Yesterday was exhilarating and heartbreaking all in the same day. You see - my mom passed away on April 17th. What you see is me killing it on stage at Women In Tech Sweden. Months of hard work and preparation for this moment. What you don’t see is the last three months where I got to be by my mom’s side in Canada, with her as she battled this stupid disease called #cancer that has no borders or boundaries. I know my mom rallied for me yesterday. She was so flipping proud and she knew how important this was for me in my entrepreneurial journey. I found out she was rushed to the hospital after my keynote. I asked my family what I should do. They said to continue and execute my workshop. The workshop was excellent. Yet, no one would have guessed that I was so sad on the inside, wondering what was happening in Canada, breaking inside knowing I wasn’t there by her side holding her hand. I FaceTimed my cousin when I got out of the workshop. I was able to see her one last time in the hospital. She was so jacked up on drugs that she couldn’t speak, but I know she knew I was there. I was able to say what I needed to say and my goodbyes. And then I went home. My normal MO would be networking until the cows came home, but today was not that day. Today - as my star shined bright, I went home to be with my family, to hug my boys, to let them know what was happening and that Grandma would soon no longer be with us. My mom is my everything. She made me who I am and I am so damn proud to be her daughter, to be her legacy. She did so much for the world around her, and I am so grateful she imparted those gifts to me. I am who I am because of her. Thank you to everyone who came out to champion me yesterday. I know my mom knew that I would be surrounded by so much love and support that she decided this would be the day she could leave this earth. I am going to do what my mom taught me - to know that it is okay to ask for #help. I am going to take some time off to grieve, but when I get back, I want to do more of this. More keynotes and workshops, more Wing Womaning. This is my passion. This is my purpose. Help me by saying my name when I’m not in the room and helping me get those gigs. I am so grateful to be on this earth and cannot wait to see what comes next. I have so many people to thank. Too many to tag. You all know who you are. I love you all so so so much.
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👋 Shaena Harrison 🪽 🦸🏻♀️ deepest condolences
Hard to write with tears pouring down my face. Shaena, I’m so terribly, terribly sorry for you loss. Each and every one of us can feel your pain, but for those of us who have our beloved mamma so far away, your experience is one which I think I can safely say, would fill any of us with dread. But you are an amazing woman, inspiring people where ever you go, and I’m proud to know you. I’m so glad you were able to spend time with your mamma recently and I hope you have a restful time now with family, celebrating her love, remembering her life, and cherishing your memories. I will definitely say your name when you are not in the room. With pride. Big hugs xx
So sorry for your loss 👋 Shaena I feel for you, I lost my mother last August, so I know, take time to grief and then bounce back. The world will never be the same, but your mother was with you, seeing you shine on stage and she will be with you always ❤️❤️❤️ My mother used to say that she travelled the world with me mentally whenever I was on stage speaking etc. Take care and let's meet up as we have planned later in the spring.
So heartwarming to hear how you nailed it on stage while your mom cheered from the hospital bed and how you got to say goodbye despite the distance. It proves that distance is just a physical form, mentally it’s just a matter of mindset to feel someone close. I’ll continue to cheer for you, it’s so admirable how you power through with your passion and will do attitude in mind 🙌
Oh, my gosh, Shaena. I am so sorry for your loss, but also so very, very inspired by you. I wish I could have attended your Keynote, I bet you were absolutely amazing. I know that your mum is so damn proud of you. Now, please take some time out for yourself. No job or role (not even one you have worked so hard to create yourself) is worth the toll on your mental health if you don't take time to rest and heal from a major life change. You have a great group of friends waiting for you if you need some time out in Gävle ❤️
So sorry for your loss 👋 Shaena Harrison 🪽 🦸🏻♀️ your mom’s journey with you will continue in another dimension, now she is Everywhere! In my own experience of saying goodbye to my father without being present 3 years ago i know grief is a very powerful transformation time, expect lots of transformation and growth, so many paradoxes will be intertwined. It is not easy but it is very very powerful. Hope you give yourself plenty of time in nature, in silence, barefoot if you can and you will see so many signs for love that were not visible before. ✨✨✨ Please Reach out to me if you need a sister who understands what it means to grieve and how to help yourself when it hurts too much. ❤️
So sorry to hear about your mom ❤️🩹 yesterday was a lot of life coming your way from the highest high to the lowest low. Sending thoughts and love to you and your familj. And you are definitaley a person mentioned and lifted when you’re not in the room 💗
❤️ I am out of words! Wish I knew so that my hug just before your workshop started would have been longer. I am really sorry for your loss! As the pro you are - no one would have known. You aced it! And more importantly - I'm glad that you had and prioritized the chance to be with your mom for the last couple of months! Lots of love❤️❤️❤️
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