“Grief is like living two lives. One is where you pretend that everything is alright, and the other is where your heart silently screams in pain.” The root cause of such grief is the loss of someone special, and that too abruptly. One moment you’re laughing with the person and then in the next, reality is hard to accept that they’re gone. This quote came from the Instagram story of Mary Ruth Joyner, daughter of Florence Griffith-Joyner. She is someone who has lived through this grief. September 21, 2025, marks the 27th year of Florence Griffith-Joyner’s demise. Yet, even after 27 years, the grief still haunts her.

Mary posted a picture on her Instagram today, remembering her mother. The black-and-white image shows Florence Griffith-Joyner cradling young Mary in her arms, both of them smiling with pure joy. The image serves as a window into their tender relationship. Flo Jo’s face glowing with pride and love, while little Mary’s carefree smile reflects the comfort and happiness of being held close by her mom. “🕊️💔🕊️” the caption read.

At the top of the picture were the words: “I miss you mommy 🤍”, and at the bottom it read, “Not a year goes by that makes this day any easier.” The pain of reliving the loss is immense for her. Flo-Jo departed the world young; there was so much life left in the legend. Flo-Jo tragically passed away on September 21, 1998, at the age of 38.

The official cause of death, determined by the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner’s office, was suffocation during a severe epileptic seizure. The seizure was linked to a congenital brain abnormality known as a cavernous angioma, a vascular malformation present since birth.

Ruth was only 8, and she has never really gotten over that grief. Last year, on the same day – the 26th memorial of Flo-Jo – her daughter had put out a similar story on her Instagram. She had written, “Watching sports will never be the same for me,” referring to the Paris Olympics and the absence of her mother. She also congratulated Team USA, praising the athletes for their dedication, the mental and physical challenges they endure, and the financial sacrifices required in track and field.

But it is not just her mother’s death anniversary alone that provides Mary with an opportunity to honour her.

Florence Griffith-Joyner’s daughter’s tribute during Black History Month

“As Black History Month comes to an end, I am always so honored to be the daughter of an extraordinary, classy, historic, and strong BLACK WOMAN,” wrote Mary on her Instagram on the eve of the conclusion of Black History Month. Flo Jo ruled the track and field world back in the day. Even today, she holds the world records in the 100 meters (10.49 seconds) and 200 meters (21.34 seconds) set at the 1988 Olympics. Flo-Jo redefined fashion on the field. It is because of her that the flair of Sha’Carri Richardson’s nails, Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce’s colourful wigs, plays a vital role in athletes being themselves, being more than just the sport.

Mary’s next words perfectly justified this. “My mother was ahead of her time and continues to keep the bar set high. I see so much of her influence that some don’t even know or acknowledge. She was unique, driven, disciplined, faithful, and beyond beautiful inside and out,” she said. During the 1988 Olympic Trials, Flo-Jo partnered with Adidas to bring delicate lace into track uniforms, adding a feminine flair to typically functional attire. Her famous “one-legger” bodysuit, worn in the women’s 200-meter race, became iconic.

Florence Griffith-Joyner fondly recalled her mother’s elegance. Needless to say, for Mary, Flo-Jo was the best mother she could have asked for. She expressed gratitude for being able to spend whatever little time that she had with her mother. “I wish she was still here everyday, the world would make more sense to me. I love you, Mommy. Thank you for paving the way for so many women, young generations, and African Americans all over the world. You will continue to receive your flowers!” Mary concluded. Flo-Jo has raised the bar with her athleticism and as a mother.