When Mom first started with her Alzheimer’s and then during the rocky years until she passed, it was the scariest and most uncertain time of my life.

In the beginning, the dolls really confused me, and I remember once calling my dad and bawling as I was driving down the road, having just picked up a doll collection that I knew Mom wouldn’t be able to help with. I was overwhelmed and honestly thought there was no way I would make it. This was all too grown up for me.

I never knew a doll shop without my Mom in charge. It didn’t matter what mistakes I made because Mom was there, and everything would be figured out.

It’s been six years since I took over here and almost three since she went to Heaven. I miss her terribly and so grateful she left us this place to make our own.

I still make mistakes with dolls. And some days, I struggle a lot emotionally.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that you don’t have to be all the things. You just have to be. Do the best you can with what you’ve been given, and that’s enough. Extend kindness and grace to you, too.

I often need this reminder and thought maybe you did, too.