Another day
All of the arrangements have been made. Bob’s brother Rus came to the funeral home and to the church with me yesterday to finalize things. Rachel and Becca also came to the church to do some of the planning. Matt stayed home – sick with the flu and a high fever. His job has become to make sure he gets well.
The funeral is Wednesday. I feel bad for Becca, as it is spring break week for her. What a memory for spring break, senior year of high school. I’m hoping that some of her friends will still be in town for the funeral so that they can show their support. I know already that a lot of my friends will not be around for the funeral, as they are traveling for spring break. I do know, however, they will be with me in spirit, and have been here to support me all along and will continue to be there to support me in the future.
Hospice was here today to take all of the medical equipment and hospital bed. That was tough. It was hard to see the room so empty without the hospital bed. We had been mainly living in that room, eating dinner together in there as a family when Bob was still eating, and in too much pain to get out of bed. I heard a cough today, and my first instinct was to get up and check on Bob.
Suzi, the hospice nurse, called today and talked with me a bit. She warned that the days after the funeral, after the commotion, after family has gone home are the difficult ones. She also said it would be very difficult next fall after Becca leaves for college. Gives a new meaning to “empty nest”. I will be all alone in this house.
I think that I need to think about something else for a while.
Thanks to all my DS friends for the kind words and encouragement. I thank God for each one of you!
The funeral is Wednesday. I feel bad for Becca, as it is spring break week for her. What a memory for spring break, senior year of high school. I’m hoping that some of her friends will still be in town for the funeral so that they can show their support. I know already that a lot of my friends will not be around for the funeral, as they are traveling for spring break. I do know, however, they will be with me in spirit, and have been here to support me all along and will continue to be there to support me in the future.
Hospice was here today to take all of the medical equipment and hospital bed. That was tough. It was hard to see the room so empty without the hospital bed. We had been mainly living in that room, eating dinner together in there as a family when Bob was still eating, and in too much pain to get out of bed. I heard a cough today, and my first instinct was to get up and check on Bob.
Suzi, the hospice nurse, called today and talked with me a bit. She warned that the days after the funeral, after the commotion, after family has gone home are the difficult ones. She also said it would be very difficult next fall after Becca leaves for college. Gives a new meaning to “empty nest”. I will be all alone in this house.
I think that I need to think about something else for a while.
Thanks to all my DS friends for the kind words and encouragement. I thank God for each one of you!
Replies
My Dearest Karen,
I\'m so glad to hear that Bob\'s brother, Becca, and Rachel went with you to the funeral home and church. They must have given you alot of love and support...which you so need and deserve.
Always remember that I am praying for you all. God is holding your hand, sweet Karen.
My Love,
Ingrid
I am so sorry for you and your family. I know it is and will be a difficult time for you guys. Take care of yourself.
Love Julie
I pray for God\'s blessings for you and your family.
Bev
Dear Karen,
I understand all too well the feeling when hospice came to take the empty bed and equipment. I sat in the emptiness but did not feel alone. I felt my husband\'s spirit around me. The busy activities around the funeral help initially and yes, when it is over it will be difficult, but I found that by giving myself one small task a day, I could get up and move. For a long time, it took everything I had to complete that task. Something as small as washing the dishes took every bit of energy and concentration I had....be kind to yourself...and lean on anyone you can for support during this time. I am praying for you. Let me know if there is anything I can do to support you. Love, Linda
Karen, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Remember \"Footprints in the Sand.\" God will give you the strength you need to get through this.
Love,
Nancy
Dear Karen, I\'m thinking of you, and just sending you prayers and love. I\'m glad you\'ve got a lot of support around you right now. I\'m sure that, really, you\'re still in shock and able to keep going by bustling around getting through your to do list, but I imagine that when things go quiet, you\'ll go down to earth with a bit of a bump. Go gently dear Karen, and know you don\'t have to keep being tough all the time.
lots of love
Meriel