Coincidence???
I have been putting out messages for everyone to tell me of any dreams, or unusual occurrences and they have been flooding in. I got a really, really unusual one today.
I was sent a message, on Facebook, by a woman, a local woman. She told me she had a dream with Cassi in it. My Cassi was with her daughter and wanted me to know she is okay and the place where she is is beautiful. Turned out her story was so much like mine. Her daughter was a lesbian and suffered from depression. I didn't imagine a story could be more heartbreaking than mine, but she witnessed her daughter shooting herself. Even worse, the child was kept alive on artificial life support for 2 days because the hospital wanted to harvest her organs. She wasn't even an organ donor. She said they didn't even cover the wounds and the 22 bullet was visible on the opposite side of her head where it had entered. Like it didn't make it all the way through. We live in a rural area and when I told her I had just seen a gun on television and broke down she told me she feels the same way with the sound of gunshots. There are a lot of hunters here, so it is horrible for her. I bombarded her with questions and I think I overwhelmed her a bit. I had to calm down and just thank her for sharing the dream and delivering the message. I hope she will talk to me some more. We have so much in common...both of us lost our only child and we are both over 40, too late to safely try to conceive, not that one child could replace another anyway. She is still very, very angry. She told me she wanted to tell me it would get better, but it wouldn't, it would just change.
I had an "outing" today. It wasn't much, but I got dressed and got out of the house. My husband took me to a hair appointment. No one stared at me or asked awkward questions. Actually I kept my head down and no one spoke much except my own hairdresser, which was exactly what I wanted. I even drove part of the way home, the first time. I am afraid of having a panic attack and causing an accident or worse. We also went in Wal-Mart...not a great idea, but we needed to buy some things and I was trying to see what all I could do. As usual, I felt overwhelmed by too many people, kept my head down and tried to be invisible. But what was different was the level of anger I felt, even hate, for people...just walking around, living their lives...my baby deserved that, Also, everywhere I looked I saw Cassi. Passing the pet section...3 years ago (both of us are animal lovers) we saw a sickly looking beta fish...we bought all the stuff we needed and brought him home and nursed him back to health. He was still in his tank in her room when it happened. Even at the checkout, chapstick everywhere...she was addicted to chapstick. I even smelled her perfume...so strong...it made my knees week. I don't know if someone was wearing it or it was a sign from her...she loved the Britney Spears perfume in the pink bottle. From this small amount of activity and my senses overloaded, I took a long nap when I got home, I was exhausted.
Safely back home, in my pajamas with my husband and my dogs nearby, I reminded myself...it's only been a month...it's okay. I did more than I thought I could today, even though it wasn't much. When I can do more, I will do more. I love my baby, I miss my baby and today this was all I could handle.
I was sent a message, on Facebook, by a woman, a local woman. She told me she had a dream with Cassi in it. My Cassi was with her daughter and wanted me to know she is okay and the place where she is is beautiful. Turned out her story was so much like mine. Her daughter was a lesbian and suffered from depression. I didn't imagine a story could be more heartbreaking than mine, but she witnessed her daughter shooting herself. Even worse, the child was kept alive on artificial life support for 2 days because the hospital wanted to harvest her organs. She wasn't even an organ donor. She said they didn't even cover the wounds and the 22 bullet was visible on the opposite side of her head where it had entered. Like it didn't make it all the way through. We live in a rural area and when I told her I had just seen a gun on television and broke down she told me she feels the same way with the sound of gunshots. There are a lot of hunters here, so it is horrible for her. I bombarded her with questions and I think I overwhelmed her a bit. I had to calm down and just thank her for sharing the dream and delivering the message. I hope she will talk to me some more. We have so much in common...both of us lost our only child and we are both over 40, too late to safely try to conceive, not that one child could replace another anyway. She is still very, very angry. She told me she wanted to tell me it would get better, but it wouldn't, it would just change.
I had an "outing" today. It wasn't much, but I got dressed and got out of the house. My husband took me to a hair appointment. No one stared at me or asked awkward questions. Actually I kept my head down and no one spoke much except my own hairdresser, which was exactly what I wanted. I even drove part of the way home, the first time. I am afraid of having a panic attack and causing an accident or worse. We also went in Wal-Mart...not a great idea, but we needed to buy some things and I was trying to see what all I could do. As usual, I felt overwhelmed by too many people, kept my head down and tried to be invisible. But what was different was the level of anger I felt, even hate, for people...just walking around, living their lives...my baby deserved that, Also, everywhere I looked I saw Cassi. Passing the pet section...3 years ago (both of us are animal lovers) we saw a sickly looking beta fish...we bought all the stuff we needed and brought him home and nursed him back to health. He was still in his tank in her room when it happened. Even at the checkout, chapstick everywhere...she was addicted to chapstick. I even smelled her perfume...so strong...it made my knees week. I don't know if someone was wearing it or it was a sign from her...she loved the Britney Spears perfume in the pink bottle. From this small amount of activity and my senses overloaded, I took a long nap when I got home, I was exhausted.
Safely back home, in my pajamas with my husband and my dogs nearby, I reminded myself...it's only been a month...it's okay. I did more than I thought I could today, even though it wasn't much. When I can do more, I will do more. I love my baby, I miss my baby and today this was all I could handle.
Replies
Gina,
It sounds like you did quite well today. I avoid people, sounds, smells too. It overwhelms me, but you tried and made it! Did you feel this way before your daughter died? My dogs are my comfort too.
The Christmas after Josh died, I smelled cigarette smoke. (Josh and his wife were heavy smokers.) It was strong. My husband does not smoke and neither do I. My husband is not a believer in \"signs.\" I was down in the family room and my husband was in the kitchen. He remarked on how it smelled like cigarette smoke in the kitchen. I ran downstairs because I did not want him to see that I was laughing as quietly as I could.
Chris, my younger son would have his bedroom overhead fan start to run on high many nights around 3:00 a.m. He and I teased about how it was Josh. Josh was very mechanical and electronically savvy. Chris, an electrician, changed the code on his remote to the overhead fan. Then Chris\' remote disappeared for months. Still practical jokers those two are!
Another time the TV went on by itself as we were walking by. The dogs were outside so my husband made a huh sound. I just smiled.
So yes, I wonder about coincidence too.
Sending love your way,
Leda
A few days after Jason died, I passed his room and smelled a strong scent of flowers. Dont know where it came from. Jason loved flowers and always wanted them around. I had thought about having donations made to a charity in lieu of flowers at his funeral, but quickly changed my mind as I knew he would absolutely love to see all the flowers surrounding his gravesite. I recently had a vivid dream of Jason that I detailed in my last journal. Be patient, your dreams will eventually come. You will very slowly begin to live again. One step at a time, one day at a time. It is a lonely and long journey, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. I send much love and healing thoughts your way.
That was a HUGE undertaking for you my friend!! And you did it!!
I\'m glad you\'ve found someone you can talk to and hope the connection continues to be good for both of you. When Kala first left, I purposely sought out moms of teenage daughters who\'d left due to a car accident. I remember finding a dear friend here who\'s daughter was also a senior in high school who played on the softball team, just like my Kala. As much as ALL the moms meant to me, there was just something special about having a mom who had a daughter so much like mine. So I totally \"get it\".
I would be careful though about asking others to share any dreams or communications they have concerning Cassi. I only say this because I know there are some \"out there in cyber land\" who would take this opportunity to hurt you...and some may do so without purposely willing too. I\'ve discovered I don\'t have to ask others to share....that when Kala does \"show up\", they contact me with great excitement and joy. This is just my two cents worth, and what works for me....it may not be what works for you. I certainly understand the need to hear from Cassi in any way possible!!
Much love to you and Cassi~~
You did a lot yesterday and those are each very huge steps. I remember my late mom (who also lost a son) would tell me that she had \"used all her courage for the day\" and needed to be still to fill herself up once again. Give yourself lots of encouragement that what you did do is enough and more than enough for now.
I know that I felt as I would scream if I heard one more person tell me about \"time\" in the beginning of my grief walk, yet there really is something to it. I know that I can\'t tell you when and it is unique for each of us, yet what began to trickle in were memories of my son\'s life and not just an intense focus on his passing. My mom had told me this and I just nodded my head in acknowledgment of what she was sharing about her path and then one day I was in the midst of this fork in the road too. Something changed and yes I have two steps forward and one back many days but I\'m never where I was when I began this path.
Smells are most certainly a way of our children saying hello and I have no doubt that Cassi was. There are no coincidences when it comes to this and I know that our children try every way that they can to break through our grief and sorrow to let us know they are with us. Cassi is doing just that and those are gifts of consolation and so much comfort. I try to remember to always thank Douglas for his presence and tell him to come and say hello as often as he can.
Loving care as you navigate today as you certainly had a full one yesterday.
XO Joanie
You did great! I broke down in tears when I saw \'turkey bites\' (Lisa\'s favorite snack) in the grocery store. I too had difficulty being among people. I really didn\'t even want to see my friends. I can relate to the anger with others. Why why why? Why do others have their daughters and we don\'t? There really is no justice. Not that I would like them to lose their kids - I just want Lisa back!
Cassi wanted to let you know that she is fine and with friends. I am glad you have met someone to talk to. Nobody understands like another bereaved mother.
I have to sort of disagree re things getting better. After 4 years, mine is a new normal. I can enjoy life, my friends, and being involved in the community. Life is better, but it will never be as carefree as it was before we lost Lisa.
Love to you and Cassi.
Marlene
I love how you are being gentle with yourself. This is something so necessary after losing a child. You took on a couple of things outside your home. Even the gentlest care can be exhausting, so you continued to care for yourself by taking a much needed nap. The baby steps you are taking forward are such an inspiration. Even though they surely take some time, it\'s time well spent towards our healing. Hugs of encouragement......Vicki
You accomplished so much...know that you did. Baby steps...and this WAS a step. In the beginning everything reminds you of your child...so normal. I remember going to the grocery store and all I could see was Alex\'s favorite food. I would begin to cry and need to leave. You are doing the best you can...and it is okay. Love and gentle hugs...Karen
Wow your first outing...congrats. You really did a lot today. Just take it slow and remember baby steps.....Hugs, Ann
I agree with everyone, you have to take everything in baby steps and don\'t beat yourself up about what you cannot do. Each of us take this journey in the only way possible for us. Sending you vibes of peace. Kathy