My mom and dad died within a month of each other, in the spring of 1988, and they were both in their 80's when they passed away. I think that no matter when you lose your mother, it is heartbreaking; but to lose her when you were a teenager has to be especially hard, Holly.
My other was very sick before she died, she had heart failure, back and kidney problems, and needed help just to get into the bathroom and back. Because of that, she stopped drinking water, which caused her kidneys to shut down even worse.
I was devastated. I could not stand to see my mom suffering, and I could not bear the thought of her dying and me losing her, either. I just went around in a huge fog of tears, wishing she would get well, and knowing that was not going to happen.
We finally had to take her to the hospital, and she begged Daddy and I every day to take her home again.
Finally, she said if we would not take her home, she just wanted Jesus to come and get her.
The next morning the hospital called to tell me that she had passed away during the night.
I think that the stress of losing my mother caused my dad to have the severe stroke, and he was not able to even talk after that, and it was only a short time before he died in his sleep, too.
I was an only child, and after losing my parents, I felt even more alone.
No matter when or how it happens, it is just a hard thing to go through, and my prayers are with you today, Holly.