ownedgirlie
Posts: 9184
Joined: 2/5/2006 Status: offline
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Deb, My father died less than two weeks ago, followed by the death of my sister-in-law a week later. My heart goes out to you, and I am so glad you started this post. I have to first say, time is your friend. It sounds cliche' I know, but in my case, my boss gave me significant time off work, so I could grieve and take care of everything that needed taking care of (I planned his funeral, called his friends and family, arranged the banquet afterwards, got my mother on his social security, pension and medical care, etc.) There is so much work involved in what happens after death, it's insane. Master relieved me of my duties to him so I could focus on doing what needed to be done, and on giving myself room to feel, and cry, and mourn. Friends realized my fragile state, and brought over food, cleaned my home, and got me out of the house (when I would let them). Time eases the sharpness of pain to a dull ache, which still hurts but is far more tolerable. What helps me in this thread is realizing I am not some weak soul who isn't grieving properly. I have always heard (and said) that there is no "right" way to grieve, yet here I was thinking - what's wrong with me?? It's not like I'm the first person to ever lose a parent. To that, one of my cousins told me, "True, but it's the first time for you." Take this time for yourself. Yes, there may be obligations to meet, but despite what anyone tells you, allow yourself to feel, and be selfish with your feelings. Most of my friends were awesome. My Master was (is) awesome. This is time to be selfish with your feelings, and to know what you can give to others, and what you can not. Those who do not understand will have to get by somehow, and either the bonds of your friendship with them are strong enough to withhold your "absence" or they're not (speaking from having learned one of my friendships was not, therefore having lost a friend in all of this, too). Finally, know that high amounts of stress effect your thinking and your body. You may find yourself to be very forgetful (as I did), having the same conversations with others that you may have had just a day or two before. Your body may feel worn down, or tired. Eat properly - fruits, veggies, protein - to keep yourself nurished. Drink a lot of water. Avoid alcohol. Those who love you will understand your repeated comments and questions. Focus on not only the happy memories, but the not so happy ones, too. Focusing solely on the good things denies you the ability to grieve the not-so-good things. You will need to process it all before beginning your recovery. I apologize for getting winded. It's all so fresh in my own head and heart still. Cry, laugh, yell, and feel. It's as OK to have happy days as it is to have sad ones. Click here for a simple site on the 5 Stages of Grief. I wish you well, and you have my condolences. **Edited for typo
< Message edited by ownedgirlie -- 8/21/2006 7:35:08 AM >
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