Grieving is hard. Grieving the death of a parent even harder. Grieving without the usual end-of-life rites and rituals was nearly impossible, until I found a way.
You express this so beautifully, Colleen. I know so many of us can relate in some way. Your words lead me to reflect on the passing of my parents several years ago, and the feelings (and grieving process) associated with these losses. Sending you wishes for comfort and peace on this anniversary.
So beautiful!! I cried through that. Been grieving for my father who past away in 2019 and one of my best friends and her son who was taken away way too soon early 2023.
Colleen, what a beautiful tribute to your beautiful Mom! As a grieving person (multiple losses in a short amount of time) and an End-of-Life Doula, rituals are so important. Death is scary for so many but thinking about the end and planning for it with your loved ones can make it a beautiful (though tough) experience.
Thank you, Diane. I agree. I have found that end-of-life planning is so helpful, if not psychologically to the one who is dying, then very practically to the ones who go on living. Anyway, so much more to say. Thank you for reading.
Grief, a big powerful topic. Reading this tribute to your Mom brought tears and appreciation for ritualistic practice. It's been my experience too, that rituals can play a healing role after a profound loss. Your description of them was beautiful and helps to understand their usefulness. Thank you for sharing this very personal story with us. Your Mom has been seen here in PA:))
Thank you, Colleen. I had forgotten that you lost your mother during the pandemic... I can imagine how awful and difficult that must've been. I'm glad you were able to create the rituals you needed. I was fortunate enough to spend the last 4 days of my mother's life by her side (she was not conscious) for as much as possible each day and night w/my sisters... and to watch her beloved Phillies play in the Postseason and to sing along to some of her favorite songs the night before she passed. Sending love.
You express this so beautifully, Colleen. I know so many of us can relate in some way. Your words lead me to reflect on the passing of my parents several years ago, and the feelings (and grieving process) associated with these losses. Sending you wishes for comfort and peace on this anniversary.
Thank you so much, Angela. It means so much to me that it inspired your own reflection. xo
As always, what beautiful, poignant words. Thank you for sharing with us.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Lauren, and thank you for reading. xo
So beautiful!! I cried through that. Been grieving for my father who past away in 2019 and one of my best friends and her son who was taken away way too soon early 2023.
Thank you, Jennifer. I'm so sorry about your losses. We are definitely not alone in grief. It is universal.
Such a beautiful post! I cried throughout reading it, thinking about the passing of my own mother. May we continue to make them proud.
Thank you so much for reading, Bonnie. I'm glad it inspired thoughts about your own mother. xo
Colleen, what a beautiful tribute to your beautiful Mom! As a grieving person (multiple losses in a short amount of time) and an End-of-Life Doula, rituals are so important. Death is scary for so many but thinking about the end and planning for it with your loved ones can make it a beautiful (though tough) experience.
Thank you, Diane. I agree. I have found that end-of-life planning is so helpful, if not psychologically to the one who is dying, then very practically to the ones who go on living. Anyway, so much more to say. Thank you for reading.
Grief, a big powerful topic. Reading this tribute to your Mom brought tears and appreciation for ritualistic practice. It's been my experience too, that rituals can play a healing role after a profound loss. Your description of them was beautiful and helps to understand their usefulness. Thank you for sharing this very personal story with us. Your Mom has been seen here in PA:))
Thank you so much, Nancy. I'm really touched by your words. Really means a lot to me. xo
Thank you, Colleen. I had forgotten that you lost your mother during the pandemic... I can imagine how awful and difficult that must've been. I'm glad you were able to create the rituals you needed. I was fortunate enough to spend the last 4 days of my mother's life by her side (she was not conscious) for as much as possible each day and night w/my sisters... and to watch her beloved Phillies play in the Postseason and to sing along to some of her favorite songs the night before she passed. Sending love.
Thank you for sharing this, Suz. What a gift to be able to be there for your mother's transition. xo
Yes, it was and I am so very grateful for that gift. xo