Sad News


I hesitated to write this post now, so close to the holidays.  My blog break will likely extend a bit longer than I originally thought - and the reason for this is that my dad passed away this month.

He was diagnosed with cancer 7 years ago and there have been many ups and downs since then but, overall, he was doing quite well.  However, things got progressively worse in the past year.  He was hospitalized numerous times and each time we thought "this is it".  But then he would improve, and be well enough to go back home.  We knew that, at some point, this would no longer be the case - but this didn't stop us from hoping that he would once again pull through.  You are never truly prepared when the time comes, are you?

My mom is now alone and, as an only child, I will be the one to support her, both emotionally and in the more practical aspects of day to day life, many of which my dad was previously responsible for.  It will be an adjustment for everyone but things will get easier with time, as they always do.

This photo was taken back in the 70's on one of the hundreds of camping trips we went on:

Cape Hatteras, North Carolina

Those are some of my fondest childhood memories.  It was a rare summer weekend when we stayed at home. Photos like this are difficult to look at now...but at some point, I know they will bring more smiles than tears.

Comments

  1. I'm so so sorry, Margaret. My mother died several years ago (also around the holidays) after a prolonged and debilitating illness. After she passed, I felt a measure of peace knowing that she was no longer suffering, but I still miss her every single day and I particularly miss her around the holidays. It is so hard going through something like this. I'm glad your mother still has you to care for and be with her. I'll be thinking of you and your family. Sincere condolences.

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  2. Oh, I'm so very sorry Margaret! Sending you hugs and heartfelt wishes that things progress smoothly. You're wonderful to look after your mom now. She needs you, and vice-versa.

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  3. My condolences to you and your mom, Margaret. Sad news indeed.

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  4. Oh, Margaret, I'm so sorry to hear this sad news. It's terribly sad whenever someone we love passes away but even more so at this time of year. I think you're right, you're never prepared even though you know the time is coming. Your children will keep you going through the holidays but remember to take some time for yourself too, you're going to need lots of strength for the weeks and months to come. Sending you lots of hugs. xx

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  5. I am so sorry to hear of your passing. May God give you the comfort and strength you need. Nancy

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  6. I am so sorry to hear his news, Margaret. Having lost both my parents when both were at too young an age, I know what a difficult time you are going through. Losing people close to you changes you in more ways than you can imagine,

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  7. I'm so sorry to hear this Margaret. I had been wondering how things were going with your father. My heartfelt sympathies go out to you and your mother. And I can so empathize with you. As an only child, I lost my father first too, and became even closer to my mother for the next 8 years as I helped support her. They are bittersweet times, but I was honored to be able to help take care of both my parents. You are so right, things will get easier with time, and for me the photos and memories helped. I hope they do for you too.

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  8. My prayers for you and your mother in your loss.

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  9. Both my parents died in their 50's from cancer so I know how hard this is. Cry when you need to and let yourself grieve. Reach out if you need to. :o)

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  10. Oh Margaret. That's terribly sad news. My heart goes out to you, your mom, and your family. Cancer is an awful thief. I hope your dad's passing was peaceful. My thoughts will be with you. Take care of yourself. Best wishes to you and your family.

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  11. I'm so sorry for your loss. Having unexpectedly lost a family member myself in November, I know that disbelief and the isolation that grief can bring. I hope you find comfort in your loved ones and the knowledge that others are thinking of you.

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  12. Thank you all for your loving comments, thoughts & prayers - they have touched me so very deeply XO XO

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  13. Margaret, I am so sorry for your loss.

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  14. Margaret, it's still NY Eve here and I'm thinking the new year has got to be better for you. Oddly enough my sister's name is Margaret and her husband died of cancer last month just when we thought he had it beaten, too. She's coming to visit soon. But I'm taking a page from your book and perusing all the glorious pictures in the seed catalogues. Like Dragon's Tail radish. Like Harvest Moon multicolored potatoes. Anyway, thinking of you and sending lots of love.

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    1. Oh Jane - I'm so sorry to hear this. My condolences to you and your sister. I'm sure you will both take solace from each others company during such a difficult time. My heart goes out to you and your family. And thank you for your kind thoughts. I'm holding out hope that 2017 is a better year for all of us.

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  15. My condolences to you and your mom. We went through the same thing with my father-in-law, he passed in October. This will be a rough time for you but I hope you can find strength in the great memories you shared.

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  16. I'm really sorry to hear this Margaret....my dad passed away this summer after having a lung condition for several years which gradually got worse, then developing pneumonia that he couldn't shift. Like you, we were optimistic that he would pull through at different points but sadly in the end he didn't.
    Looking at photos definitely brings about mixed feelings but it's so nice to hear you have so many happy memories. Helping my mum with practical things helped me too I think (in fact we're still dealing with some bits of paperwork but that is thankfully nearly finished).
    I can only re-iterate what other people have already said - it's an incredibly difficult time, and my thoughts go out to you and your family.

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  17. Thank you, Lotte and Lou - I am so saddened that you both have experienced the loss of a family member this year as well. One of my friends recently pointed out that it seems that 2016 has been a particularly busy year for the grim reaper and she is right...so many heartbreaking losses. My condolences to you and your families.

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