Bereavement
Related: About this forumI can actually physically feel the heaviness
We lost mom last Tuesday.
There's been some tears, of course.
And some make-busy work... picking blueberries, tending to the garden, cooking and baking, household chores, etc.
And of course there's the funeral arrangements (no small feat considering the pandemic and the restrictions--private funeral which means finalizing an invite list and getting the invites out). And making sure Al and I have what we need to attend--do we have something appropriate to wear? will it fit?
And for the past 2 days, just thinking about it--I'm so overwhelmed that it feels like it's hard to even breathe.
I'm of course relieved that she's not struggling anymore.
I miss my mom. I keep thinking that she'd know what to say or do to make me feel better.
LiberalLoner
(10,221 posts)For me, the first week was the worst. After that I started not being in so much pain, the waves slowed down and let me breathe in between.
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)Please accept my sincere condolences.
May your beloved mother rest in peace.
secondwind
(16,903 posts)you will hear her voice now, whenever you have a decision to make, etc., even when you are buying clothes.
My mom lives inside me, I hear her all the time... it's a wonderful feeling
Ohiogal
(35,164 posts)Dealing with a heavy heart and funeral arrangements are an emotionally overwhelming task in normal times, I cant imagine how you do it during a pandemic. Please know that many of us on DU who have read your posts about your mom are sending their thoughts and hugs to you right now (myself included).
When my mom passed away, my 3 boys were all under 12 and I remember going to Kohls to buy them all new white shirts for her funeral and how I stood there in the store drawing a blank as to what sizes they wore, something that I always knew without thinking. It gets you in little moments like that.
I wish you and your family strength and peace. Your mom sounds like a great lady.
Love,
Ohiogal
livetohike
(23,050 posts)2018 and just now feel like I can breathe. You will get everything you need to do done. You may feel numb as if youre just going through the motions. Take deep breaths and dont be hard on yourself .
greatauntoftriplets
(177,006 posts)SheltieLover
(60,251 posts)Grieving is hard work - emotionally, psycuologically, & physically.
Please remember to engage in good self care; eat, sleep, & do deep breathing to help you.
Have you contacted a hospice bereavement center or other counselor? Any hospice should provide 13 months of counseling free to support you through what they refer to as the year of firsts; birthdays, holidays, etc.
So sorry you are going through this.
Maraya1969
(23,024 posts)better" I know exactly what you mean. I lost my mom in Feb. What a hole they leave.
Lonestarblue
(11,983 posts)Losing any relative is difficult, but somehow losing mom is harder. I lost my mom several years ago, but every now and then I have a dream with her in it. My dream is so happy because she is with me again. I wish you the same comfort of knowing that your mom is always with you.
Botany
(72,660 posts)make a list of things you want to get down in the AM and after that
just put one foot in front of the next and keep going. And at the end of the
day if you only get part of the "to do list" done then that is OK.
tavernier
(13,284 posts)I remember it well.
Your mom is still with you. She will let you know.
MacKasey
(1,240 posts)My mom passed when I was in my twenties, over forty years ago. I miss her every day but I am always talking to her in my head.
She will always be with you in your heart.
Watch for the butterflies and you'll know that she is around.
Take care, and know that DU is always here to listen and give a virtual hug to you.
Freedomofspeech
(4,388 posts)NJCher
(38,224 posts)essaynnc
(873 posts)I hope that you can remember the good times that you had together too.
TNNurse
(7,160 posts)we never have to wonder what she would think of say about something...we just know.
I was 41 and my sister 47 when she died, she is still with us in so many ways.
It will get easier. You will laugh and smile again when you think of her.
It will never be quite the same but it will be.
RainCaster
(11,648 posts)I lost my MIL last night, and she has been a leader in my life for the last 40+ years. May you find peace during these troubled times.
MLAA
(18,673 posts)CaptainTruth
(7,270 posts)Different Drummer
(8,781 posts)KY_EnviroGuy
(14,606 posts)and may she rest in peace knowing you will carry on with the right things in life. Carry her with you in your mind as you do those chores.
Lost my wife of 54 years last fall and the kids and I we were just getting back on our feet when coronavirus hit. Thank goodness none of have yet been sick.
Layer all that with depression and all the crap that comes with getting older is a daily challenge and I'm so grateful for DU friends like you that share their pain, making us a great community. That's what keeps me sane these days.
KY........
Larissa
(792 posts)Having experienced it myself, I can say that there are few losses in life as profound as that of losing one's mother. You carry her within you now and always.
RestoreAmerica2020
(3,458 posts)volstork
(5,597 posts)Kali
(55,876 posts)I'm having a mixed emotion moment myself a dear old family friend was just moved to hospice yesterday after a two-month fight and a lot of pain after a stroke. 2 months of trying to visit through windows in 100 degree heat, with phones that don't work and now we finally can go in and see him and hold his hand.
The end of suffering is a good thing and our memories are important but it's so sad to see them gone. Take care of yourself.
Texaswitchy
(2,962 posts)My mother was ill for a long period, very ill.
Her passing was not a surprise.
She was cremated and her ashes dealt with by me as her wishes.
I have really never thought about her passing as a sadness but a blessing.
She had a good long life.
I know right now it is a hard for you.
This virus is making everything more difficult.
Remember your mother has she was.
The good times.
It will get easier with time.
Hugs ❣️.
barbtries
(29,950 posts)look for the signs
cate94
(2,900 posts)Grief comes in waves, they are strong enough to knock you over at first. It does get better with time, but grief never completely leaves, eventually it just hides out until a birthday, or a photo.
On the other hand,your mom is in your heart, you can keep talking to her. Sometimes I can almost hear my mom answering me, and its not crazy because I knew her so well. One of these days I hope you get to have a dream with her in it. When I get to dream about the people Ive lost it feels wonderful.
chia
(2,401 posts)"I miss my mom." It hurts to hear those words, it hurts to say those words.
onecaliberal
(36,318 posts)💕
kpete
(72,895 posts)loss is SO painful right now
please take care of yourself
I bet there are people around you that love you
kp
pazzyanne
(6,618 posts)The loss of a mother is hard when it happens, no matter the circumstances. Please take special care of you during this time. Grief can take away your energy as you deal with it. Hugs and prayers on their way to you.
Skittles
(160,304 posts)time does not heal all wounds but it does make them easier to bear.....be good to yourself
peacebuzzard
(5,300 posts)how devastating this week is for you. I wish peace and solace for you during these trying times.
I am so sorry about your mom.
ChazII
(6,326 posts)It is hard to lose a parent, Mom passed in 2001 and Dad in 2016. My son wanted to be cremated and I honored his wish. No celebration of life until all restrictions are lifted. I can't or on better days I chose not to restrict who is invited. So I have told his peers and my friend that it will be 'On the 12th of Someday'.
Listen to your heart as you begin this new journey. You have a good support group here at DU.