Can you see grief? How long is an appropriate length of time to grieve after the loss of a loved one and just because you can't see someone doing it, does it mean they're done?
My mom passed in January.
She'd been sick for a long time and while her passing was not at all unexpected, it was still jarring.
As death most often is.
She'd been sick for a long time and while her passing was not at all unexpected, it was still jarring.
As death most often is.
My husband had spent years telling me to be prepared. He wanted to protect me, knowing how close my mom and I were.
But as hard as I tried, I couldn't face the idea of losing her and I certainly didn't want to think about it until I had to.
And yet.
The truth is I'd been grieving for years.
My mother's decline was slow. The losses came in waves.
First it was her ability to drive and live alone, then her ability to walk and move her limbs freely and finally, in an especially cruel twist, she lost the ability speak.
I grieved for our old relationship and the mother I used to know, but it wasn't true grief. After all, I still had her. Here.
I could hug her, visit her and hold her hand. I could cry to her, watch old movies with her, shop for her, talk to her, care for her and love her.
In person and in the flesh.
Now all I can do is miss her. And I do. So much so that in those first few days I cried until I couldn't breathe.
Sure, I held it together as the capable hostess, serving dinner to forty in my tiny home in place of a traditional wake. I comforted my grown nephew as he cried on my shoulder at the church.
I stood strong and dry-eyed, freezing at the gravesite. My mom would've been proud of me, I know.
But all the while my heart was broken inside, irreparably cracked. And of course, it still is.
Pieces you sweep up, but just can't bear to throw away, even though you know they'll never fit back into place the same way ever again.
And just like that cracked vase, unless you point them out, the fissures go unnoticed by most.
Ten months later, I still move rather slow. I smile and laugh often, but the tears are always at the ready with the proper provocation. And exactly what that is, I never know.
There are the predictable triggers...songs, places, photos, commercials. Then there are the ones that seem to come out of the blue. A smell, a recipe. The sight of someone else with their mom.
If I'm alone, I let the tears flow. I give in to the sadness and feel. If I'm with friends or even my family however, I stuff it. Grin and bear it, smile and converse.
There may be a heaviness in my chest, but I don't skip a visible beat.
It's not that I think the people around me don't care, I know they do. I'm surrounded by wonderful friends, they just don't recognize the subtle signs.
Or don't want to. Grief makes people uncomfortable, especially when it's displayed after the funeral or wake.
Once the initial "I'm so sorrys" have been expressed, no one really knows what to say. And if the person was old or sick, well then, "it was time"...
So with the one year anniversary of my mom's passing on the horizon, a woman who was very sick, a hair shy of 87 years old with three generations who loved her, the assumption is that I, a grown woman of 50 should be fine by now.
Right? But I'm not.
She was after all, my mom.
Some days, I sleep more. Some days I cry. Some days I'm not hungry and on others I only want chocolate cake.
Some nights I watch the clock with no possibility of sleep. Some I dream and wake up shattered all over again.
There are days I can't think of anything else...and days when I barely go down that road.
But most people don't know any of this, because they stopped asking months ago. I guess they think I'm done, as if there's a clock on sadness.
So the days pass and I eat and cry and think and miss and hurt in silence.
A quiet place that finds me missing my dad immensely now, as well...a man who passed away 38 years ago. A testament to the fact that grief is a never-ending process.
Of course, acceptance will come.
That raw searing pain will fade and I'll stop eating so much chocolate cake.
But that dull ache?
That will be with me. Forever.
Even if you can't see it.
So the days pass and I eat and cry and think and miss and hurt in silence.
A quiet place that finds me missing my dad immensely now, as well...a man who passed away 38 years ago. A testament to the fact that grief is a never-ending process.
Of course, acceptance will come.
That raw searing pain will fade and I'll stop eating so much chocolate cake.
But that dull ache?
That will be with me. Forever.
Even if you can't see it.
The loss of my mother in 1980 was one of the most crushing experiences of my life. Now at seventy-one, I still miss her. This post is so well written and heartfelt. Some folks seem to think there is an expiration date on grief. I hope you have a special someone who will understand that just because time has passed and the pain has lessened, you still need to talk about your mom and your loss.
ReplyDeleteDonna, I am so sorry for you loss. I lost my dad in 1980 and it still burns, so I know exactly what you mean. I do have wonderful people around me, thank you, because yes, we do need to talk...thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. It means a lot…and thank you for being patient with my response. As you can imagine these comments are not easy to answer. It’s an emotional process and they are all so heartfelt and I want to give each one the time and thoughtful response it deserves.
DeleteThis is such a beautiful story. I understand while my Mother is still alive we used to do everything together, as time goes on things change and the relationship has certainly changed. I do miss that relationship. I hope as time goes by your heart will heal. xo
ReplyDeleteThank you, Susan. And I totally understand where you are. Things do change and that isn't always easy, I remember that part well. I wish you and your mom grace as the days go on...xxoo
DeleteHi Kim,sending virtual hugs and positive thoughts your way. My mom passed away just this last Christmas Day and like you, it has been a tough, new role for me to get used to. There are days I forget and I think to myself, I'll give my mom a call. ". But, well, I can't. She lived 92 years. To me, of course, it wasn't enough. I want her back. It's hard to be the adult, when I don't feel like an adult at all in this situation. I try to stay positive and accept this happened in natural order - she was 92 after all. I don't always succeed, but I keep trying. Anyway, these are sad situations and really no easy way to work through it. I have to trust it will get easier to keep moving forward with the passing of time - the year of firsts is tough. Best wishes to you and many prayers for your heart to heal. Jane
ReplyDeleteOh Jane, I am so sorry. I know we both went through this at the same time, the wound is still so fresh and painful. Your comment describes exactly how I feel in exact detail. My moms age, how it still wasn’t enough time, how I want to call her and go to do so…I wish you peace as you move toward the anniversary date and through this first holiday season. Know that I will be thinking of you, my friend and sending you the same prayers and wishes for a healing heart.
DeleteI think I can see grief . . .
ReplyDeleteI know I can feel grief as well . . .
Not my own . . . as much as in another . . .
Yet, saying that, I missed it in you.
Oh I knew your mom died.
We talked a bit about her dying and then when she died, we talked a bit more . . .
But I have been amiss . . .
Not seeing, hearing, feeling . . . your grief . . . until I read this a minute ago.
And now I want to fold, hold you . . . in to my heart . . .
I needed to hear you say . . . that you “wear the face” that all is well, but alone . . . the tears fall, again and again . . .
It opened a door for me, to come in, think about ten months, January coming,
your grief, and one I had not been seeing/feeling . . .
I find that grief channels into new roads . . .
like there is your road, yet I am leaping over into my own road . . . right now in fact . . .
It reminds me of my mom, in a way, when her “essence” was gone, months, years, before her death.
but I could still touch her, hold her hand, brush her hair.
I was grieving all along the way . . . and then her death . . . and then the grief became brand new.
Interesting as I write this . . . it is at the time of the year when my late husband died . . .
I find that I want people to know about him, because he was part of me . . .
and I want people to know that now, even more so, for my now grown children.
He was their DAD . . . like YOU KIM . . . and then gone in an instant . . .
You do know what that was like!
This year I found some old pictures . . . and posted them . . . and in a way now . . . I wonder what others think, when I do that.
I guess it is kind of like a “memory picture wake” . . . and like a “wake” there is some discomfort for the people who visit maybe.
Oh, dear, rambling here . . .
I guess your, “Can we see grief?” has been a very good question for me.
Holding you Kim . . .
Lynne, I cherish the conversations we had right after my mom passed. I keep them in my inbox and read them over every now and again, as they provide great comfort. You have been wonderful. You didn't miss anything. Like I said, you can't see the grief if I'm not overtly sharing it...wearing it...I'm just going through the process like everyone else. I guess I just wondered one day if anyone understood that I was still deeply missing my mom, still grieving her loss in a very palpable way, even if I wasn't walking around in a teary stooper. The writer in me put it on paper...because that's what I do. And I have enjoyed your pictures lately. I think it's important that we share and remember even all these years later. It keeps the love we felt/ feel for that person alive...and after all, that's what grief is really all about...love. xxoo
DeleteHi Kim, it is so hard to deal with grief. It does get better with time. The best thing is you will have good memories of your mom. Staying busy really helps to get through what you are dealing with. Take care and have a nice weekend.
ReplyDeleteJulie
Thanks Julie! I agree, being busy is very important. I am certainly doing that. 😊
DeleteI am so sorry for your loss - I know and I share in your grief as many do ...... my Dad passed away two days before my high school graduation from a brain tumor and my Mom 6 years ago at the age of 88. I miss both everyday but I also carry them with me in my heart, memories and mostly what they taught me and how I have passed that to my boys. On my wedding day - my dad even though he wasn't next to me as I took those steps, he was with me with every one - my Mom is in the recipes of hers I make and the sewing, crafts we enjoyed together. I hope for you the best.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your story with us and thank you for your kind words. I am so sorry for your losses, losing a dad when you're young is hard. I know. Like you, I try to keep my parents with me when I can...my dad in my heart on my own wedding day and like you, my mom's recipes have taken on a special meaning. I think it's important that we find ways to focus on the good memories. It does help the grief...I wish you the best as well...thanks again for the very thoughtful comment.
DeleteKim this is so touching and how elegantly you spoke of your grief. Even though we all know death is part of life it still is hard when we lose a loved one especially a parent. Brenda Ueland said it beautifully no one will ever love you like they did. Grief is so different for each of us and everyone needs to grieve in their own time. I always have felt that time does not make the grief and sadness of loss go away but it does seem to make the days more tolerable. I wish that for you. The first's after each loss are always the hardest too. The first Thanksgiving or Christmas, birthday are always the hard. The one year anniversary is hard because it is the beginning of measuring the time since the loss. You are doing so well to be able to speak of your grief and let it continue when needed. You are a good daughter and I know your mom is smiling down on you and wanting to hug and wipe away your tears when you need it. Hugs sweet friend.
ReplyDeleteKris
Kris, thank you for the incredibly thoughtful and kind words you've shared. The feelings of sadness and grief do ebb and flow in different ways on different days. And I do know that the holidays will be harder this year, but writing about it and hearing that I'm not alone, that others feel the same way does help. I guess words can be healing, too. Hugs to you...xoxo
DeleteThis was so beautifully written. My mom passed away very unexpectedly three years ago next week and that ache and pain of loss is still with me. The first year was the most difficult and the pain does subside somewhat, but it never goes entirely away. ((hugs) to you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your words of wisdom, Debi. I'm sorry to hear about your mom. It leaves a bit hold, doesn't it. I wish you peace and wonderful thoughts of your mom during this difficult anniversary period. And I send it with a hug for you, too...
DeleteOf course you're not over it. You will never be over it. You know after losing Abi I've written about grief a number of times in the past 5 months. People want you to move on, to get past the grief. I never had parents, but I know what it is to lose a beloved pet, which to me I guess is the same as people. Please don't feel you have to hide it. It is so natural to grief. No matter how long ago it was.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Thank you, Brenda. I know your heart has been broken by the loss of Abi. No, there really is no getting over it....but I guess that's just a testament to how much we loved.
DeleteI understand.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kathy. Your simple comment speaks volumes. I wish you peace...
DeleteA very touching and eloquent post. Grief is so hard, and sometimes it can hit out of nowhere. Truly, it seems to come in waves. This holiday season will be a difficult one for you. Thanks for sharing your heart here on your blog. (((((hugs)))))
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ricki. Writing and sharing in words does help. Thanks for taking the time to read the post and respond. It means a lot and the comments people have shared, are very comforting.
DeleteKim, you did such a beautiful job of writing and conveying your grief in this post.Losing a parent is one of the hardest things we will have to go through. We never did know a day in our life without them. Some do think, not in a negative way, that it is the way of things but no matter how old you are or what your situation is, it never is any easier. I can remember when my grandmother (my mom's mother) passed, everyone came over to our house after the service, I was about 7 years old and had to go to bed while people were still there, and I could hear laughter and thinking, Boy, I hope when my mom dies that I will be older so it won't hurt so much. Little did I know that human nature has a way of dealing with things and just because lighter moments happen, that doesn't erase the grief that we feel. My worst memory is of a time when I ran into an old friend who had lost her son in an accident months before and didn't acknowledge that fact to her. It wasn't that I was being uncaring and I knew that, but I just didn't know what to say, so I didn't say anything. I thought about that time years later after we lost our son. Knowing that someone is looking you right in the face but not mentioning anything. And, I know too, that they are just as well meaning but it is how grief is dealt with in our society. I wanted so much to talk about him to anyone that would listen, he was such an amazing young man, but I understand why that wasn't possible with some. The years go by and it becomes so much easier and the time comes when you really can laugh about all the good times you shared with your loved ones. But grief has a way of holding on and all those tears shed behind closed doors are very helpful and you should not regret them..I know you wrote this post for yourself, mainly, but look how many have responded and have been able to talk to you about their grief and, I know, that we all feel the better for it. I am so sorry for your loss of your mom. There is never anything that can take the place of a welcome conversation with her..Take care my friend and thank you..xxoJudy
ReplyDeleteJudy, I am so, so sorry. I did not know that you lost your son. Another reason I wish we lived closer, so I could come over and hug you. And I think we've all been in the position of not saying anything to a friend in the face of loss. It's hard to know what to say, especially if our interaction is brief. We don't want to open the flood gates and then walk away, leaving our friend to deal with their sorrow alone. I don't think people realize how much we need to talk about our feelings and our loved ones...and the tears are just part of the process. I did write this post for myself, and I was super hesitant to put it out there, but I'm glad I did. I have received so many comments, emails and Facebook messages from people who have been touched by my words. And I have found comfort in theirs...wishing you peace, my friend...xoxox
DeleteKim, with such beautiful words, you've expressed the deepest feelings that so many of us experience. I must tell you that over time, the grief does soften, but the memorable tears will remain. It can't be helped, and even after thirty five years, I am glad for the tears, as it reminds me still, of how wonderful my mom was.
ReplyDeleteCheryl, I am trying to keep that fact in mind, that the hurt and the tears are a testament to how wonderful my parents were and how much I loved them...and they loved me. Thank you for your wise words, they really do help...
DeleteSending hugs ~
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bobbie...
Deleteyes. it does come in waves. and just like the sea … I imagine it will be endless as long as we're here.
ReplyDeleteI used to suppress the feelings of grief. and I know now that is dangerous. but I had to work. and somehow I could feel people's impatience? so I clamped down. first daddy then mother then husband. I never learned to really be able to feel it or even show it. because as you say… it made people uncomfortable. our society doesn't seem to handle death very well. there are always such time lines.
writing like yours in this post is good and helpful. and somehow comforting to those of us who share it with you. and it's needed. bless you Kim.
love
Tam
Thank you, Tammy. Sometimes, I sit down at the computer and words just come out, almost without thought...this was one of those pieces. I was hesitant to share it, since it's so personal, but turns out, it's not. It seems to be way more universal than I thought. I'm glad I shared...I hope that it's brought some solace to others the way their words have brought comfort to me...xoxo
DeleteKim, yes, you can see grief. I saw it every time I looked at myself in the mirror after my first husband left me and our little boy. Left us alone with just a goodbye note on the kitchen table. I was a school teacher and every time I went to the restroom at school, I'd catch a glimpse of my face in the mirror as I washed my hands. I would be startled and ask myself, "Who is this sad, broken woman looking at me?" Then, I would realize that it was my own reflection. I sunk into depression and anxiety along with my broken heart. Yes, a heart can break. I couldn't eat, couldn't sleep, lost 40 lbs, developed an irregular heart beat. My kind Dr. put me on life saving anti-anxiety and depression meds. for several months. I had to put on a smile, go teach school all day. I couldn't break down and lose my job. Still, we didn't have enough money to live on, so I had to start a tutoring business in the afternoons, Saturdays, and all summer. Still not enough money, so I also had to go to graduate school in my "spare time" to get a masters degree so I could make a little more money. (I was 40 years old.) I drove 45 min. to the nearest university and took courses at night for 2 years. Hey, my nights were free, huh? I took graduate courses all summer for 2 summers and continued my tutoring business when I wasn't in class. My son went with me to the university, because there was no one to keep him. He says he "grew up at the university". The students and professors loved him and he enjoyed it. With God's help, we made it through 7 very touch years, and then I met and married my "precious angel husband". I can laugh and say I'm so glad the first husband left! Just wish he had left sooner! My son got a full college scholarship and research paid for his graduate school! What a blessing! My Mom died at age 92, six years ago and of course I still miss her. At times the grief would wash over me in waves of despair. Now, I find comfort in remembering all the wonderful life lessons that she taught me. When I get discouraged, I can imagine my mother telling me, "Dry those tears, go to the kitchen and cook your husband a wonderful dinner!!" "Do some cleaning, work on your crafts and sewing. Remember that I raised you to be an independent, strong woman.!!" I'm 71 now and a grandmother and every day, I whisper, "Thanks, Mom. You raised me right and I love you. See you soon." God bless you, Kim. I'm praying for your grief. God loves you.
ReplyDeleteBev, thank you for sharing your story and for helping us to remember that grief is not just an emotion one feels after a death. It's there anytime we suffer a loss. You are a very strong woman. You remind me of my mother, left with two little ones to raise after my dad's death. She worked so hard to keep us afloat. What a wonderful role model you are for your son. I am so glad that you found happiness. That part of your story made me smile big. I was also smiling at the comments your mom would make. My mom would be saying the same thing. I can hear her now...Go put some lipstick on, your husband is coming home!! Haha!! Love that! Thank you for sharing your experience with us. It's truly inspiring. Blessings to you...
DeleteOh, Kim...this made me cry. You expressed your feelings of grief so well. I thank you for being so open and and raw with us. I can't say I understand, because I still have my mother. However, as you know, I have lost firstborn son. It's been 9 years and the grief at times is still just as bad as it was in the beginning. Don't let anyone every tell you that grief has a timetable. It doesn't. If you are having a bad day, then so be it. As you know, you never know when grief is going to hit you. It can come crashing down on you like a huge tidal wave. And you are still in your first year, which is the hardest as far as the raw feelings go. You will always miss your mom, you will always grieve for her. Be gentle with yourself.
ReplyDeleteWhat you said about people not asking about how you're doing anymore...that is one of the hardest parts about the grief journey, I think. Phil's 9 year passing anniversary was just a few weeks ago - September 25th. It truly hurt me to the core when no one from my family nor two of my best friends in the area didn't contact me in any way that day. Not even a text to say "thinking of you". Just because it was 9 years does not mean that day was any easier on us than the 2nd or 3rd year, etc. In fact, it was just as bad. Me and my husband had a really hard time getting through the day.
Again, thank you for sharing. I am sending you lots of love and a big hug.
Melanie, I am so sorry for your loss. I know that every day since you lost Phil has to be difficult, how could it not be? But anniversaries are especially hard. I think most people are just so busy with their own lives they don't realize how much loss impacts our daily lives even after a number of years. Or they don't want to "upset" us so they don't reach out, thinking that it's better than way...I send you wishes for peace, my friend. And a giant hug, too.
DeleteI felt that same way when my first husband died. People quit asking after a while. They go on with their lives oblivious to your pain, which is just beginning. I so understand what you're saying Kim.
ReplyDeleteYou're totally right, Florence. I saw it when my dad died, the way people interacted with my mom...I don't know why it would be different with any other kind of loss...
DeleteKim, this is a beautiful post. I don't think one ever stops grieving someone they love...the passage of time just seems to make the loss more bearable and less raw. My dad has been gone a little over 2 years and I still hurt as though it were yesterday. The hubster lost his best friend in March and he still finds himself typing a text to him or dialing his number to chat...then he remembers and the pain starts all over again. I love the quote! Love and hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Benita, and yes, you are right, my dad has been gone 38 years and sometimes the wave hits me hard out of the blue. Grieving is a never-ending process and a testament to the ones we loved. I'm sorry about your dad, I know that sting all too well...Hugs to you my friend. xoxo
DeleteKim, I'm so very touched by your thoughts about mourning the loss of your mother and also thoughts expressed in the comments, many by dear blog friends. We rarely know the pain others are feeling, do we? Maybe that's partly why we blog, to help us get through difficult days. It's good for all of us to read what you've written. I hope it's helped you in some small way to know that others do care and want you to tell us these heart things. And I remember so many things you've written about your mother that made a lasting impression on me. I believe that the happy memories will comfort you more and more as the years pass. Sending love, Dewena.
ReplyDeleteDewena, it's funny you said that about the blog...it's the reason I started writing. My mom was sick and life was changing quickly and I needed a positive, fluff filled outlet, so I started writing about DIY and crafts. Subjects of little consequence. Funny how the hard stuff makes its way in, isn't it? And yes, it has helped me tremendously. I hope that it has helped others as well, in some small way. Thank you for your insightful words. They really do make a difference.
DeleteYes - my mom has been gone for 13 years, she was only 69 and I still miss her. My Dad is 87 and is doing quite well, but I know that the time is coming for him too, and like you, I don't want to think about it!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for your loss, Mari. It really doesn't get easier, but I suppose that's a testament to the love we still carry for them and how wonderful they were.
DeleteKim, so sad for you and my sympathies on your loss. I am around your age, and while my Mom is still living I know the day will come eventually, and I will miss her so badly. NO one knows you like she does and while we sometimes have been at odds I love & value her dearly & will sorely miss her. My Dad died 3 years ago , after a long suffering with Alzheimers and I miss his laugh, funny stories and laid back nature. IT is so hard to grow older, or even if younger, to lose one's parents. The pain lessens , but they are still missed.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind words and I'm so sorry for your loss. I miss those same things about my mom. And yes, no one know you or loves you like your mom does. I am blessed to be surrounded by loving family and friends, but sometimes you really do just want you mom...I really appreciate you taking the time to comment. The words really do help.
DeleteHoping you'll soon find peace.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much...
DeleteIts okay to still not be okay. Grief takes time and some levels of it we'll never get past. You know, as you've said, that it will get less searing, but it will always hurt. That's the hard/beautiful thing about love. You and your mother LOVED each other, you will always love her, and carry her love for you in your heart.
ReplyDeleteI have prayed for you, when you've come to mind. You are not alone, God will never leave you or forsake you. Thank you for sharing your heart today.
Deanna, thank you so much for the kind comment. You are right, we loved so much and that is why the grief is so deep. I am grateful for the lovely relationship we had and the many years we did have together. It was a blessing. And how touched I am to know have kept me in your prayers. What a very thoughtful and sweet thing to do...it means a lot.
DeleteHonestly I think we all do this. We grieve silently because we don't want to be a difficult or needy person...at least that's what I do.
ReplyDeleteMy dad has been gone 34 years (37 since I actually heard him speak) & my mother has been gone 12 this December. I didn't really have great relationships with either one & I was actually more relieved than grieved when they passed away. Living life with each of them was just so very hard.
But as I age & face the hard things we all face I especially think of my mother. The older I grow, the more I realize that no one really loves me as much as she did. I know I'm loved but it's easier to see my life(& hers) through her eyes as I age...to see love where in things that so frustrated me as I lived through them. So I think in a way I grieve more as time passes instead of less.
Not very comforting....but I do believe it's a normal part of life.
I agree, with you Jenny, it's a normal part of life. And mother daughter relationships are notoriously difficult. I have been reframing a lot of things lately through my mom's eyes as I age, too. It's funny how that happens, isn't it? And yes, I am surrounded by loving people, but there's still that hole left behind when you're mother's love is lost...wishing you peace my friend...
DeleteI think it is not that people are oblivious to your pain but more that it is such a private thing. No one can replace your mom or even help you really. It is something you must come to terms and learn to live with yourself. I lost my mom many years ago and no matter how much my friends tried to comfort me it was impossible. I went through this alone, and now that a close family member has passed I too am just as guilty of being unable to say anything besides the typical. Because there really are no words that can comfort you. Only you can live your life and remember her the best way you know how, with love in your heart.
ReplyDeleteMary, you are so right. There really are no words, no way for others to help us through this, it's a very personal journey. And the only way out, is through. xo
DeleteI am one of those people that just doesn't know what to say to someone after their loss, afraid to "trigger" the grief again. You have expressed your grief in this well written post so beautifully and I hope it helps to heal your heart a little. As a writer, it helps to get it all down on paper sometimes. Hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteThank you, AnnMarie. And trust me, I am that person myself sometimes. It's hard to know what to say, so there are times that I don't say anything either. As far as personal healing goes, the writing does help, I was hesitant to publish this one, but I'm glad I did now. It's comforted me and I hope it's provided some solace for others, as well.
DeleteThank you, Kim. So very true. I have struggled with loss as well the last few years. Memories that are triggered can be the real hard days. I wonder why do we all of a sudden have those memories flood back, sometimes not at convenient times, when we are suppose to be STANDING STRONG. Thank You, as always, well done.
ReplyDeleteSending hugs,
Carla
Standing strong is hard, Carla. I have felt it too...like someone came behind you and knocked you in the knees so you lose your footing. Out of the blue. I guess the plus side is that we loved so much the pain is equal. How lucky we were to have shared that feeling with someone...hugs to you friend. xo
DeleteOh Kim, I'm so very sorry you're hurting. How I wish I could give you a hug right now and just let you talk, or cry or scream or be quiet. I lost my little sister 31 years ago and that hurt never goes away. Maybe we learn to hide it better after a while but it's always there just bubbling under the surface. Sending you lots of love
ReplyDeleteMichelle, I am so sorry for your loss. How truly heartbreaking...and you're right, we might get adept at hiding it, but we never really stop grieving....
DeleteI didn't live near my mother who lived with my sister when she died. My sister's daily life changed, but mine did not. What I found in the first few years was that about 5 pm on a random night I would say to myself, "I need to call mom" because that was when I called her and then I would catch myself and ask why that thought had come to mind. Usually it was when something big was going on in my life and I knew she would want to know about it.
ReplyDeleteIt's been 17 years and the thought to call her happens rarely, but it still does.
Thanks for sharing your touching post. I wish I could call my mom and tell her about our newly remodeled bathroom. She would love it.
Carol, I do that all the time...I want to call her and tell her the good, the bad, the silly. I'm glad to hear I'm not alone. And I bet your mom would love your sweet new bathroom. It's fabulous!
DeleteThis is a very touching post. I know you miss your mom terribly. I know what you mean about things that affect you like a certain commercial or smell. Every time I smell a certain perfume, it reminds me of my grandmother. But there are times that make me smile too... when I see "Sanford and Son" on the guide on tv, I think of her too! She loved that show, lol! I hope you are able to smile at all the good memories too and that your heart heals. Sending hugs to you today. xoxo
ReplyDeleteCommercials get me, Lisa. It’s so pathetic. I’ve always cried at them and my husband laughs at me. He’s like “Who cries at commercials? They’re like 30 seconds long…how attached can you get?” ☺️ And yes, there are plenty of wonderful memories, too…thank you
DeleteGrief has so many faces and so many triggers. I'm glad that you are allowing yourself to grieve fully whatever that looks like on a particular day or season. I'm sorry for your loss. I know that your honesty and sensitivity will help others who are grieving. Hugs, Cecilia
ReplyDeleteThanks Cecilia. Writing helps…I really do hope it helps others, as well. Hugs to you...
DeleteThere are no words for either of us.....
ReplyDeleteI can only send you a hug and let you know that there are others who feel the same. My Mom and Dad have been gone for 18 and 19 years ago, sometimes it was yesterday.
Blessings to you,
J
Thank you, J...I'll take that hug and send one back to you, my friend...♡
DeleteMy dad passed away five years ago - my daughter was 8 weeks old. I still have a draft on my phone of some baby pics I meant to send but didn’t. He passed away unexpectedly. The grief was my losses has changed me. I am an entirely different person because of it and through it my relationship with God deepened. That’s what had helped me - Him. A hug to you Kim and I am sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ronda, I'm sorry for your loss, as well. Sudden is terrible. No time to send those pictures or say goodbyes. I'm glad that you've found some solace, though. It's important to find something...or someone...that brings you a measure of peace.
DeleteOh honey... I know. It takes so long and it's such a hard road and no one seems to understand or get it until it happens to them. Even then they sit, just you are or I have, and feel alone with their pain. My best friend lost her husband 4 years ago and she gets told to get over it. How unthoughtful! If I ever heard anyone say that to her, I'd smack them right in the mouth, but of course they never do. Dammit! lol I wish I had some brilliant words to make you feel better. Just know that I do think of you and as always I wish I could hug you.
ReplyDelete(((love)))
Hugs are the best, Rue, I'll take one...and yes, I feel for your friend. People told my mom that all the time. I remember it well...get over it, move on, etc. It's a terrible thing to say to someone. I'm glad your friend has someone loving who understands...and I'm glad I do, too! (((love))) right back to you...
DeleteI’m not exactly sure why Kim, but I feel very strongly that your mom and I would have been good friends. I bet she loved to dance, spoke her mind and didn’t suffer fools lightly. And of course, she raised a brilliant daughter. What’s not to like?!
ReplyDeleteInstead of saying ‘I’m sorry’, I’m going to take a different stance. I’m going to tell you how blessed you have been to have the kind of love in your life that you’ve had and continue to have. Love never, ever dies, it just evolves and mellows and finds creative ways to be expressed. For some, it’s in simply speaking about our loved ones, for others it’s cooking their favorite recipe, and for you it’s writing about your feelings. It’s a gift you give yourself and others, and it’s a wonderful legacy to your mom.
So the next time grief takes hold and tears start to flow, smile through your tears and tell yourself ‘damn, I’m one lucky woman. My mom rocked.!”
xxx
Doreen, I am so sorry that it’s taken me so long to respond to your comment. I don’t know what happened, but I blame it on a very full inbox…and a bit of a hard time confronting this topic. I love your take on it though…you are so right. I had the greatest mom, her love still supports me even though she physically cannot. It’s been hard this holiday season, I’m not going to sugar coat it. I miss her enormously, but she is everywhere I look ~ ornaments, my advent calendar, my recipes, songs on the radio and so much, much more. And I do believe you two would’ve totally hit it off. She did love dancing and didn’t suffer fools lightly. Your sense of humor and adventure, your love of travel and your very loving manner and kind words of friendship are just a few of the qualities you share.
DeleteYou both rock!! xoxox