It's a chilly, rainy day here and I'm grateful for my snug, warm house. A couple of friends asked if I wanted to hang out/go get coffee/get lunch (knowing that Gregg works an almost 12-hour day on Saturdays) but I think I'd rather spend the day at home with the dogs and Marco. I certainly appreciate everyone's kindness and concern, but all I really want to do is stay in my pajamas and read, watch old episodes of Bake Off, and putter around the house.
I went back to work yesterday. I'm glad I chose Friday as my first day back; I got the questions about dad and expressions of sympathy out of the way but was so busy catching up on work that there wasn't much time for talking. I was also able to get caught up on everything which will make Monday a lot easier.
These past three weeks have seemed so long, what with Covid, finding out my dad was ill enough for hospice, finding out dad was actually dying, the death, and then the holidays going on during it all. So much has happened in the last month. Resuming a normal schedule is going to feel really good.
A belated Happy New Year to you all, and thanks again for all the kindness and support. I look forward to being more present here now that things are starting to settle down.
34 comments:
Routine and work around people saved me when my husband died. It was comforting to have a schedule. All of this has happened so fast and among the holidays too which makes it even harder to process. Be gentle with yourself.
I agree with Margaret. It is a time to be gentle with yourself, and a day in sounds like you are doing just that.
I have been getting very busy again...and must express my sympathies to you Jeniffer. But at least the suffering is over, and your Dad left the earth on his own accord. But is it never easy.
We are currently getting snow.
It can sometimes be very hard to be present when someone you love dies. We are here and love you.
Returning to work on the Friday before starting the first full week was a good idea. Like others have said here, work and a structured day can be very helpful with grief, as it was when my husband died. It happened on a Thursday, and I was back at the office on Monday - not really able yet to pull my full weight, but I was grateful for my colleagues‘ support.
So sorry to read about your Dad, it takes time to process that they have finally gone and the person who knew you from the minute you were born has gone. I do feel for you as I lost my Darling Daddy in March 2022, he was a good age, 92 but still... Hugs Gill Xx
It's good to return to our daily routines. I wish you well on your return to work. Be gentle on yourself and stay well!
I'm trying to learn to be nicer to myself these days. It's one of my goals for the year. Thank you Margaret.
I took a nap today and slept for almost three hours! I guess I needed the rest.
Thanks Maddie. I envy you the snow!
Thank you for all the supportive chats, Mary. They've helped me a lot. xx
The best thing about going back yesterday is that I won't be facing an enormous mountain of work on Monday. Thank you Meike.
92 is a good age, but it's still painful to lose someone no matter how many years we get with them. My dad was only 70 and his health had been really bad for a few years. I'm sad that he didn't get more time.
Thank you dear Bonnie.
Being back in the routine is something we all want to have happen, and you especially with your world turned so topsy-turvy. Have a good week back next week.
Glad you are taking care of yourself and taking time to recover and relax. Work will be a good distraction and I am so glad that you are happy in your job now. Happy New Year to you and Gregg!
I wish you a blessed routine, Jennifer. Sometimes a quiet routine is all we want.
I don't blame you for wanting to hibernate a bit. It will take time to feel like you're back on your feet, I'm sure. Be kind to yourself!
Sitting having breakfast at my hotel in Brooklyn. My hugs to you don’t have to travel as far.
Maybe one day when you're visiting the states we can meet up somewhere and I can get a real hug! I hope you're having fun with KB.
It's so weird but since I didn't see my dad all that often, it almost doesn't feel like he's really gone.
I just want to get back to my happy, regular life.
My new job is a blessing. It's never caused me even one minute of stress. Happy New Year to you as well!
I think so, too. I'm glad the holidays are over now.
Thanks Janie. I can take a personal day if I need to, but I don't anticipate that anytime soon.
Thank you so much, Joanne.
Just left you a note on the last post. I like the idea of you puttering around with the very gud dugs and naughty Marco.
I imagine it was good to have Friday as a settling and catching up day before the first working week of the new year begins. It's hard to reflect or suffer from self-pity when you have work to do.
I have always found in my life that when I am under duress and things seem awful, a work routine really helps me push through. I have been thinking of you. You certainly have had a rough couple of weeks. Take care of yourself and enjoy Gregg, Marco, George, and Poppy.
Thank you. Marco, George, and Poppy love it when I'm at home with them!
Exactly. And being around a lot of little kids and busy, working adults is like a tonic after being isolated at home and grieving.
Thank you stopping by and leaving a comment, Michael. I enjoy imagining how much fun you're having with Shirley these days!
THAT would be wonderful, Jennifer. Visit with KB is going great. My brain is fried but I’m used to that. He’s been on a loop with the Honeymooners dog food episode since I arrived. He has work tomorrow so Thursday will be our last day together. Transit Museum and a Trader Joe splurge are on the agenda.
I'm so glad you're having fun! I'll bet you'll be exhausted when you get home though! :)
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