I’m going to need a huge box of Kleenex now. Thank you for sharing this beautiful writing and story, Maddie. I call my one year old daughter Bunny and this story brought tears to my eyes.
This made me cry, remembering that my own mother , due to the Covid restrictions, died alone in an awful care home that my sister & I were never allowed to visit. I’m sure she knew that she was loved but I bitterly regret that she had to die alone.
WOW. I am as shattered as that candle. A stunningly honest, raw, beautiful piece of writing. ❤️How you captured these final moments of your mum’s life… just… wow. 🙏
Oh boy. This was right in the feels. I read a book recently called the In-Between where terminally ill patients who are on the cusp of death get visitation from their departed loved ones. Apparently it is a common phenomenon. But in the book there have been instances where something inexplicable has happened. Just like the candle burst incident mentioned in this article. Makes me wonder if an after life really does exist? Nonetheless, this was a very beautiful article and I thank you for sharing it.
Thank you so much, Sagar. ❤️ And wow, this sounds like a heart-wrenching, beautiful book—I really appreciate that you mentioned it here! The concept of visitations is so comforting to me (and to so many others who've lost a loved one).
This was an absolutely beautiful essay - I just loved how you so skillfully intertwined the book into the story of your mother's last days...You are a very gifted writer Maddie!
Beautiful writing, Maddie. It's so intense watching someone die. Takes me back to the moments before and after my dad died...I can't put that experience into words.
I'm trapped in a glass case of emotion right now. I am all three of the kitties in the Note I re-stacked. Brutal. Beautiful. Brave. The both of you. Thank you for sharing this part of your journey with us. The bunny story intertwined with what you experienced in your goodbye with your mama, wrecked me. Aaaaand I'm crying again. I have no doubt your grandmother was there with you and your mom. Sending you so much love and a great big squeeze. 🫂
I genuinely did not set out to make anyone cry here, but I'm not at all surprised that you met me on my emotional wavelength, Jenovia. (Rereading this piece, even many months after writing it, makes me cry too.)
You get me, my friend. The love + squeezes are deeply appreciated. 🥰
This brought tears to my eyes, Maddie, beautifully touching and universal in the feelings of losing a beloved mother. I’m so glad you have this book as a tender reminder of your mother’s everlasting and eternal love. ❤️
I’m going to need a huge box of Kleenex now. Thank you for sharing this beautiful writing and story, Maddie. I call my one year old daughter Bunny and this story brought tears to my eyes.
I’m really touched that this resonated with you, Monia—and thank you for sharing your daughter’s nickname! That detail just about melted my heart. 🥰
My children and I read this book to tatters, Maddie. May you always feel the nearness of your mothers love. 🌳🌳
Ann, this is the loveliest sentiment—truly, thank you so much for offering it! “Read to tatters” is the status of our copy, too. ❤️
This made me cry, remembering that my own mother , due to the Covid restrictions, died alone in an awful care home that my sister & I were never allowed to visit. I’m sure she knew that she was loved but I bitterly regret that she had to die alone.
I’m sending you a big virtual hug, Wendy. I’m so deeply sorry that your mom—and you and your sister—had to have that experience. 💔
I’m so sorry to hear that Wendy 🫶
WOW. I am as shattered as that candle. A stunningly honest, raw, beautiful piece of writing. ❤️How you captured these final moments of your mum’s life… just… wow. 🙏
Erin, I'm touched by your words. It's so meaningful to hear how this landed for you ❤️
Brilliant and beautiful writing 💗
🥹💕
I’m really glad I read this at home on the couch and not during a work break 😭 so lovely and heartbreaking
Natalie, I'm sorry about all the Kleenexes—but truly, thank you so much for your kind words. They mean a lot to me!
Oh boy. This was right in the feels. I read a book recently called the In-Between where terminally ill patients who are on the cusp of death get visitation from their departed loved ones. Apparently it is a common phenomenon. But in the book there have been instances where something inexplicable has happened. Just like the candle burst incident mentioned in this article. Makes me wonder if an after life really does exist? Nonetheless, this was a very beautiful article and I thank you for sharing it.
Thank you so much, Sagar. ❤️ And wow, this sounds like a heart-wrenching, beautiful book—I really appreciate that you mentioned it here! The concept of visitations is so comforting to me (and to so many others who've lost a loved one).
This was an absolutely beautiful essay - I just loved how you so skillfully intertwined the book into the story of your mother's last days...You are a very gifted writer Maddie!
Sheila, this is so lovely to hear—especially about a piece as personal as this one. Thank you, truly!
Beautiful writing, Maddie. It's so intense watching someone die. Takes me back to the moments before and after my dad died...I can't put that experience into words.
This means a lot coming from you, Rebecca. I know you get it. ❤️
I read this book to both my children, now teenagers… I still have my mother for now but the roles are reversing.
A lovely narrative… time superimposed. Reminded me of WB White’s “Once More to the Lake.”
Liberty, thank you so much for your lovely note. I haven’t read “Once More to the Lake” but am very much looking forward to it now!
Make that EB White of Charlotte’s Webb fame.
Yes! Another amazing book I first read with my parents. 🥰
Oh, Maddie. This is beautiful. xo
Big hugs, my friend. Thank you ❤️
Beautiful! My now grown children loved The
Runaway Bunny. My son now lives abroad and I visit him whenever I can, like the mother
Bunny in the story.
Susan, I love how you’ve embodied the mother bunny role in your son’s life…this made me smile! 🥰
Thank you for reminding me of that lovely story. How wonderful that your mother loved children’s literature so much.
You’re so welcome! It was really her greatest joy, and I’m so lucky to have inherited her (our!) collection.
Heartwarming! Thank you for sharing.❤️
Thank you so much, Katerina. 💕
This is so devastatingly sad and so so beautiful. The struggle with the flipped roles is so complicated too.
Noha, this means a lot to me. Thank you so much ❤️
I'm trapped in a glass case of emotion right now. I am all three of the kitties in the Note I re-stacked. Brutal. Beautiful. Brave. The both of you. Thank you for sharing this part of your journey with us. The bunny story intertwined with what you experienced in your goodbye with your mama, wrecked me. Aaaaand I'm crying again. I have no doubt your grandmother was there with you and your mom. Sending you so much love and a great big squeeze. 🫂
I genuinely did not set out to make anyone cry here, but I'm not at all surprised that you met me on my emotional wavelength, Jenovia. (Rereading this piece, even many months after writing it, makes me cry too.)
You get me, my friend. The love + squeezes are deeply appreciated. 🥰
This brought tears to my eyes, Maddie, beautifully touching and universal in the feelings of losing a beloved mother. I’m so glad you have this book as a tender reminder of your mother’s everlasting and eternal love. ❤️
I know that you understand this feeling intimately, Jolene, so I’m sending a big hug your way. ❤️
❤️☺️
this is so beautiful. thank you for sharing.❤️
I'm so grateful to hear you enjoyed this piece, Skylar. I treasure your comment!