Well…you guys almost broke my blog! The day I posted about My Mom, hundreds of you left a comment. Every single one (and I have read them all) was a blessing. Each one of you is a blessing. I am honestly having a hard time coming up with the words to convey my thanks. I don’t know how to adequately express how grateful I am for your friendship…so I hope you just know. You generously shared your own stories and each one had its own message. You held me up when all I wanted to do was crumble.
My mom’s death has changed me forever. The phrase “life is short” has a brand new meaning. I want to live each moment like it was my last and not waste even one day. I know that might sound sort of dramatic, but I honestly feel differently about the years ahead. I can’t explain it fully but I want to try harder, love without reservation and live in the moment.
I need to get back to work. So many of you said to give myself time…and I promise I will…but I need to fill my days with something positive and wonderful. I can’t think of a better way to do that than hanging out with all of you. This blog has saved me countless times. Once again, it is coming to the rescue.
So many of you have asked about my dad. He is actually doing pretty good. We both have our moments of course…but we are starting to remember how my mom was before she got sick. I won’t let her final years define her and my dad feels the same way. We have no regrets. We both know we did the very best we could in regards to her care. We certainly weren’t perfect but we should get an “A” for effort. We are incredibly grateful that she was able to come home and be with us at the end of her life. My dad always put her happiness and well-being before his. He has been an incredible role model…not just for me but for my kids. That in itself is a precious gift.
I haven’t done a real project since before Christmas. With spring just around the corner, I hope to share some new and inspiring ideas. I will be sharing more of my eBay blog with anyone who subscribes by email…so if you haven’t signed up and want to, just click the image below my signature. (It might be among some ads so I’m sorry about that.)
With a grateful heart,
just remember Ann as my Mother always told me “Busy hands Happy Heart” and I know this to be so true…..
Always here to encourage you
Sandi Weiler
Ann, Nice to see another post. I am sure it feels good to distract yourself by engaging in work stuff. Grief is a process and I am sure you will find your way. Plenty of rest, nutritious food and exercise will all help. Friends to talk with, ones that share your grief, are invaluable as well. God bless.
Ann, So sorry to hear of your loss! Hugs, thoughts and prayers sent your way.
Sending my sympathy. I agree with you needing time and don’t be too hard on yourself. Grieving is such a personal thing with no right or wrong way. Today is the anniversary of my father’s passing. It has been 15 years; hard for me to believe it’s been that long. He is in my heart always. Take good care of yourself and grieve in your own way.
It’s good to hear from you! Glad you are back. You talked about something so important…life is short…and we need to make great use of every day. Those are indeed words to live by! Sending you hugs! ;)
Little by little, Ann. These are early days yet, and having some things to work on is good. The memories of your mother in the good days will comfort you – make you weep too, but that is good. Those are tears from the sweetest place. It’s so good that you and your dad have one another to reminisce with. Sending hugs……
I continue to pray for you Ann and your family. My heart knows how are feeling. Tomorrow my mom will be gone six years. I still miss her but I’m filled with beautiful memories she made with me and my family.
Good morning Ann,
My heart truly aches for you Ann as I read the news of your mom’s recent passing. The reason this hurts me in such a deep way is that I too just loss my mom. The wound is so fresh and it appears we are aching at the same time. I love the printable you provided as a reminder of the perspective in life we should keep close at heart as our lives go on. I am sending you a hug of “sisterly mourning” as it appears we are grieving the same loss, at the same time. Words cannot take the pain away, but hopefully they can provide a comfort and a reminder to remember all of the smiles that our moms brought to our lives; while they were living and as we remember them, always. Hugs to you and your family Ann. This next year of “firsts” without our moms is going to be a rough one. I grant you strength as we carry on to comfort ourselves, our fathers in their loss and all of the members in our families. God Bless.
Stephanie Schafer
In memory of Mary Lou Jones
May 7, 1943 – November 23, 2015
Ann, take a day at a time. My Dad died six years ago and there are still moments that hit me and I feel his loss so strongly. I still
Have my mother and enjoy as much time as possible with her. May the many good memories you have bring you and your Dad peace and comfort in the days and years ahead. Take care of yourself and each other. Blessings and hugs
You and your family have been in my thoughts…I lost my Dad just over 3 years ago–he had been living with a form of dementia for over 6 years and his quality of life had changed drastically. I felt privileged to be part of his journey and, with family and care workers, we tried to care for him as best we could. Like you, I try to remember him before his sickness took hold. Your mom will always, always be a part of you and hold a dear place in your heart.
Take care