There have many highs and lows in this past week. One week ago today my mother-in-law passed away in the early morning. She was 88-years-old and, except for her last two years of her life when she was fighting ovarian cancer, she lived a healthy life. It was difficult to say good-by to her, but we know she is now free of all sadness and sickness and is experiencing only pure joy with her Lord. We are happy for her.
This week there were the joyful highs of having all three of our sons home together for the first time in three years. On Saturday my son from London flew into the States. My son from IA and his family drove in from IA that same day and arrived at our house around 10:30 that evening. It was sweet to all be together for a few days. Wayne also had a great day on Sunday. I haven’t seem him smile that much in a long time.
What was sad was the occasion for our being together. There was also the stresses and lows of Wayne having a very difficult day both on Monday and again today where he did not function at all well. There was the stress of wondering if Wayne would be able to function well on Tuesday, the day of the funeral. (He did function well on Tuesday, and so was able to attend the funeral.)
Also as great as it is to have family around there was a lot of stress in having a household of people along with taking care of my husband’s needs. My daughter-in-law did bring in a couple meals which helped immensely.
So it has been a week of emotions swinging from one extreme to another. This week I have felt grief due to my mother-in-law’s death and because of my husband’s disease. I have felt joy because of my family being here and because of my faith. I have felt stress because of all the emotions and all that was occurring these last days. I have also felt encouragement because of the wonderful funeral sermon.
Finally, I have felt emotionally and physically fatigued. My IA son’s family drove home yet the day of the funeral. My son from London will fly home Saturday. Soon just my son’s family who lives near by will remain in the area. Life will return to “normal.” The only problem is I am not sure what “normal” means.
Sharon, thank you for sharing your week. That sure was a week of highs and lows. Wow. I’m glad you had the time with your family. There is nothing easy about a funeral. I’m glad that the sermon was wonderful. How nice for you to be able to take that positive sermon with you from this event.
Are you also tired of hearing the phrase, “new normal”? I am!
Hi Sharon,
I’ve been thinking about some of these same things lately. Thank you for writing them. With my mother, we’ve reached a point where each day can be very unpredictable. That leaves me with a very unnerving feeling. I never quite know what to expect in the middle of the night or first thing in the morning.
We are back to school now and the work is much harder for each of the kids. This “newness” will get better though and we will gradually get use to it. I’m not sure I will ever get use to the unknown that just stays, with my mother’s condition.
I am so glad that you were able to have a bit of “reprieve” though with your children and enjoy the “new faces” in your home. I’m also glad that you and your husband were able to go to the funeral together. I hope you are able to catch up now on some much needed rest.
Hi Sharon–How wonderful to have all three sons home! You have such a wonderful family; your commitment to each other is admirable. I’m glad Wayne was able to attend the funeral service and that the service provided comfort.
These days of highs and lows can take their toll. I’m glad you shared with us. We’re thinking of you…
Thanks, everyone, for your kind comments. Bette, I know exactly what you mean when you say it is unnerving never knowing for sure what kind of day it will be. This was especially hard with the funeral and my kids being here.
I am still very tired, but some of the dazed walking in a fog feeling is clearing up.