Unless I’m on vacation.

But long weekends at home remind me of my mom. It’s been almost 8 years since she died, and while I’ve grown around my grief, there are days where it just gets to me.

This time around, it’s the reminder that because we belong in an agnostic family, my mom likes to plan short trips during this time of the year instead of participating in Christian traditions.

It’s weird that for most of the losses of my life, I’ve come to terms with them. But my mom remains to be that one wound I thought I’ve healed from but days like today feels like scratching off a scab. I think I’ll just miss her forever.