Dementia Diaries: My Mother's Eulogy

10/01/20

My mom passed away two months ago, after a nearly 4 year battle with Lewy Body Dementia.

We laid her to rest in a beautiful and private service.

I've been a professional journalist for more than a decade, but without a doubt, my mother's eulogy was the hardest thing I've ever had to write.

While I had no intention of sharing her eulogy publicly, it occurred to me a lot of people have followed her journey since she was first diagnosed. Since November 2016, you've laughed with me. You've cried with me. You've shared this in this journey with me. I cannot tell you how grateful I am for the support.

When I reflect on my mom’s life and think about the values which defined her, I think of her generosity, the way in which she inspired or motivated you, her tenacious drive, the endless pride she had in her children and family, and her resilience.

Perhaps the hardest thing to accept about her death, is the reminder of our own mortality. While I've chosen to keep part of this eulogy private, I share this in hopes of shedding light on magnitude of the legacy we all leave behind.