Hi Everyone, I'm back....well sort of

Hello all my OFF friends.

To say the last week has been hard is an understatement. But I made it through. My Moms Funeral Mass yesterday was very nice, she was probably happy with the way everything turned out. It was a chilly day and the sun was shining. When we all went to have lunch it started to snow really hard and then all of a sudden it stopped.

I was so proud of my 15 year old son. He was very close to my Mom and was really taking it hard. Saturday and Sunday he told me he may want to speak in church but was afraid he would stutter or forget what to say. I told him to do whatevery he felt comfortable with. My neices husband did a eulogy and my son went up and stood with him. After Steve finished my son did step up to talk. Through his tears he spoke of his "Nanny" and how she was his biggest baseball fan and how she loved coming to his games. Then he said she would be his "angel in the outfield". I don't think there was a dry eye in the church at that point. He asked me if he did a good job. I told him Nanny would be so proud of him.

My 11 year old daughter kept everything in all weekend. It was only as we were leaving church that she started to cry but didn't want anyone to consol her. She is very stoic for being so young. She still doesn't want to sleep alone though.

My sister is off all this week so we went to Mom's house today to clean some things up. I was ok with it until I found my Dad's jacket and hat still hanging in the closet. My Dad passed away 16 years ago. That really made me sad. My Mom missed him very much everyday.

I know the next few weeks I will just be going through the motions of cleaning things up at her house. I don't feel like she's gone. After it sinks in then it will hit me. I will still want to call her everyday like I always did.

Well, I'm getting tired and need to get some rest. Just wanted to check in with everyone.

THANK YOU to everyone that sent the beautiful cards. My daughter and I read each one of them and it really touched my heart. What a wonderful group we have here on OFF.

I can't wait to meet everyone next week at the Pittsburgh Palooza.

Mary

Hi Mary, It is good to see you back.  Again, I am so sorry for your loss.  I know how it feels to lose a parent, but I don't know how it feels to lose them both.  I know my day will come for that.  You did bring tears to my eyes though when you spoke of your son.  What a brave young man he was to stand up and speak of his beloved Nanny.  I know that must have been hard for him to do.  My prayers are with you and yours.  Time is the greatest healer of all.  Just give yourself the time to grieve. 

Mary, I feel for you with the loss of first your dad and now your mom. My dad passed when I was 15 and my mom 5 years ago. My mom greived my dad every day that he was gone. She was only 49 when she was widowed. Even though she had Alzheimers and forgot most everything she never forgot dad. When you would show her his picture she would say "That's my honey boy." She had a picture of him in the war and when she died she thought he was still in the war. It was sad when she passed but I was happy and got to tell her that it was dad's turn to have her now and that he waited a long time for her to be with him. My prayers are with you and your family now and always that God keeps you in the circle of His wise and loving arms and grants you peace and acceptance. It helps knowing that God knows best. If you need me remember that I am here for you always.

Thanks Sherry and Brenda,

The wound is still fresh but I know it will get a little easier as time goes on. I will never forget my Mom and Dad and miss them everyday. With the great circle of friends I have here on OFF and my best friend of 40 years nearby I will never be alone.

Mary

Hi Mary,  I lost both of my parents within two years of each other.  My one consolation was that they were together again.  And I knew they were happy.

Mary, I'm glad you're doing better.  You must be so proud of your children. Take care, Debbie

Mary, Reading about your son was touching. I'm positive that his Angel Nanny heard his words too. Take care Sweety. You will never forget but the pain does lessen over time. See you next week for a REAL hug Annette

Mary, Glad you are back.    I'm sure it's been a very rough week.   Can't wait to meet  you next week.  See ya soon! Melissa

OH SWEETIE GOOD TO HAVE YOU BACK  YOU ARE VERY STRONG GOD LOVES YOU  BOO

I want to express my sympathy in your loss and to let you know that my thoughts are with you. It takes time, then you are left with only the wonderful memories of you and your Mom... that's how it is with me.