Saturday, August 11, 2012

Blogging is deeply personal for me...

There's a question I get asked over and over - "Why did you start blogging?"

Sometimes I really struggle to answer because it is still so deeply personal to me.  I started blogging over 5 years ago for two primary reasons.  The first being to inspire other moms to enjoy and cherish every single moment with their children, because I know all to well how those moments can be fleeting and one day all our children will be left with is the memories.   The second being to chronicle our family adventures.

Everyday I struggle to hold on to the cherished memories I made with my mother so many years ago before she passed away.  Those memories mean everything to me and if I can leave one thing to my children it is to have similar memories of their childhood with me.

My mother and I traveled the world before I even reached age 16.  I've sailed through the Panama Canal, I've walked the streets of Leningrad (yes during the Cold War), I've watched glaciers fall in Alaska, petted Lapland Reindeer in their native land, attempted to count the sheep in New Zealand and participated in a tribal ceremony in Fiji.  This is just a partial list!  In many ways I had a privilaged childhood, but also one with a dichotomy of sadness (but I choose not to focus on that).  I'm left with albums full of our travels and fading memories.

My hope in the creation of this blog is to inspire other moms to enjoy those little moments (and sometimes big) and to have a way to catalog the fun my children and I have had together so they will forever have my voice and take on the experiences of their childhood.

Today marks 14 years since I lost my mother.  14 years since my life was torn apart and I was left to figure out how to put the pieces of my shattered life together.  It has been a long, hard road, but one full of beautiful moments.  I've consciously refocused the sadness of her passing to being the best mom that I can be.

(The above photo is of a piece I found in a store one day shortly after my mother passed away.  It seemed to sum up how I felt.  It has been up on the wall somewhere in my house ever since...)


8 comments:

Michelle August 11, 2012 at 9:58 AM  

This is so beautifully written Katie. You are lucky to have had those special times with your mom and I'm sure you are making memories with your boys they will never forget.

Thank you for sharing a little piece of "you". Sometimes I forget that nothing is forever and you reminded me. :)

Jen August 11, 2012 at 12:31 PM  

Beautiful post and important reminder... Xoxoxoxo

Lori C. August 14, 2012 at 9:17 AM  

Losing a parent can be so though...even many years later. What a wonderful legacy your mom left for you and in turn, you are leaving for your children.

Ericka @Nibbles and Feasts August 14, 2012 at 10:36 AM  

Thank you for sharing. I too blog to at least try to fill a void. It helps me keep memories alive.

Eva Smith August 14, 2012 at 11:12 AM  

My heart goes out to you Katie. Your life with your mom was a dream come true. Hoping that the week will bring you peace, comfort and smiles as you recall cherished memories with your mom.

Anonymous,  August 14, 2012 at 12:44 PM  

Thank you for sharing. What a beautiful post! You shared many adventures with your mom.

Admin August 14, 2012 at 10:15 PM  

You brought tears to my eyes tonight. You were blessed with such an amazing mother, and after reading your blog I can see you are just as amazing as she was. Love to you friend.

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