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,
Glad to read that you and your dad are doing well. When my friend lost her son, going back to work full time was exactly what she needed too. Thank you for the pretty printable. Continued prayers for you and your family.
I came upon this a few days ago and it really helped me with a recent loss. May God uphold you with His love.
Please don’t cry because I died
Smile because I lived!
Know that I’m in a happy place.
Know that we will meet again!
I’ll see you there!
I was so glad to see a new post from you and hear how you and your Dad are doing. I can relate to wanting to seize the day and cherishing each moment. I felt/ feel like that since my mom died 5 years ago. At that time I left a job I had always loved but became toxic, changed jobs then retired this past fall at 58. People said I’d be bored but I’ve renewed friendships, made time to really clean out my basement, taken up hobbies I put on hold and enjoy travel with my husband. You’ll find your rhythm again. Be kind to yourself. Surround yourself with people and things you love. It sounds like you’re doing just that. Blessing:-)
So glad that you and your Dad are doing well. I think it helps to stay busy and not dwell to much on sad times. I’m sure you will have lovely memories of your Mom in better days !
So glad everything is going smoothly. When I lost my mom,i decided to do Christmas and flower gardens like her.My parents were very close but, he lived 13 more years without her. I miss them both but know they are so much better.Have a wonderful day and keeps those wonderful memories alive.
great to hear from you especially that your dad is managing. I totally get the life change. After we lost my mother in law a bit over 2 yrs ago I changed too. She loved her life and let nothing stop her from sitting down in a mess to sew or talk or simply be with you. I am such a worker bee always on task BUT now I remember the value in being in the moment. Today I have so much to catch up but I’m intentionally making some Easter gifts for my grandluvs and a friend’s grandluvs out of quilt blocks she hand pieced/sewed because I can…and should! Will be printing that download! Thanks.
BRAVO, Ann!
And THANK YOU for your determination to continue to generously share yourself & your inspiration with us.
My thoughts and prayers have been with you throughout the difficult time you’ve just gone through. I lost both of my parents: my Mother in 1995 to Alzheimer’s Disease and my Dad in 2004 at age 92. Dad lived with my husband and I the last 2 years of his life and it was such a blessing to have him close. We’d lived across the country for many years so that time was especially dear. My God grant you peace.
Ann, so sorry for the loss of your mother. My mom died on Thanksgiving Day, twelve years ago. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of my mom. Prayers for you and your family. Your blog is a gift to us, your readers. So pleased that you will continue to inspire us.
No one likes to go through the grief process but unfortunately we have to pass through that phase to get to the other side. This scripture has always helped me through dark times:
Psalm 23:4
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
It has always comforted me in my times of grief and heartache.
Hoping for brighter days ahead for you and your family.