Hearts are breaking for Lauren Duski after she shared a devastating Instagram post announcing the passing of her beloved mother, Janis.
Many people know Lauren and her voice after she became a standout on the hit competition show The Voice. On Tuesday, Lauren revealed that her mom passed away at the age of 60.
“Said goodbye to my best friend and hero this past Friday. My mom was the greatest human I’ve ever known. There was no one who loved harder,” Duski began in her tribute to her mom.
“She offered her entire being — heart and soul to everyone she encountered and always held up the mirror to remind you of how wonderful and special you were. She set the bar above the moon. She adored her family and her grandchildren. She was an endless dreamer. Brilliant. An absolute powerhouse.”
On top of all of that, Lauren revealed her mom was at the “Top of her class AND president in dental school. Served as a captain in the United States Air Force. She pioneered the Wolverine Patriot Project alongside the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and made it her mission to provide oral health care to disabled and homeless Michigan military veterans. We called her “Yoda” for her endless wisdom, energy, wit, and humor.”
Janis, as Lauren wrote, “was selfless in every way. She never quit, especially with a fishing pole in her hand. She loved to spend time exploring and road-tripping across the country with just a road map. She saw God in everyone and everything.”
“Mom, you are infinitely loved. I will miss you every second of every day. I still don’t know how the hell I’m supposed to do this without you. I will thank God every day for our 32 years together and see you every time I look in that mirror.”
While Janis’s cause of death is not known, it appears she died by suicide. Lauren admits she wasn’t planning on sharing the news of her mother’s passing, publicly. However, after starting to feel “the most violent pull in my heart to remind you to please talk to one another,” Lauren shared this message with her followers:
“If you’re struggling, do not be ashamed. Do not be ashamed. Do not be ashamed. Your mental health is nothing to be ashamed of and neither is talking about it. We are all trying to navigate this beautiful, messy life. I’ve learned that even the strongest humans have a breaking point. Be patient and gentle with yourself. Minute by minute. Please do not lose hope. Trust in God. There is always another chance…and there will never be another you.”
Lauren continued, adding, “We have the opportunity to save a generation and beyond. Say ‘I love you’ every chance you get. Don’t wait. You never know the true impact you have on those around you.”
“I love you, mom. Forever,” Duski concluded her statement. “May you rest in glorious peace.”
Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with Lauren and the entire Duski family during this extremely difficult time.
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