Angelina Jolie has opened up about the way her mother’s death changed how she thinks about raising her children now.
Speaking to Variety, Jolie explained that losing her mother, Marcheline Bertrand, to cancer at the age of 56 made her think about how much time she got with her own kids.
Jolie also had surgery in 2013 to remove both breasts to lower her risk of developing breast cancer.
Her family history has made her think about her own health and future in a different way.
“I have never lived feeling like I’m going to have a long life,” Jolie said.
That feeling, however, surely stayed with her as her children are growing older now. She said she has tried to make them understand that she may not always be there for every part of their lives.
Her mother’s death was especially painful for Jolie because some of her children never got the chance to know their grandmother.
Bertrand was able to meet Jolie’s first child before she died.
Now, with most of Jolie’s children getting adults, they are encouraging their mother to think more about herself too.
They, moreover, want her to travel, go out and enjoy life instead of always worrying about the future.
Jolie said her children know her better than anyone and still like her, something she clearly values.
Her story shows how losing a parent can change the way someone sees both motherhood and life.
