Today I did a lot of things I knew had to be done...
I went to the Social Security office to make sure that the
funeral home had notified them of my mom's recent death.
I secured a storage unit for her belongings
until such a time as we are able to sort through them fully.
I attended to a few more unpleasant necessities associated with
her passing, which all fall to me as her only child.
But first...
Before that...
Before today...
Yesterday....
I made a quickie, one-day visit to
one of my most favorite places on Earth.
I spent a happy and friend filled day in the
fields of Warrenton, shopping and junking
( and of course snapping away )
( and of course snapping away )
and just trying to get my mojo ( and my joy ) back.
In the photo above, taken at Theresa Cano's
customary blog party, are my beautiful friends
(left to right)
Teresa of Attic Rat,
Theresa of Time Worn Interiors,
Me
and Amy of Amy Boland Photography
It was a short trip, I didn't even stay for the whole party,
but it was still just what I needed.
Seeing and connecting with good friends,
giving and receiving hugs,
and allowing the healing process to do its thing.
I took roughly 225 shots ( actually a low number for me! ),
so rest assured that just like in days past,
I will have MANY wonderful images to share later this week
from the incredible fields of Warrenton and Antique Week.
Hope you have a blessed week.
:-)
P.S.
My mom's memorial on Saturday was just beautiful.
Thank you all so much for your ongoing prayers
and love. It keeps me going.
Posts
57 comments:
I am so sorry to hear of your great loss.
My heart goes out to you.
I am a big believer in being around good friends and having happy thoughts to get you through this process.
Take care
Amy
seeing you smiling.. makes me smile! babysteps. glad to hear you are getting out & doing what you enjoy. ♥
Love and a big hug for you darling......xxx...
Its good to see you smile. Big hug to you x
big hug for you,don,t let anyone make you feel guilty for doing the right things that help you heal.
Oh how I would have loved to have spent that day right there with ya!! xoxo
So glad you got to have that time to shop and snap photos and be with friends! Think of you often and pray for you! :-)
Vanessa
How wonderful that you took a few hours for yourself because nothing that you are dealing with right now is easy. I know that-having been there myself. You just keep going...and doing...and praying..
The loss never really ends- there will be moments that you will forget she is gone and think- Oh-I've got to tell Mom that- and then it hits you...she's gone....
I think that you will find you celebrate your Mom in some of your most joyous moments and, one day,it will seem like she is right there with you-and you'll see a bit of her smile on your own face when you look in the mirror. God bless you as you go through these upcoming days, weeks and months.
You are in my heart Anne and prayers everyday. Love the photo of you and the girls. God Bless you as you continue through the weeks ahead.
xoxo
Kate
GOOD GIRL! I think it is important that you get out and about and keep going.
I hibernated which was the WORST thing I could've done. PACKED on the weight - it was awful.
You'll have good days, you'll have bad days - but you will make it through. Promise.
Big hugs! karen
I'm so happy Anne that you got out and did something with your good friends!! You definitely needed that!
I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Please take care of yourself.
Sincerely,
Melinda
God Bless Anne!
You fought hard, now you go enjoy life, do all that inspires you, show off your beauty that we all love to see, inspiring us to the depths of our souls.
Praying for you my dear, sending you strength.
Love the friendship photo, this is what life is all about :)
xoxo
Dore
Just what THIS doc would
have ordered up for you : )
I am certain your mom would
be pleased, too! I am glad
the service was beautiful, too,
Anne. Continue to be kind to
yourself....
xx Suzanne
GLAD TO SEE YOU OUT AND ABOUT ...
this is a good thing!
you've got to know that when we say we're prayn' we are!
Anne, yes, nothing like friends when you need a hug and a girls day out to feel refreshed, renewed and loved.
Blessings,
Diane
Laughing with friends is just good for the soul isn't it? Glad to hear you have already taken care of some of those difficult things that need to be seen to.
Rhonda
Oh Anne, look at you all! I wish I was there carrying around your camera bag. I'm glad you got out, the other stuff will wait. Time for you to have a giggle or two.
Lisa
I am so happy to hear that you went and spent a day with friends! I remember 23 years ago tomorrow when my Mama passed away, the heartbreak was more than I thought I could handle! My Niece asked me, "how will you ever smile again"? Times passes by and although I still miss her terribly, the clock still ticks the time away, the calendar still turns day by day and year by year and I still miss her terribly:) I made it my goal to find something to smile about! I keep the memories alive in my heart and so will you! Smile... my friend, your Mama would want that as would mine! Love you!
Hello Anne,
It's good to see that you are smiling and enjoying time with your friends.
hugs,
Sissie
It is good to see you out and getting your mojo back! Losing our Mamas are always hard. (I lost mine last year). I still go to the phone to call her...But she is in heaven rejoicing! And I am for her. Just like your Mama would want you to, too. Isn't it wonderful that we still have our memories? I am praying for you, dear girl.
Can't wait to see all the photos you took.;)
Happy hugs,
Sonya
Photo-therapy, as it were, add shopping, add friends, is an awesome prescription for healing. So glad you could do it♥
Glad you had a fun day! It is so needed in times like this! Hang in there!!
Sweet Anne- I'm so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. You have been in my thoughts and prayers alot lately. The photo you posted of the two of you is so precious.
I'm sure these last few weeks have not been easy, so glad you took some time for yourself to spend with good friends...It Is the BEST medicine!! Take Care!!
Tammy
Junk Wild
So glad to see your smiling face with the gals. You need a break in dealing with this stuff. Even if just for a few minutes. Can't wait to see your photos.
No hurry on the photos! Take it easy, you deserve a break, and I'm glad you got the storage unit and didn't rush through anything. You'll feel much happier going through Mom's things when your head and thoughts are clear and you are prepared. You look rested in your photo! Your mom is always with you when you take your pics, like your photo angel. andrea@townandprairie
So so sorry Anne...many blessings to you, xo
I am still thinking about you. Many blessings.
oxo Zizette
Hope you are getting back your mojo. Know that I have been thinking of you.
Lisa
You don't know me but we are sister's in a way. We belong to the same broken heart's club. My Dad passed away in april. He had cancer. God carried me thru and so did the love of many friends. I love you and support you. You are never alone God promises. It doesn't seem to get easier but it changes somehow. I am so sorry for your loss and understand your pain.
With love,
Your sister in Christ
Brenda
whiteandrustyvintagetreasures
My sympathy, Anne. Your Mom had to be a great lady.
Hugs,
Sandy
So good to "hear from you" and to see you smile with your friends. It's good to go somewhere that makes you feel good with people that have YOUR best intrest at heart. Nice to find even a few moments of "normal" in your day! Can't wait to see your pics...when ever your ready!
I am glad that you have such wonderful friends that you can be with! Still sorry for your loss.
Love,
sandie
Oh Anne, so happy you got among friends and had some fun and happy times. You so deserved this and I am sure your mom is looking down and so happy to see you smiling:) I know how daunting all the lose ends are that need to be tied up after a loved one dies. It is exhausting, and even more so for you because you are an only child. Still sending you prayers and good wishes as you go through this healing period.
Debbie
Anne, I am SO glad you got to go! Even if it was only for a little while and 225 photos (that I can't wait to see) being around those you love and things you love doing what you love is great for the soul....
Lou Cinda :)
Thinking about you! Yeh, don't let that mojo get too far away. Peace! ~ Angela
Hi Anne,
So glad to see you out and about with friends and with your lovely smile on your face.
Look forward to seeing your photos.
Know that I am thinking of you and sending my love and prayers.
Hugs
Carolyn
Sending prayers and condolences. I am getting close to that time with my mother as well. Even when you know it is coming, the reality hits you more than once. I am sure you will have smiles and tears as you sort through her things.
Hugs
Anne, so good to see you smiling with your friends! I can't say anything that has not been said by so many wise,
sweet friends, but I wish you a healing heart and a peaceful return home. You know I am just a phone call/email away if I can help with anything! xoxo Ann
I loved seeing your smile in that picture. I know it's not the easiest time to be smiling, but just remember your Mama is looking down on you and enjoying that smile too!!
Take care,
Sue
I am a Terrible Blog friend! OH Annie, where did the DAYS go? I haven't been keeping up, and I'm so, so sorry, to hear about your Mom's passing!
Maybe, just a little bit, I put on "blinders." It's only been a few years since my own mom-my best friend died. I miss her everyday.
I SO wish I was close to give you a great big HUG and share some tears! Life just isn't the same after we lose our moms!
I'm glad that you got to spend a brief time with some friends....that means a LOT in times of loss.
Again, I'm sorry I haven't been a better friend, regardless of the distance! I've been SO busy, and that is NO excuse, but I don't have a "Mr. Twig" or even a "Mr. Bling" for what that is worth,,,,it all falls on me. I just need more time, or more energy to get it ALL done!
May the Grace of God be with you, may you be surrounded by people that love you and may the pain of your loss be diminished in the light of good memories.
Big, Big HUGS! Love you sweetie!
Shell
I'm so glad that you are finding joy and peace with friends, Anne. I've been praying for that. ♥ Stay strong. Keep the faith. And know that you are loved! :)
xoxo laurie
Dear Anne,
I saw your blog listing on another one that I was visiting....Grammy's Cottage. I decided to take a look as I love the name of your blog. What I read and hearing the song brought tears streaming down my face. I feel such a connection to what you are going through. I lost both my parents in 2008. My heart goes out to you because it has been the hardest thing I have ever been through. We were a small family, and I was very close to my mother and dad...especially my mom. My Mother passed away June 1, 2008, after developing advanced cancer for the 3rd time. By the time we all knew she had it again, it was already into her bone. She was a caretaker for my Dad who had been suffering from Parkinsons. I think she developed it again because she got very run down as a caretaker. Anyway, my sister and I took care of my mother until she died. We were at her bedside and holding her hand when she took her last breath. My Dad was at the end of his parkinsons so two months later, we did it again for our Dad. He passed away in Aug. 2008. We took care of all the details just as you are doing and it was the hardest thing ever. It took both my sister and I two years to feel like we were somewhat at peace. Healing is very slow....much slower than many people think who have never lost a parent. The hardest part for me was not being able to talk to my mom. Even though I lived in Washington and she in Florida, we talked every two or three days. I just wanted to let you know that I was very touched by your posting over the past few days. I totally understand what you are feeling and wish I could give you a big hug. I was inspired to start my blog several months ago because I somehow found and started ready Kim's blog, Dear Daisy Cottage. Kim was so sweet to me and encouraged me to write a blog. I had no idea what I was doing at first....still am learning, too...but she was my first follower. I will never forget her kindness. Blogging has helped me to heal more than I ever could have without it. Expressing yourself with photos and words brings out the creative side and heals the soul. If you read my blog...especially in the early postings, you will see a journey of healing. Lets connect and heal together.... Your postings really touched my heart tonight. Much love to you. So very, very sorry that your mom is gone. If you read my blog, you will learn why I call my blog, Bluebirds and Butterflies. I hope the butterfly part of it helps you. Love, Kim xoxo
So glad that you are taking steps Anne. Thinking of you and sending good thoughts and prayers your way. Hugs, Courtney
I'm so glad you had a nice break! Bless you!
Oh, Anne, I'm so glad you're getting out for a bit and enjoying time with friends. I'm sure this would've made your mom so happy. Hugs to you ♥
Anne, I'm glad to hear that you got to enjoy some time with your friends and take so many pictures. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Hugs, Barb
I´m so happy you had a good day yesterday Anne, and were able to relax a bit with wonderful friends.
Sending lots of hugs and thoughts your way.
xo Tina
Still thinking about you...I'm glad to see a smile on your face. You have really shown a special love for your mother and I'm sure she would be so proud of how strong you are. Hope you get out and do more fun and happy things for yourself. Celebrate and remember . . .
Sarah xo
What a lovely bit of time you had! Remember to continue doing things like this for yourself. Many prayers are with you, Anne!
A balance of tears and laughter is a good thing,a healthy and natural thing. My prayers for your heart healing is ongoing.
Love
Marcie
So nice to see you smiling and taking time for yourself. Having good friends and people who care will help the healing process. I continue to keep you in my prayers.
Sharon
I'm so glad you were able to get out for a bit and enjoy the fun of friends with some time away for your sadness. My prayers continue to be with you Sweetie!
OX's...Tracy :)
So glad you got out. I have been thinking of you. I am an only child also. Good idea to get a storage unit. Don't let anyone rush you.
Right after my mom passed I went shopping and bought new Living Room chairs...it was so good for me. I had those chairs for years!
Thank you for sharing your feelings with us. It means a lot to be able to see you be able to pull through this. Friends and a good support system really are the best medicine.
One day at a time hon!! Please send me your mailing info:)
Hugs,
Susan
So glad you were able to take some time for you Anne- you will need many more of those times during your days ahead of dealing with all your mother's paperwork and sorting that will have to be done.
I found that the sorting and remembering memories that an object I was packing away and I had forgotten about for years was such good therapy and healing. I hope the same for you.
bee blessed
mary
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