We got the phone call at 1am on Friday morning that my stepkids' mom had passed away. She battled brain cancer for a long time and we knew we were very close to the end. The kids took it pretty well. I think it was actually a relief to know that the waiting was over and that their mom was no longer in pain.
It snowed on Friday night which is a rarity in this part of North Carolina. We woke up Saturday morning to a quiet world covered in white. I think it helped the kids so much to be able to put her death aside for a few days and just play in the snow. We went sledding and had snowball fights. I hope to get the videos up on facebook sometime today. There are some great moments. (sidenote: I haven't told everyone on FB about the surgery. I'd love to be friends there just don't mention it please.)Monday and Tuesday were hard. I do think that the wake was much harder than the funeral, though. The kids seemed to do well until someone came up to them crying - then they cried. At the funeral, we kept them sheltered. Billy and I didn't let many people get close to them. We wanted to ward off a repeat of the previous night. It was a cold rainy day. There is an old southern saying "if it rains on the day of a funeral it means the deceased made it to Heaven." I don't know if that's true but at least the rain kept the graveside portion of the service short and sweet.
I am honestly glad that it is over. I couldn't imagine life for the kids if it dragged on any longer.
That must be really hard...I am glad though that they did have a couple of days to be kids and enjoy the snow.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear of your familys loss. It sounds that you are being very strong and help the children through this diffcult time!
ReplyDeleteHugs!
I am so sorry for your loss. The kids are lucky they have you to help get them thru this. My prayers are with your family.
ReplyDeleteSorry about the loss, especially for the children, I am sure their hearts are broken. I am glad you got snow! Took their minds off it. We will be heading to NC end of the month so could you have all the snow gone by then please?! LOL. My oldest son really wanted to go to NC State but out of state tuition was way too much for his budget. Keep your chin up and press on, this was just a small set back for you and the children but your strength and understanding will carry everyone through it. ;-)
ReplyDeleteYou're a good stepmom, the kids are lucky to have you as a support. My thoughts are with you, your husband, and all of your children.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss. Give the kids some extra hugs from all your blogger friends. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your kids (and your) loss... that is so difficult, but good for you for sheltering them... sounds like they have safe arms to recover in!
ReplyDeleteWhat a heavy thing to go through, for yourself and of course your kids. Hearts and thoughts and hugs. xox
ReplyDeleteGlad that it's all over for their mom and that she doesn't have to suffer any longer. What a terrible thing for a child to have to go through, watching their mother suffer and then losing her. The children are so blessed to have you for their "bonus mom".
ReplyDeleteI am glad it is over and now the hard work of healing begins. I will keep you all in my prayers.
ReplyDelete- Shannon
Nicole- I'm sorry for your family's loss. The kids are lucky to have your love and support. I'm sure the next few weeks will difficult, my thoughts are with you.
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