It took until the end of her life for me to cherish each day with my mother the way I naturally did with my brother. At the end, I loved my mother simply, without request to do better in any way, or be more capable in any way. I simply loved that she was there, and she was my mother. I wish I did that more often in my life. I will do that more often in my life for those who are still here.
This quote profoundly reflects the universal experience of recognizing the depth of love and appreciation for a loved one often only in hindsight. The author reveals a bittersweet realization that, throughout her mother’s life, she did not always cherish her in the way that felt natural with her brother. Only at her mother’s final moments did she understand the simplicity and purity of true love — loving without expectations, comparisons, or demands. This insight encourages a deep introspection about our daily interactions with those around us, urging us to appreciate them more fully in the present moment. Often, we take our loved ones for granted, assuming their presence is eternal or that we have time to express our affection later. The author's intention to do better and cherish more often serves as a powerful reminder to embrace those we hold dear before it's too late. The sentiment highlights the importance of living consciously, appreciating moments of connection, and expressing love without restraint. By internalizing this lesson, we can foster stronger, more genuine relationships, recognizing that love expressed freely and without condition enriches lives in ways that material possessions or superficial gestures cannot. The quote serves as a call to action: to love more readily now, to value current moments, and to cherish those who are still present, for doing so can bring peace and fulfillment we might otherwise miss underthe guise of everyday routines.
