Mother’s Day has just passed, but the relationship we have with our mothers continues to shape us; long after the flowers are put away and the day itself is over.
A journey that changed me
Caring for my mother during the final eight years of her life changed me in ways I did not fully understand at the time.
What began as a practical decision to bring her to Dubai after she became ill became one of the most meaningful chapters of my life. During those years, I was not only her daughter. I became her advocate, her companion, and a witness to the extraordinary dignity, humour, and vitality with which she continued to live.
My mother taught me that aging does not diminish the essence of who we are. She showed me that beauty, self-respect, curiosity, and a love of life matter at every age. Even as her body became more fragile, her spirit remained fully engaged with life.
When life asks who you are
When my mother passed away, only ten months after my husband died, I found myself confronting a question many people face after profound loss. If the roles that defined you disappear, who are you then?
The answer did not arrive immediately. It emerged slowly through grief, reflection, and the gradual realisation that the lessons I learned while caring for her were now asking to be lived.
A tribute to my mother
In my latest article for Best Holistic Life Magazine, What Caring for My Mother Taught Me About Who I Am, I reflect on caregiving, loss, identity, and the quiet wisdom our mothers leave behind.
This article is both a tribute to my mother and, a reflection on how love continues to shape us long after the people we cherish are gone.
Although Mother’s Day has just passed, its deeper meaning remains with us. Our mothers influence us not only through what they gave us, but also through the values they embodied and the lessons they leave us to carry forward.
Read the full article
If you have cared for a parent, experienced significant loss, or found yourself redefining who you are after life changed unexpectedly, I hope this article resonates with you.
Read my full article in the May 2026 issue of Best Holistic Life Magazine, page 76.