Why is this necklace meaningful to me?

Why is my mona cross choker from Lines and Currents  Belfast, Northern Ireland, meaningful to me? 

First, it is a reminder of my heritage. My maternal grandparents were born in Northern Ireland and had strong faith in God. I am grateful for this legacy passed down to me.

Second, it reminds me of the privilege I had last year (February 2020) of being with my mom as she lay dying from the complications of dementia. My mom was so proud her parents were from Northern Ireland and took us to visit so many times, even in the 80's during the troubles! These incredible holidays I experienced are one of the reasons I have a great love for Northern Ireland and love supporting small local businesses! 

In those last weeks, my mom stopped eating and exhibited hurtful behaviour thanks to the horrible disease of dementia, I didn't know how to be in that space.  Interestingly, a penpal of mine from NI spoke some beautiful words into my life after she read my IG post! She suggested I think of being in that difficult space as both a daughter and caregiver as a holy place, an altar. Just be still and allow my mom to lead-wherever that takes me. And pray for God to give me peace. 

Those words were wise and allowed me to change my attitude into truly seeing my time with my mom as a privilege.  I let go of how I wanted her dying to be and embraced the "dementia altar" as a holy space.   I am grateful God allowed me to have this time with her even though it was so difficult. 

That primal mother instinct, like breathing, does not stop until their very last breath. My mom was my mom right to the very end. It was so powerful. So beautiful. So holy. So peaceful.

Wearing this choker keeps my mom close and reminds me that God is always with me. I am reflecting my mom's love and her love of her roots everywhere I go in my mona cross choker!