On January 29, Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus documented a conversation she had with her mother, who had been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in November and was receiving palliative care at home. Dr. Gunsaullus’s mother, 81 years old at the time of her death, had an extended conversation with her family ten days before dying on February 8, gradually losing her ability to move and communicate clearly. That night, the family gave her Dairy Queen ice cream, and Dr. Gunsaullus subsequently described in detail the Valentine’s Day decorations placed around her mother’s apartment. In her last moments of clarity, her mother expressed her love for the family, asking them to stop crying, and Dr. Gunsaullus later mentioned her wish that her mother be “happy just to be by her side.” The author’s eponym is a sociologist and intimacy expert, a public speaker, and author of works on relationships. Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus’s passion for motherhood began at a young age, and she is now a mother to three daughters. The Gunsaullus family organized a symbolic memorial for her biological grandfather at the age of five, an event they continue annually until both grandmothers reach 100 years old, the age at which many of them lived. She writes today as a mother and expert, highlighting that, as a mother, she follows her own advice regarding the importance of being present for her children. The patience Dr. Gunsaullus shows her children could have caused digestive issues in them, which is why she always seeks a way to make things right when she feels overwhelmed. The businesswoman states that, in her case, a “wait-and-see” reaction would have led to anxiety if she had allowed her children to take care of an elderly person. In addition to spending time with her children and family, the author’s favorite activities include walking with her Siberian Huskies and watching children’s programs. Of all the moments spent with her mother, the most memorable one was her mother going out one Sunday morning to visit a zoo with Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus’s grandparents while her father was working. Another significant memory of Dr. Gunsaullus regarding her mother is that during the 1990 holidays, the family was given access to a four-story building within a luxury property at a southern resort. She manages both career and family, thanks to the immense support from her husband, Johnnie, who consistently provides a solid foundation. Although religious, Dr. Gunsaullus says she wants her legacy to be dynamic, a strong and courageous spirit, and she constantly reflects on her future. She remembers her own mother as someone who, although not among the tallest, always wanted her family to be free from worries. A common joke between Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus and her grandfather was that she would inherit his famous “jerky,” a tasty treat that has nothing to do with actual beef jerky. Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus remembers her grandfather behaving eccentrically when sober, but always being attentive to her and her friends. The author reflects on how she developed a deep sense of family pride, trying to prioritize family even though adult life is full of challenges and opportunities. Her familial legacy does not consist of small gestures, but rather in caring for and feeling loyal to those people who influenced her the most. This drives her to diligently seek ways to delight all family members and provide them with some fun. The author believes there should be an agreement whereby each family member takes on at least one responsibility related to ensuring the well-being of others. She explains that volunteer work or active involvement in causes close to her heart helps her feel like she is accomplishing something useful. Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus expresses being impressed with how she manages her children, offering them patience and constant support, although this is not always an easy task. The author hopes her eldest daughter will learn to manage her time and assume responsibilities, as these skills will serve her well in adulthood. Beauty can also be found in everyday life, even if not initially perceived by others. The lesson on how to love your child, learned from her grandparents, enabled her to become a more empathetic and aware mother. The author expresses happiness at having grown up in a family that also had a well-developed sense of humor, regardless of the context. The entire family, including her grandfather, mother, and grandmothers, were always available and reliable to support Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus during her difficult times. In conclusion, all her memories related to her mother and family are crucial to building her own identity as a mother and intimacy expert. [1]
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