Author Sheds Light on Mother's Day Mental Health
For some, the Mother's Day holiday can be challenging. For those who have lost a beloved mother or a child or those who have difficult relationships with either--the holiday can present inescapable reminders of that pain.
One author, Gloria Scoggins, recently shared that for her--the holiday was forever changed in 2016 when her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
Her mother, Ermestine Martin was an activist who fought against systemic racism in the Bay Area housing market, providing housing to hundreds of families. Martin paved the way for Black property ownership, encouraging it as a means of creating generational wealth. In fact, she herself became the largest Black property owner in Richmond, CA, building a sizable fortune for her family in the real estate industry.
However, since her unfortunate diagnosis, Scoggins says that her mother often doesn't recognize her and that the pain of that loss weighs heavily on her.
"I will celebrate my two moms–one vibrant and full of life, in denial of her diagnosis, who is now confused and weak. I am saddened by the profound difference. But I am so grateful for both. Today, she is still teaching me to be patient and understanding, without articulating the words," she wrote in an excerpt according to EBONY.
"Before Alzheimer’s she would say, ‘Until you walk in my shoes’ and I know that one day I may be walking in her shoes dealing with health issues. I’ve heard that Alzheimer’s goodbyes are often long and hard, and I can totally agree with that. Traveling the journey with a loved one can be overwhelming.”
Scoggins' book, Through a Trail of Tears: A Black Family's Story of Generational Wealth has been called "an inspiring story of building wealth and giving back to the community. An especially good read for young people to get a glimpse into the hardships faced by many Black people and realize that hard work and persistence reaps rewards."
In her book, she writes, “Nothing lightens up my world more than remembering the mother that raised me to be the woman I am today. Accompanying her to real estate deals, church, community meetings, social events and family gatherings are activities I enjoyed doing with her," the author reminisces.
"Vibrant and sharp as a tack, providing leadership and forging ahead in the real estate industry. The mother of my best memories is those of my past. Holding on to past Mother’s Day memories reminds me that a mother’s love is forever and never dies.”
