Bethenny Frankel announces on Instagram that her mother, Bernadette Birk, has passed away at age 73 from lung cancer. Despite her mom’s struggles with addiction and abuse, Frankel recalls her as a stunning, brilliant, and caring woman. She also acknowledges the challenges she faced as a child under her care, but credits those struggles for making her a strong and resilient survivor.
Frankel decided to reconnect with her mom in recent years so her daughter, Bryn, could know and love her grandmother. Despite their complicated relationship, Birk adored Bryn and the two shared a love for art. Birk’s final wishes were to be cremated and for no one besides Frankel to be notified of her passing. Frankel reflects on the experience of saying goodbye to her mom and the complexities of their relationship, expressing gratitude that her daughter had the opportunity to meet her grandmother.
Frankel shares that she had a premonition of her mom’s passing and found some closure by dancing to her favorite song in her favorite dress as she knew she was dying. She mourns the loss of the happy memories from her childhood and the missed opportunity for her mother to experience true motherhood. Despite the challenges, Frankel reflects on her mother’s life with a mix of sadness and acceptance.
The reality star reminisces about missing her “mommy as a little girl” while also being grateful for her daughter’s insistence on meeting her grandmother. She encourages her followers to reach out to their loved ones, even if their relationships are complicated. After sharing the news of her mom’s passing, Frankel receives an outpouring of support and condolences from fellow reality TV stars, highlighting the impact her mother’s death has on her and those in her community.
Frankel and her mother’s relationship has been tumultuous over the years, with Frankel previously describing Birk as “never a mother” to her and emphasizing the absence of a true childhood. She also mentioned being raised by her stepfather from a young age, indicating the complexities and challenges that shaped her upbringing. Despite the difficulties, Frankel’s message reflects a sense of closure and acceptance following her mother’s passing.
Overall, Bethenny Frankel’s emotional tribute to her mother, Bernadette Birk, captures a mix of love, loss, and acceptance. Despite their complicated relationship and the challenges they faced, Frankel expresses gratitude for the good memories and the opportunity for her daughter to know her grandmother. Her message serves as a reminder to cherish loved ones, even in the face of difficult circumstances, and reflects on the nuances of family dynamics and personal growth.
