It's been 10 years since the '9-1-1' star's mother, Patricia, died from complications of cancer.
Losing a parent is one of the most difficult tragedies one can experience. Jennifer Love Hewitt is mourning the death of her mother... a decade later. The 9-1-1 star's mother died of cancer at the age of 67 in 2012 but the heartbreak is still just as painful, she noted in a lengthy Instagram tribute to her "best friend." Speaking of the devastating anniversary, she wrote, "Today is 10 years since losing my best friend. Someone told me after losing my mom that the first year would feel impossible, the years after would build strength in me and then the 10-year mark would be an open wound all over again. Because it would feel insane to have been without her that long. They were right. Today feels very raw. I will never forget not making it to say goodbye. I will never forget walking into her house that day and hoping somehow she would come around the corner, waking up the day after praying it was all a bad dream. The countless times I called her by accident when something good or bad happened because I forgot she couldn’t pick up. I am proud of the way I’ve handled grief. But I wish it wasn’t so painful."
The 43-year-old Ghost Whisperer actress touched on the impact Patricia had on her family's lives. Hewitt is mom to kids Autumn James, 9, Atticus James, who turns 7 on June 24, and Aidan James, 9 months, with husband Brian Hallisay, reports PEOPLE. "Today I will celebrate her because I know she helped me build my family. My incredible children and a wonderful man who helps me everyday create our little unit. She knew it’s all I ever wanted. And I know she is with us everyday. I will eat and drink her favorite things today. The kids and I will look at pics of Mimi and all her adventures and I will feel so grateful that she was mine if only for a while. I love you mama. Always and forever," she concluded the emotional post.
Hewitt was 33 years old when her mom died of cancer. In a previous birthday tribute to her mother, the actress shared a sweet snap of the two and wrote, "Today you are 77 in heaven! And it’s international womens day! The little girl in this pic knew from the moment we met, that you would be the greatest woman in her life. And you were! You were a single mom, great business woman, greatest friend, shined even when your heart was breaking, stared cancer in the face with grace and fight. And made everyone who ever met you, not be able to forget it. So many people miss you mom. Because you touched so many. My kids see hummingbirds and say hi Mimi. I see you when they smile, and feel you in the deep joy they naturally feel. I love you so much and hope they throw you a huge party in the sky. Happy Birthday Mom."
References:
https://people.com/tv/jennifer-love-hewitt-shares-tribute-to-mom-10-years-after-her-death-very-raw/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CetTbaWrCwd/?hl=en
Cover Image Source: Instagram | jenniferlovehewitt
