It’s not fun, or pretty. If I had written this post prior to leaving for the Relevant Conference, it surely would have been about something else. Right now though, this is where I am. I received a phone call that rocked my world, just 12 hours before leaving for Relevant. Now as I have returned home, I will have to deal with the effects of it.
Death is never easy to explain or handle, but so much more when you have to explain it to children. Being gone, forever– such a tough concept for them to grasp. To a child, forever is how long until Christmas, but then Christmas does come. In the passing of a loved one, ‘Christmas’ won’t come until we see her again in Glory.
We have had others pass away, and I have always been able to handle the questions, the questions about it. I haven’t had to try to explain it about someone so close, so dear to me, in several years. When Mom died, P was just turned two. She took it very hard, and I wasn’t able to really talk about it. I was too devastated myself, and she was SO young she didn’t understand enough to ask.
- Gramma, Mom, Me, & Aunt Bernice
When Aunt Bernice passed, it was easier but not easy, and my family didn’t realize how hard it was for me. I stayed strong and didn’t fall apart. I was the strong Momma. But this time. Oh Lord be with me this time because I am in pain and my kids need to see me work that through. But I still need to function too.
Kids need to know how to handle their grief, to work it through and not stuff it in. I don’t know how much school we will get done this week. I’m hoping to try to normalize our days by keeping a normal schedule. If I can. Next week I will have a more regular ABC’s post for you. Please bear with me. I treasure your prayers.
Read past ABC’s of Homeschooling posts
Oh…Dawn…I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Losing a grandma is such a painful time in one's life. My dad's step-mom died when I was 8 and my mom's mom died when I was 16. The latter one was devastating for me. She, like your grandma, was such a pillar of the family and was such a living testament to generosity, compassion, and service. I hope that the wonderful memories you shared with your grandma help sustain you during this most difficult time. My prayers are with you and your family.
Ann recently posted..D is for Delicious Drumsticks – ABCs of Homeschooling
I am very sorry to hear about your loss and wish you strength and healing. My thoughts are with you!
MamaTea recently posted..frighteningly creative
Dawn, I'm so sorry to hear your news. Please know you're in my prayers…
Heidi recently posted..What to tackle next… a how-to guide
I'm so sorry, Dawn! Many, many hugs to you. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers.
Amber @ Classic Hous recently posted..ABC’s of Homeschooling ~ Documentaries
Dawn, my prayers are with you and your family.
Kiva recently posted..Biopsy went well!
So sorry for your loss. When we lost 2 family members this past year, we stopped all work for a few weeks. My children witnessed my pain and coming out the other side. Hugs to you!
Penny recently posted..Winner of the $25 Wal-Mart Giftcard
I'm so sorry Penny. It is a hard detour to take when we have kids, isn't it?
Dawn, I'm sorry I didn't comment earlier. I thought I had, but I think I was trying to decide what words to use.
I feel your pain, and I am proud of you for working it through with your kids.
When my father passed away a few years ago, DD12 (9 at the time) did not want to face her grief at that time. It has been a long and difficult road for her, especially, because DD8 (5 at the time) wanted to talk through his grief. It has only been in the last couple of months that DD12 has been able to talk about Grandpa, and we made a breakthrough while you were at Relevant. DD12 actually was able to visit the cemetery with me, just for a brief amount of time.
I wish that she had been able to work through her grief then, but she finally seems to be at peace with it now.
I pray that your children are able to work through their grief with you and that your family is able to remember the good times to bring you His peace. Your family has been and will continue to be in my prayers.
Naomi recently posted..2011 Gratitude Challenge – #1