dorrisEvery story of survival and loss carries a piece of a loved one’s legacy. For many, it’s the memories, the lessons, and the love that remain long after someone is gone.
This is true for Sharon, whose mother, Linda, passed away at age 62.
Growing up, Sharon remembers her mom as a woman who was always on the go – working, volunteering, and caring for her family with boundless energy. Linda was the kind of person who would give her time to anyone who needed it, often putting herself last.
Whether it was baking cookies for a fundraiser or staying up late to help Sharon with a school project, she always made sure others felt supported.
But Linda’s own health took a backseat. She often brushed off symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath as “just part of getting older.” When her family noticed her slowing down, they thought it might be due to her busy schedule catching up with her. They never imagined it was her heart struggling to keep up.
By the time Linda sought medical help, it was too late. Sharon’s world was turned upside down, filled with unanswered questions and deep regret. “I wish I had known then what I know now about heart disease in women,” Sharon reflects.
“She was always there for us, but we weren’t there enough to notice what was happening to her.”
Today, Sharon shares her mom’s story with everyone she meets, hoping it will save lives. She encourages friends and family to listen to their bodies and not ignore potential warning signs. Heart disease can look different in women, and symptoms like tiredness, dizziness, or even jaw pain are often overlooked.
“She was my hero,” Sharon says, her voice soft but strong. “If I could say one thing to her now, it would be thank you – for every sacrifice, every moment, and every bit of love you gave us.”
Sharon believes that through her mother’s story, other women can be encouraged to take their health seriously and get checked early. “It’s what my mom would have wanted—to keep helping others, even now,” she says.
These stories of survival, and even loss, remind us of the importance of paying attention to our health and cherishing the ones we love. And they help us carry forward the strength and spirit of those we’ve lost.
