My mom who passed away 14 years ago appeared in my dream. She looked older in 70s. She had a deep wound in her shoulder which looked like cancer. I asked her if she was ok. She said she cries herself to sleep every night. I hugged her and consoled her wanting to take her pain away. I also felt afraid. Then I woke up. I haven't seen her in my dreams in a long time.
Dreams involving deceased loved ones often carry deep emotional significance. In this dream, the appearance of your mother could symbolize unresolved emotions or unfinished business related to her passing.
Her older appearance may reflect the passage of time and the realization that she is no longer physically present in your life. The deep wound in her shoulder, resembling cancer, could represent the pain and suffering she experienced before her passing or the emotional burden she may have carried while she was alive.
When you asked if she was okay and she revealed that she cries herself to sleep every night, it could suggest that there are unresolved emotions or feelings of sadness that remain within you regarding her departure. The act of hugging her and offering comfort reflects your desire to alleviate her pain and potentially reflects your own longing for closure or healing.
Feeling afraid in the dream may stem from the fear of losing her again or the fear of confronting deep emotions related to her passing. This fear could also represent the vulnerability and uncertainty that arise when dealing with loss and grief.
The fact that you haven't seen her in your dreams for a long time prior to this occurrence suggests that your subconscious may be trying to bring attention to these unresolved emotions or issues that need addressing. It could be beneficial to explore your feelings surrounding her passing and seek support or engage in activities that facilitate healing and closure in your waking life.