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,
I know exactly what you mean when you said, “it has changed your life forever”. Going through a similar situation with my grandmother has completely made me re-evaluate life itself! All that we hold precious and dear in life can be taken away in a split second…and yet we all focus so much on the stupid stuff? Go figure.
Before my grandmother stopped talking, she wanted me to know that she really appreciated everything that I’ve done for her…but the funny thing is, it’s what she has given me that I’ll never forget! I broke down into tears when she said that, and I told her that the gift that she’s given me from taking care of her will be something that I’ll cherish until the end of time.
I would do again, 100 times if needed…
God Bless you and your family, Ann:)
Bless you Cindy…hope all is well.
My condolences. Losing a parent is heart wrenching if you were close and know you were loved. It was life changing when I lost my mother. I started a new career and decided to live a more meaningful and less stressed life. Best wishes as you move forward and heal your heart.
I’m glad to hear from you and it’s good to know you and your dad are coping the best you can. Sending you love and rays of sunshine today.
I am just getting caught up on my email. I am so sorry to read about your Mother! I lost my Mother just after the holidays, too. It was quite sudden and unexpected. I know about the void this loss leaves. Life is never the same afterwards. It can be so overwhelming. Stay close to God and family as you can find great comfort there. You are right about feeling like life is so short and taking advantage of every moment in every day. Peace be with you!
Hi Ann…you made my heart happy to see that you are back and “living in the moment.” I had tears reading your post…You share your creativity and your heart!
Continued blessings and comfort to your family.
Mary
You know, when My grandmother died 30 some years ago (wow, just realized how long ago it was) it truly hit me hard. I was closer to her and my grandfather than my own parents and I miss both of them everyday. My husband even says I’m more like her than anyone else in my family. One thing my aunt, her daughter, and I did was clean house for my grandfather. She had been a bit of a hoarder during her later years (now I know where I get it from) and he hadn’t had the energy to deal with it because he was caring for her during her last years.We had a lot of laughs over the things we found, a lot of surprises, and I have some love letters and fabric to remember her by. I hope he didn’t mind, he never said, but I think it helped him too. It was still their house and he outlived her by 10 years, and he had many good memories of their times in the home they made.
Dear Ann,
My heart hurts for you as I lost my Mother in Love October 3rd, 2015. She was my dearest friend and I miss her so. I have so many wonderful memories that I think of each and every day and it is a comfort to me. I pray for comfort and renewed energy for you.
Jackie
When my BFF of mostly all my life passed away from a long battle of a rare kidney disease, I told her hubby that I do not know what to do, now that she is gone. He told me that he will tell me what to do in one word, “live” .. so I focus on his advice and try to embrace each moment, each blessing in my life..Glad you are back Ann.
Hi Ann, So glad your dad is doing ok. Sounds like you are both support for each other. I lost my mom about 12 years ago and it was a total shock. I work in a salon and I hear quite often about different clients that have passed away. Some are older than myself but there are some people that are around my age, (66). It does really make you stop and think how quickly your life can change either by an illness or death. So yes it’s very important to live the best life you can and enjoy every minute and family and everyone else in your life. It’s difficult what you are going through, but as time passes so will the pain. You have very good memories I’m sure. God Bless. Always in my thoughts and prayers, Cheryl May
I’m glad to hear that you have such a positive attitude about the days ahead. Nothing really prepares us but faith, family and friends certainly help us as we move on.
Oh my gosh Patricia you are right. I thought I was prepared but I was not. I honestly don’t know how people without faith cope with a loss like this. I know I would be lost for sure. I hope you are well…it’s so good to hear from you. ~Ann
I know what you mean about our faith. I heard someone this week say that our loved ones would never want to leave Heaven. They are just waiting for us to join them. I like the thought that our mothers are patiently waiting for us. It’s a very comforting thought. I think the Easter message will strike deeply with you this year, too. We will see our mothers again.