Trying for a little normalicy (?) in life

For thoseof you who havde not heard, my mother died on 11-18-11. Her obit was in the Ft Worth Star Telegram and her name was Mary Jo Berryman. As the longer of the 2 obits show, she was a emarkable lady. Although we had our differences and duifficulties as all kids do, we parted on wonderful loving terms. Her last words to me after patting my cheek were " you are so good". She died with my head on her lap and holding my hand. She died with dignity, grace, and withoupp pain with her family all around. She was still working real estate deals in hospice 3 days before she died. Good sis and I made sure she went out in great style, bagpiper, gorgeous english garden flowers, full choir and no cubed cheese. It is a silly family joke But she hated cubed chees and thought it tacky!! heee hee hee!! The club where he recetion made sure it was wedge or blocked to cut yourself. The oupouring of love from across the USA and overseas has been overwhelming and I could not have made it through without my choseenfamily here on OH and friends and my customers!! I am still extremely emotional and a Christmas carol canput in hysterics but I just find something Mom would fingd funny in it and keepgoing. Being back to work hashelped butit aint easy. Starting to loose weightbut have caught it before it has gotten out of control. Never knew it would be this hard. In her death I have also found a great sense of freedom. I no longer have tohave a relationship with the evil sis, have refound the brother I have always been crazy about and have become much closer to neices and nephews. Good sis Chandler and I have grown even closer and will continue to strengtheen that relationship! We moved here 15 yrs ago to watch over  mom! Whwn we were young Chanand I promised each other that one of us would always live here in case she needed us(she neverknew of this) And we fulfilled that promise to each other. Now, where to gofrom here? No major decisions for at least 6 months.will probably stay in area but willlook for a little larger house with lots of storage!! I have gone onandon but it has been very cathartic and thank you for listening!! But most ofall many thanks for all your loving suooert. Meggie

MEGGIE-first off-I'm so proud of you so having the courage to put your feelings "in print". That's a very large step, in "the process" (as the the so called EXPERTS, somewhere, call it). It also displays enormous trust, in your TMB family, here, that we will respect your feelings, etc-which-OF COURSE-we will..

I already knew he things you wrote, in this post, but they touched me deeply anyway. I could hear your voice, as I read the words. Funny lil story: after we met on Saturday-I bought groceries, etc-came home-was making a relish/snack tray..I ALWAYS "cube the cheese"..but this time I did it the "Mary Jo Berryman" way..and the cheese supply went further/loooked better...hmmm...I'll never look at cubed cheese the same way again!!!

Continued prayers and ((HUGS))). I know the "meltdowns" will hit when you left expect them. Well meaning friends, of hers, will come in your store and say something, etc..a certain Christmas carol will play..some stranger will round a corner, who looks like her..the list goes on and on..You have a fabulous husband and a very strong support system..

In the words of Mary Jo Armstrong Berryman.. "You are so good"

Meggie-your words touched my heart and even though I haven't lost a parent, I can feel your sadness and identify with your desire for a normalness to your life once again. I've found in my grief journey that its never "normal" again, but a new normal- a normal that does include allowing yourself to cry when you need to, laugh when you remember something funny, and to be kind to yourself when you are having a rough day. So be sure to just continue reaching out, journaling helps as well, and just remember to be kind to yourself right now. Gina's response is more elegant than I could ever be, but I wanted to let you know that we love you and are here for whenever you need to talk or email or whatever you need. Take care.

 Meggie....sweet Meggie....As Gina and Alissa said exactly what was on my mind as I read your post.    As a person who has lost both her parents I agree with EVERYTHING that they said.    My addition is I love you girl and if you need me I am a phone call away.    I will be here for you if you need to talk.    You and Ken are AMAZING people and I hope you do remain in the area.   Remember to take care of YOU !!!   I know that is what your Momma would want you to do.    Remember to take care of your health sweetie.     

Hugs and blessings ~~~ Vivian

Meggie, Im so sorry you are having such a hard time. Im proud of you for posting about it instead of keeping things bottled up (my preferred method of dealing with crap lol).  I have no words of wisdom other than Im here if you need me
Hugs
Liz

Dear Meggie,
             This is the first I`ve heard about the death of your mother. I`m so sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family, in my prayers. Take care of yourself, you have been through so much.

Love, Elaine aka  Sunshine Diva