The First Year
Apparently, I forgot to write about the first anniversary (July 20th) of my mother’s death here.
I started talking about it at Busymom.net, and, I guess I just kept going over there.
Prior to the day, I found myself really restless, and, I couldn’t really pinpoint why, but, I guess this was it.
I talked to my dad to try to figure out what he was thinking, and, to see if he wanted to do anything in particular to celebrate (?) it.
He didn’t say anything about it, though he sounded a little down. I talked to him again later in the day, and, we decided to go out to eat. Other than that, it was pretty uneventful.
As I’ve told people, it seems like it was a year ago, yesterday, and, a lifetime ago all at once. I’m told that’s pretty normal, though.
In a way, it’s kind of nice to have a full year behind me, and, all the “firsts” that go with it.
I also want to thank you, dear readers, for being there with me during those “firsts”, and, helping to assure me that I haven’t indeed lost my mind.
OK, what mind I had left before all this started.
You’re right. The first year is the hardest. Time helps.
For my mom, their anniversary is always the time that seems to hit her the hardest. And I guess, I sort of adopted that from her, and we use that day to remember my dad, and I have been able to compartmentalize everything into that one day, though I still hit those moments where, I will see something or hear something that he would have enjoyed, and for that instant forget he isn’t with us.
I appreciate you being open to sharing your experiences with all of us. I have learned quite a bit over this past year, and only wish it didn’t have to be at your expense. I admire how you made it through what seemed to be an almost unending string of events one after the other, that I think would have killed a lesser person, but not only did you survive it, you managed to be able to teach others from your experience as well.
While I look forward to continue reading you over the next year as well, I only hope you don’t have quite so many topics just fall at your feet.
Elizabeth, it’s been beautiful that you felt comfortable enough to share the journey. The tears, the laughter, even the bleh.
Look forward to another year.