to share 12 things I would do if I had just one more day... 

1. I would give Mom the biggest, tightest, longest hug, and I would have a really hard time letting go.
2. I would video and audio record the entire day. I want to capture and save Mom's voice, her body language, her smile, her laughter, and everything about her.
3. I would ask Mom about EVERYTHING, and I would listen more intently than I ever listened before. I want to know her dreams, her fears, and all the things she never had the chance to tell me, or that she told me and I didn't commit to memory.
4. I would make Mom a delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert because she cooked for me for my whole life, and I hardly ever cooked for her in return.
   
5. I would ask Mom what she wanted to do that day. Because we always did what I wanted to do, and I so badly wish I spent more time doing the things Mom loved to do.
   
6. I would apologize to Mom for all the times I took her for granted. There are so many moments I let slip by without truly appreciating her presence in my life.
7. I would tell Mom how much she influenced me, shaped me into the person I am today, and how I will carry these parts of her with me forever and always.
8. I would thank Mom for everything she did for me every single day. For being my guide, my strength, my safety net, my cheerleader, my rock, my friend, and my nurturer.
9. I would tell Mom about all the milestones and achievements that have happened since she's been gone, knowing that she would be proud of every accomplishment, big or small.
   
10. I would take SO MANY PICTURES. I am grateful to have as many pictures as I do with my Mom, but I so badly crave more. 
11. I would make sure Mom knows how much she is missed, and how her absence leaves a void that can never, ever be filled.
    
12. I would tell Mom how much I love her over and over again. How much she means to me, and how grateful I am for every single second we've shared together.

I know I’ll never have another day with Mom, and the ache of her absence will never fade, but I am so incredibly grateful to have had the best mom ever… one that I miss so, so much.

If you've lost your mom, or someone else significant in your life - what would you do with them if you had one more day? If you still have both your parents, I hope you plan a day with them soon - take pictures, record their voice, give them hugs, and remind them of what you appreciate about them.