Mom, You Raise Me Up

One of the songs that I played at my mom’s funeral was “You Raise Me Up”. The song really tells all about how much my mom meant to me and how she treated everyone around her. It’s not fair that she had to go through so much shit in life. Despite her mental health struggles, disability, and developing dementia – she was an amazing human being. I could write an entire book just about my mom. I hope to do so, her story needs to be heard. The picture above is the last photo we took together before she passed away on 04/02/2024. I tried to be a voice for my Mom, but it was a constant fight. Our system has to do better in Oregon.

Lyrics “You Raise Me Up”

When I am down and, oh, my soul, so weary
When troubles come and my heart burdened be
Then I am still and wait here in the silence
Until You come and sit awhile with me

You raise me up so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up to walk on stormy seas
I am strong when I am on Your shoulders
You raise me up to more than I can be

You raise me up so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up to walk on stormy seas
I am strong when I am on Your shoulders
You raise me up to more than I can be

You raise me up (up) so I can stand on mountains (stand on mountains)
You raise me up to walk on stormy seas (stormy seas)
I am strong (I am strong) when I am on Your shoulders (ooh)
You raise me up to more than I can be

You raise me up (up) so I can stand on mountains (stand on mountains)
You raise me up to walk on stormy seas (stormy seas)
I am strong when I am on Your shoulders
You raise me up to more than I can be

You raise me up to more than I can be

Mom, I am doing everything I can to advocate for those that need help now and in the future.

 The stigma must end, and we must talk about mental health with openness and courage. Right now, it’s scary, but it’s more important than ever.