Honoring my Beloved Mother, Elizabeth McNamer, Dec 21, 1936 - January 13, 2025
Hello Sidecar Community,
I write this one day after my mother, Elizabeth McNamer, went on her final grand adventure to the great beyond. I will be forever grateful that I was with her as she went. I was able to spend a few days with her when she was still on this side of the bridge, reminiscing, musing, planning her own funeral (once a planner, always a planner), and living vividly, almost up to the very end.
She was a remarkable woman in so many ways. I will find words to express that in coming posts. Meanwhile, I attach her obituary, which gives just a glimpse of this being that script writers simply couldn’t make up.
I can’t quite put into words yet my gratitude at the ways my Sidecar community is showing up for me right now. As my mother’s daughter, I’m a planner and doer, and someone who wants to be there for her community at all times. And … I recognize that I can’t be present in the way I’d like to be for myself, my family, and my mother’s community while also being present in my Sidecar for any and all of you during this period.
Several of you have asked how you can help support me during this time, specific ways you can be helpful, how you can honor my mother’s legacy. Here are some current thoughts, based on what I’m feeling so attuned to right now:
Be grateful for those whom you love and admire, and let them know that – Often it takes the loss of one to remind you of what you have. Among Mom’s last thoughts she expressed to me: “Tell people of your love. Don’t just keep them guessing.”
Be an active part of your community – That can take on different forms. Sometimes it’s a simple noticing, a word of support, a gesture of appreciation or acknowledgement. Sometimes it’s taking on the activities that everyone knows need to get done and aren’t particularly enjoyable or visible. Mom was a community stalwart, in all these ways.
Recognize that I will need some time and space to process this major life event – I don’t yet know what that will look like. I do know I have a propensity to feel I’m letting people down by not being there for them. And that – I’m passionate about what I do! So it will be hard for me to take the space I need. I’m holding myself accountable to that though. For those who are seeking out leadership job search coaching and/or negotiating your contract coaching, you can find online courses for that on Sidecar-U until I’m back firmly in my sidecar. (And yes, Rally season will continue on as planned, with substitute Rally facilitators as needed.)
Financial support will also help – A reality is that I’m running a small business, on my own, and that financially I am taking a hit by not taking coaching calls at this time. At the same time, I want to honor my mother properly. So, I’m setting up a Liz’s Legacy fund for those among you who feel moved to provide financial support during this period. No size contribution is too small (truly, every little bit counts!). You can send your contributions via Venmo (@Bridget-McNamer), Zelle (202-290-0229) or PayPal (bridget@sidecarcounsel.com). Please indicate “Liz’s Legacy Fund” so I can appropriately acknowledge this.
With lasting gratitude to all of you who honor Liz daily by living and loving boldly,
Bridget
