General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsFor my friends and fiends, fellow DUers--I have not been around much lately
And will not be posting much for the next while, but I do miss the camaraderie
However, I could use a few
as my almost 95 year old mother passed suddenly today after a fall yesterday. She is at peace and I have expected something like this, but still need a little time. I have been a caregiver for her the last 15 years or so (although she lived in assisted care the past three years) and I have a helluva lot to do the next few weeks.
Thoughts and prayers gratefully accepted.
CurtEastPoint
(20,010 posts)Maeve
(43,456 posts)buzzycrumbhunger
(1,921 posts)Maeve
(43,456 posts)Drum
(10,666 posts)Maeve
(43,456 posts)Deuxcents
(26,795 posts)SheltieLover
(80,270 posts)Healing vibes on the way to you.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)Clouds Passing
(7,893 posts)Maeve
(43,456 posts)UpInArms
(54,925 posts)My virtual arms are always around you
Take care you yourself and come back soon
You are so very loved
Maeve
(43,456 posts)greatauntoftriplets
(178,960 posts)Even at any age, it's a shock when it happens so suddenly. Take care of yourself, it's important right now.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)malaise
(295,814 posts)Maeve
(43,456 posts)So very Sorry what you're bravely going through, Maeve.. I know it's hard. saying goodbye to our Loved ones.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)yardwork
(69,333 posts)Maeve
(43,456 posts)Srkdqltr
(9,734 posts)Maeve
(43,456 posts)cate94
(3,101 posts)Prayers coming your way.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)sheshe2
(97,484 posts)I took care of my mom for 5 years and she died as I shifted her in bed. They were the same age. I am sorry to hear about the fall I can only hope she died without pain.
Love to you and yours.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)CountAllVotes
(22,210 posts)Very sorry to read this. Take care of yourself!
Maeve
(43,456 posts)PCIntern
(28,341 posts)Its hard. Its really hard. Im so sorry
Maeve
(43,456 posts)I love that you and your mother were so close.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)livetohike
(24,266 posts)the good memories of your Mom always comfort you.
mcar
(46,000 posts)Being a caregiver to an aging loved one is a most noble endeavor. I'm sure you have a lot to process and I hope you will give yourself grace to do so.
RIP to your dear mother.
*My 4YO granddaughter is Maeve - my favorite name!
Maeve
(43,456 posts)And I chose the user name to honor the great Irish queen buried at Knocknarea. It's a beautiful view from her cairn
JMCKUSICK
(5,998 posts)Please take all the time you need for yourself and family, and know we're sorry for your treasured loss.
God Speed and may your memories keep you.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)calimary
(89,950 posts)You were there for your mom, to cover all her needs. You were a good and devoted daughter. So take some pride in that. You gave of your love and your time, AND your attention to her ills and her needs. You probably helped ease her through her deteriorating physical condition.
Be proud of your work, your kindness, your generosity, and your selflessness, so often putting her first. People go to Heaven doing that kind of thing.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)Dear_Prudence
(1,171 posts)You are going through so much now. Please take care of yourself. I am thinking of you over the miles.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)brer cat
(27,570 posts)Sending prayers for peace and comfort. It is very tough to lose a parent.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)ShazamIam
(3,116 posts)2naSalit
(102,628 posts)Figarosmom
(11,861 posts)For you to come to calm within your grief
Maeve
(43,456 posts)LoisB
(12,978 posts)mercuryblues
(16,398 posts)Ready with the virtual hugs or need to vent.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)patphil
(9,035 posts)I saw my mother slowly die from cancer, and felt relieved for her when she finally transitioned. But, that didn't make it any easier for me to deal with.
Life does go on, and love will always be there for you. Remember, she's left you, but isn't gone. She will always remain in your heart, and in your memories.
Love,
Patphil
calimary
(89,950 posts)I love how you put it:
Life does go on, and love will always be there for you. Remember, she's left you, but isn't gone. She will always remain in your heart, and in your memories.
Beautifully written. So eloquent, and so true.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)SocialDemocrat61
(7,569 posts)Maeve
(43,456 posts)pandr32
(14,240 posts)It will be a process and I wish you well. Hugs, too!
Maeve
(43,456 posts)Maeve
(43,456 posts)70sEraVet
(5,465 posts)Maeve
(43,456 posts)1WorldHope
(2,047 posts)NoMoreRepugs
(12,051 posts)Maeve
(43,456 posts)virgdem
(2,318 posts)your dear Mother. 💔
hamsterjill
(17,562 posts)I am sorry for your loss. 95 is quite an accomplishment. My dad lived to that age. You are right in that there are a lot of details, etc. to attend to. Give yourself some grace and time to process. All of the chores will be there when you're ready.
Sending hugs.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)niyad
(132,223 posts)Your DU family is here for you. Lean as hard as you need. Remember, there is ALWAYS someone here.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)senseandsensibility
(24,905 posts)Maeve
(43,456 posts)irisblue
(37,446 posts)PatrickforB
(15,420 posts)not only will I grieve her, but there will be a giant empty place where all the caregiving activities were before.
My prayers are with you.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)mwmisses4289
(4,075 posts)Maeve
(43,456 posts)MontanaMama
(24,718 posts)Expected or not, Im sure this loss hits hard. Be well.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)paleotn
(22,181 posts)Same happened to my mom a decade ago. It was tough for a long time but it does get better.
My rational side doesn't believe it, but sometimes I think she and dad are still around giving me timely pearls of wisdom. That's probably just me being old enough now to really appreciate what they told me all those years.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)highplainsdem
(61,948 posts)a lot of time almost every day during her final months in a nursing home, because the staff there had so much trouble coping with her very rare swallowing disorder, achalasia, which some of the aides had never heard of and only one specialist in the city had any expertise with). It wasn't as sudden a loss for me, of course, but losing a parent is hard, and losing a loved one you've been a caregiver for is hard, and the combination is wrenching.
We're here for you. I'm praying your mother will be able to send you some signs to help comfort you.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)I went to look for what she should be buried in and found a dress in her closet that she never wore.
Still has tags on it...from Sears. Have no idea when she bought it, don't remember ever seeing it before.
Looks like the sort of outfit a mother-of-the-bride would wear.
That's what she'll be buried in.
highplainsdem
(61,948 posts)I'm continuing to pray for more signs for you.
My youngest aunt, the last of her generation of the family, crossed over 18 months ago. For years before that I'd sometimes talked about signs with a first cousin of mine, who's never quite shaken off worries about the afterlife, including Purgatory, that our Catholic upbringing had left her with (I'd left the Church in my teens). Like the rest of us, my cousin was feeling shattered by the loss. But a couple of days after our aunt passed, my cousin told me she'd been alone at home when she suddenly heard, very clearly, her wonderful, unmistakable laugh. I'd told my cousin earlier that our loved ones would have crossed over to a family reunion and party, and it seemed like a perfect way to show that. I'll admit I felt envy that my cousin heard that laugh again, but I didn't need the reassurance that our loved ones on the other side are fine. I loved just hearing about it.
I believe your mom will be helping comfort you, sending you strength, and I hope you'll be able to clearly sense the peace and joy she's experiencing now, and her gratitude for all you did for her.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)LNM
(1,259 posts)Im glad your Mother is at peace, Im wishing it for you as well.
swimboy
(7,330 posts)My heart goes out to you and I wish you comfort and strength for the challenges ahead.
bamagal62
(4,495 posts)To you and your family, Maeve.❤️
CaptainTruth
(8,195 posts)Maeve
(43,456 posts)hibbing
(10,594 posts)I was in the same position as you, but only for 6 years. I'm thankful she had you for that long. It takes its toll, be kind to yourself.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)bdamomma
(69,526 posts)for your loss.
Tree Lady
(13,265 posts)Send healing your way
Maeve
(43,456 posts)BumRushDaShow
(169,382 posts)I knew you were taking care of your mom and I hope you are consoled in the fact that no matter how difficult it might have been, that you got to spend as much time as you could with her.
All my love and sympathies to you and your family for your loss and I know what you did was much appreciated.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)After I get thru the funeral and taking care of her affairs, my week is going to feel so different. Maybe I'll get the house clean,
Or not.
BumRushDaShow
(169,382 posts)I know from experience that in order to tackle that, you probably need to pick just one thing to do each day and not get overwhelmed by what needs to be done.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)BumRushDaShow
(169,382 posts)family was DEFINITELY a needed thing to have. It took us about a year to get her affairs straight, get the house cleared and prepped for sale (e.g., she had a baby grand piano that needed to be taken care of), and finally get the house sold... and having one of my sisters' hubby working in real estate was a definite benefit for what needed to be done.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)But she dealt with five banks across two counties and has two pensions plus Social Security and a couple of insurance policies and...oy.
BumRushDaShow
(169,382 posts)and my mom's financial stuff was my wheelhouse for management/notifications, etc. She was a widow who was getting SS & a survivor's annuity (my dad was a fed before he passed). I kept a spreadsheet for paying all her utilities until the house was sold. My other sister's hubby had a lawyer friend who helped to take care of the will/estate/taxes, etc. It's one of those things where you have to really sit down and plot out so many parts and pieces.
debm55
(60,397 posts)Maeve
(43,456 posts)Lifeafter70
(965 posts)Take care of yourself.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)berniesandersmittens
(13,182 posts)Prayers coming your way.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)mgardener
(2,349 posts)BlueWaveNeverEnd
(14,145 posts)Maeve
(43,456 posts)ornotna
(11,463 posts)Wishing you peace of mind
Staph
(6,467 posts)I am caring for my 102-year-old mother. I dread the inevitable loss.
You are in my prayers.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)KitFox
(559 posts)Maeve
(43,456 posts)ms liberty
(11,225 posts)Maeve
(43,456 posts)Grim Chieftain
(1,700 posts)Please take comfort in knowing you were there for her during her final years with love, caring and support. You both are in my thoughts. Take care, dear Maeve.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)KT2000
(22,137 posts)because it can be very difficult and the stress is incredible. Please take time for yourself to grieve and take care of yourself as I am sure you took care of your mother. Peace to you Maeve.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)MustLoveBeagles
(16,248 posts)Sending healing vibes to you.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)Hope22
(4,723 posts)Be easy with yourself. 💗🙏🏼💐
Maeve
(43,456 posts)radical noodle
(10,589 posts)I'll be holding you in my heart.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)area51
(12,680 posts)mr715
(3,506 posts)Maeve
(43,456 posts)Laurelin
(891 posts)It doesn't have to be du of course, but remember to take care of yourself as well.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)Stinky The Clown
(68,951 posts)Maeve
(43,456 posts)HeartsCanHope
(1,667 posts)Maeve
(43,456 posts)summer_in_TX
(4,159 posts)May her memory be a blessing for you and yours.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)DFW
(60,150 posts)My wife went through the same thing on New Years Eve, and her mom was 98. Youre never really ready.
I hope you manage to get through the next few months with your spirits intact. Companionshipin whatever formmakes it easier.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)And just getting thru this week will be enough. One day at a time.
My condolences to your wife and yourself
MIButterfly
(2,666 posts)What a terrible shock that must have been. I extend to you my deepest sympathy.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)Thank you
Silver Gaia
(5,357 posts)May peace find and comfort you.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)Bread and Circuses
(2,008 posts)Maeve
(43,456 posts)Thank you
a kennedy
(35,924 posts)Maeve
(43,456 posts)SleeplessinSoCal
(10,411 posts)🙏❤️🙏
Maeve
(43,456 posts)TommieMommy
(2,882 posts)Maeve
(43,456 posts)OldBaldy1701E
(11,079 posts)Maeve
(43,456 posts)JoseBalow
(9,451 posts)sarchasm
(1,308 posts)Maeve
(43,456 posts)Response to Maeve (Original post)
jfz9580m This message was self-deleted by its author.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)So that should help. Just so many details!
Thank you
Nevilledog
(55,071 posts)I wish I could just give you a big hug. If you need anything, please let us know.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)Thank you
Erda
(230 posts)Sending you and your family lots of love.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)dlk
(13,243 posts)A mothers passing is an especially difficult loss. I wish you peace and comfort going forward
MaineNative
(94 posts)calimary
(89,950 posts)This is the kind of thread that shows how we all feel about each other. We're technically strangers, but dear friends in actuality.
Hugs.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)Old Crank
(7,021 posts)To grieve also.
Best wishes.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)proud patriot
(102,483 posts)Maeve
(43,456 posts)Permanut
(8,366 posts)You have had a lot on your plate, and still do.
We went through a similar process with Mrs. Permanut's Mother; she died at 94 two years ago.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)calimary
(89,950 posts)Looks like you have MANY hugs and condolences here, as well as this one from me. DU stands with you.
Maeve
(43,456 posts)pazzyanne
(6,759 posts)We understand and are here for you!
Maeve
(43,456 posts)FemDemERA
(825 posts)I know that the loss you are feeling is immeasurable. I do hope you have a good support system to help out. May memories of your mother wrap around you and bring you comfort, like a warm blanket on a wintry night.
It's been a few days since I read your post. I started to write, went looking for a song, and got lost in my own memories... I evidently minimized this tab and never sent my post until now. So it is a few days later, but the message is heartfelt all the same.
Quote from the song I went looking for...
And don't know what to do
The memory of love will see you through
- from "Perhaps Love", John Denver
Maeve
(43,456 posts)Yesterday we talked to the minister and cleared out her room at assisted care. The funeral is not til Monday. At first it's all "gotta do this, gotta do that" and overwhelming. Then comes some quiet and a chance for peace.
It's been a helluva week. And John Denver's songs have been an important part of my life. Thank you