Pardon the wee hour. It seems to me this is your most active time, when I am sleeping, or attempting to. Grief, I am more than familiar with your sneaky-behind-the-scenes ways. Frustration bubbles over at a family member or a co-worker. Sadness pops up at a television commercial and tears roll. Confusion over which cereal … Continue reading Dear Grief,
death
Memorial Day
I am struggling. There I said it. Seeing it on the page in black and white helps me define my last few weeks. It’s been almost 6 months since Dad passed, but for some reason I have had a wave of emotion that feels fresh and new. Painful again. I am aware that grief doesn’t … Continue reading Memorial Day
Bracing Myself
Me among the daffodils as a child. When grieving, I know to brace myself for the “firsts” …first holiday season, first Mother’s Day, first Father’s Day, etc… This Friday will be Mom’s birthday. She would have been 86. My photo memories have already sent me last year’s pictures of her birthday celebration. My heart was … Continue reading Bracing Myself
January 2, 2025
As of today, I have reached 19 post-cancer bonus years. I continue to be amazed of all that I carry from my journey through Cancerland. Nothing can teach me hard lessons like a hard road, and the 19 years cancer free, is the trade-off for all pain of that horrible time. With lots of tears, … Continue reading January 2, 2025
Turtle vs. Jack Rabbit
If Mom and Dad were going to pass according to their personalities, they certainly did it. Mom with her slow pace, attention to detail, relationships that needed time, and her deep faith, which carried her. Dad with his 100-mile-an-hour personality, just-do-it-get-it-over-with style, bulldog determination, and his fierce independence. It really couldn’t be any more Mike … Continue reading Turtle vs. Jack Rabbit
ICU Keeping Watch
This blog was started my first day here in Orlando. I have re-written it three times, with each rise and fall of the roller coaster. Please excuse the choppiness of the tenses. We knew you would want to know more…and this is my first attempt. I will be writing more as I process, but for … Continue reading ICU Keeping Watch
Update
It’s no secret Mom and Dad had quite a remarkable love story. It was in no way perfect, but their dedication, commitment and love for each other was unmatched. Since Mom passed, the number one question I get asked is, “How is your Dad?” That is understandable, since their story was well known and since … Continue reading Update