Oh Terry, so sorry to hear about your mother and sister, but thank you for sharing on this. I'm glad you've left a mark of her life on here, as well as the fact you didn't burn the eulogy. And as you say, you are in part your own mark of your mother, leaving an aspect of her through your own life and your wonderful writing.
Dementia is an awful thing. My father-in-law has suffered a progressive decline over the last few years and is essentially non-responsive in a home -- sometimes an eye opens and some mumbles come out, but mostly we're just left questioning what life it is he is living, if any. Terribly sad. I'm glad he is in a home that cares for him well, though. He somehow hangs in there, despite two events in the last few months (one this last weekend) when it was a scramble because we thought he was in his final days.
Thanks very much, Nathan. I am truly sorry for the situation with your father-in-law. I've been there, and it is a truly awful experience. As far as you can, treasure every moment with him.
Thank you for sharing your mother's story. It was a pleasure to read and it made my heart feel full, thinking of her good life full of love and creative mastery. There are never adequate words for loss, as they always miss the mark. But I am compelled to say that I'm sorry for the loss of your mother and sister. 💙
I am so sorry about your Mother and Sister, Terry. That must have been a very difficult time. I loved reading about your mom and all she accomplished in her life. Thank you so much for sharing my poem - what a surprise! I laughed at your conversation with your father-in-law! And the video with Frank Carson was a great start to my week. I was asked yesterday to list 5 micro-joys that are accessible to me and humor was one of them. I love how your post today holds space for both grief AND humor.
I love this beautiful story about your mom. I find life magical, what we humans are truly capable of feeling and knowing. My mother had a few episodes over the years where she became psychotic after being prescribed prednisone. Boy, those were difficult times. But the interesting thing is, we had some very honest and candid conversations during those experiences that we never did when she was in her regular state of mind. It certainly gave me food for thought.
Oh, and I love to burn my old papers as well. It's so much more fun than just putting paper through a shredder, and also much quicker! I too am a pyromaniac.
Thank you, Sue. I'm sorry your mother had those episodes, but it's interesting that they seemed to disinhibit her to some extent. Yes, burning is definitely quicker, but waiting for the right conditions (ie that won't annoy the neighbours or burn your own house down). I wasn't sure whether to share the eulogy or not TBH, I mean, why would anyone who didn't know her car? But then I thought, it would be nice to have some sort of online memorial for her. Thanks again for nice words.
Very sorry to hear about your mum, Terry. She sounds like a tough, cool lady (from one Eastern European extract to another). Hope you're bearing up ok. I was also interested to read your thoughts on the things we leave behind after a life lived. It's never just bank statements. Take care.
Terry, this whole post has given me great pause for thought. Thank you so much for this very poignant start to the week. (Not enough signal to check out the Frank Carson link just now, but I’m bracing myself for chortling when I get to it later!)
Oh Terry, so sorry to hear about your mother and sister, but thank you for sharing on this. I'm glad you've left a mark of her life on here, as well as the fact you didn't burn the eulogy. And as you say, you are in part your own mark of your mother, leaving an aspect of her through your own life and your wonderful writing.
Dementia is an awful thing. My father-in-law has suffered a progressive decline over the last few years and is essentially non-responsive in a home -- sometimes an eye opens and some mumbles come out, but mostly we're just left questioning what life it is he is living, if any. Terribly sad. I'm glad he is in a home that cares for him well, though. He somehow hangs in there, despite two events in the last few months (one this last weekend) when it was a scramble because we thought he was in his final days.
Thanks very much, Nathan. I am truly sorry for the situation with your father-in-law. I've been there, and it is a truly awful experience. As far as you can, treasure every moment with him.
Thanks Terry, appreciate it.
Thank you for sharing your mother's story. It was a pleasure to read and it made my heart feel full, thinking of her good life full of love and creative mastery. There are never adequate words for loss, as they always miss the mark. But I am compelled to say that I'm sorry for the loss of your mother and sister. 💙
Thank you very much, Renee
I am so sorry about your Mother and Sister, Terry. That must have been a very difficult time. I loved reading about your mom and all she accomplished in her life. Thank you so much for sharing my poem - what a surprise! I laughed at your conversation with your father-in-law! And the video with Frank Carson was a great start to my week. I was asked yesterday to list 5 micro-joys that are accessible to me and humor was one of them. I love how your post today holds space for both grief AND humor.
Thanks, Amy. Glad you enjoyed the Carson video, and that conversation! I think grief and humour are often bedfellows
I love this beautiful story about your mom. I find life magical, what we humans are truly capable of feeling and knowing. My mother had a few episodes over the years where she became psychotic after being prescribed prednisone. Boy, those were difficult times. But the interesting thing is, we had some very honest and candid conversations during those experiences that we never did when she was in her regular state of mind. It certainly gave me food for thought.
Oh, and I love to burn my old papers as well. It's so much more fun than just putting paper through a shredder, and also much quicker! I too am a pyromaniac.
Thanks for sharing your mother's eulogy! 💜
Thank you, Sue. I'm sorry your mother had those episodes, but it's interesting that they seemed to disinhibit her to some extent. Yes, burning is definitely quicker, but waiting for the right conditions (ie that won't annoy the neighbours or burn your own house down). I wasn't sure whether to share the eulogy or not TBH, I mean, why would anyone who didn't know her car? But then I thought, it would be nice to have some sort of online memorial for her. Thanks again for nice words.
Best wishes
Terry
We all have mothers and stories, and many of our experiences intersect. It was definitely worth sharing! 💜
Very true! Thanks, Sue :-)
Very sorry to hear about your mum, Terry. She sounds like a tough, cool lady (from one Eastern European extract to another). Hope you're bearing up ok. I was also interested to read your thoughts on the things we leave behind after a life lived. It's never just bank statements. Take care.
Thanks very much for your kind words, Jill
Terry, this whole post has given me great pause for thought. Thank you so much for this very poignant start to the week. (Not enough signal to check out the Frank Carson link just now, but I’m bracing myself for chortling when I get to it later!)
Thanks Rebecca.