Title: Reconnecting with my Estranged Mother Growing up, my relationship with my mother was complicated. We had our fair share of disagreements and misunderstandings, but nothing could have prepared me for the day I decided to cut contact with her. For years, I tried to forget about her and the pain she had caused me. I was convinced that I was better off without her in my life. However, as time went on, I couldn't help but feel a growing sense of emptiness and longing for the woman who had brought me into this world. It wasn't until recently that I began to actively work towards reconnecting with my estranged mother. I started by reaching out to family members who were still in contact with her, hoping to get updates on how she was doing. Then, I began to reflect on our relationship and the events that led to our falling out. Through this process of introspection, I came to realize that my mother was not the monster I had made her out to be. She was a flawed human being, just like everyone else, who had made mistakes and done things she regretted. As painful as it was, I knew that if I wanted to move forward and heal our relationship, I needed to confront her and have an honest conversation. It wasn't easy, but it was worth it. We talked for hours, sharing our thoughts and feelings with each other. I finally felt like I was getting to know my mother for the first time. Now, I'm not saying that everything is perfect between us. There are still moments of tension and disagreement, but I no longer view my mother as an enemy. Instead, I see her as a person who loves me and wants the best for me, even if we don't always see eye to eye. Reconnecting with my estranged mother has been a difficult and emotional journey, but it has also been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It has allowed me to come to terms with my past and move towards a brighter future. The author shares her experience of cutting ties with her mother and now trying to remember her through memories. Published by NYT En español on May 20, 2023.
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