Its almost been 10 months. I know you guys are all getting tired of hearing how long it's been but it's become a part of me. This is Mother's day weekend. I can say I am not excited and I want to just forget about celebrating being a Mom. Yes I know I have 3 other children, I love them but I was his mom first. I hate celebrating being a mom without him. It doesn't make sense but I gave up on making sense. Nothing makes sense anymore. I am working this weekend which I was hoping would be a good thing however I have a feeling I will be with the Mommies and babies at work helping them celebrate the love that has been created by just being a Mom
There is a lot going on in the next few weeks and months.Mother's Day of course, I have to face to first 2 life events in the family since Bryan died. I am going to Utah and for the first time in 10 years he won't be there to hang out with. Bryan's birthday is in June as well as Father's Day. I know what youre thinking why is Father's Day a big deal. He used to wish me a Happy Father's Day saying I was the best mom and dad he could have! Then the 1 year mark in July. Not a day I am looking forward to except to say I survived a year when I didn't think I would.
This month both Stefanie and Meg graduate. The first of many life events that will happen without Bryan. I am so happy and happy for my nieces. Its so hard because I want him there to tell them how proud he is of them. He loved both of them so much. He thought of both them more as sisters. He would have protected and beat up any boy that ever hurt them. I want to hear him give them a hard time and tell them how smart they think they are and how no boy will ever be good enough for them. Stef and Meg, Bryan would be so proud and loved you both so much. He would tell you both to go after your dreams and don't look back. Don't stop till you have reached the stars!
Since it is Mother's Day I decided to end this post on a happy not and with a happy memory or Bryan me and Krystal
When we were living in Peoria, money was tight but the kids had asked if we could go out to lunch for Mother's Day. I said we could but we would have to go somewhere inexpensive and get the cheapest thing on the menu. We chose applebys. While we were waiting to be seated Bryan went to get something from the car. When Bryan was out the door, a gentleman that was leaving asked to talk to Bryan. He asked Bryan if I was a single Mom. Bry said "yes my dad died when I was small." The guy gave him money and told him to treat me to a good Mother's Day lunch and to get me some flowers.
Bryan came back and said we can order whatever we want and get dessert. He then asked if I would take him to Walmart after lunch. I said we can't get whatever we want I don't have enough money for a big dinner. He told me about the gentleman that gave him money. He wouldn't tell me how much he gave him. I took him to walmart and he and Krystal bought flowers and a present for me. Bryan later told me he spent all but $2 for dinner and the presents. He then gave me the change. If you knew Bryan he never gave me back the change! One of the best Mother's Days ever!
Friday, May 11, 2012
Friday, March 16, 2012
8 month mark
Yes it has already been eight months, again this has been the longest and shortest 8 months of my life. Everything is such an emotional roller coaster. The highs are still very high and the lows are still very low. Anything, anyone or anyplace can trigger the tidal wave. I often wonder if it is always going to be this way, I have to say I think the answer is yes. I hope it will get so there is not such vast dips and highs but for now this is life and I am learning to deal with it.There are still many sleepless nights and I almost constantly have a headache.
One of things I hate the most is when I get jealous of when one my friends' kids have lifetime events, like getting married, having babies, graduating from college, going into the military. I don't know how I can be so happy for my friends and so jealous of them at the same time.
These events always make me ask myself and God the questions that have no answers, well at least not in this lifetime. Lately I ask why a lot. Why him? Why me? Why couldn't I get miracle here on earth? Why did God take him to end his addiction? Why does he have to be the example of what not to do? My answer that has come to me in the last few weeks is the same. Why not? and Why do you think you should have been spared? God never said we would not have trials and hard times. In fact he said just the opposite. That is tough one to swallow. The other answer that comes is you are not the only one that has lost a son. There went my pity party pretty quick.
The grief process sucks. There is nothing easy about it. However, I am making progress. Most people won't remember Bryan for all the things I want them to remember him for but when one of his cousins, friends, brother or sister thinks about doing drugs, they may stop and remember how it ended for Bryan and walk away from them. Its not the legacy I want for Bryan but its a legacy and he will be remembered for a very long time by a lot of people. And in the end I think at least one person will not fall into the same trap or at least ask and get the help they need to get out of the trap.
I miss him and always will. I will always jump when the phone rings, I will always have a half a second when I think it might be him. I will also always know deep down because of him someone made the right choice.
One of things I hate the most is when I get jealous of when one my friends' kids have lifetime events, like getting married, having babies, graduating from college, going into the military. I don't know how I can be so happy for my friends and so jealous of them at the same time.
These events always make me ask myself and God the questions that have no answers, well at least not in this lifetime. Lately I ask why a lot. Why him? Why me? Why couldn't I get miracle here on earth? Why did God take him to end his addiction? Why does he have to be the example of what not to do? My answer that has come to me in the last few weeks is the same. Why not? and Why do you think you should have been spared? God never said we would not have trials and hard times. In fact he said just the opposite. That is tough one to swallow. The other answer that comes is you are not the only one that has lost a son. There went my pity party pretty quick.
The grief process sucks. There is nothing easy about it. However, I am making progress. Most people won't remember Bryan for all the things I want them to remember him for but when one of his cousins, friends, brother or sister thinks about doing drugs, they may stop and remember how it ended for Bryan and walk away from them. Its not the legacy I want for Bryan but its a legacy and he will be remembered for a very long time by a lot of people. And in the end I think at least one person will not fall into the same trap or at least ask and get the help they need to get out of the trap.
I miss him and always will. I will always jump when the phone rings, I will always have a half a second when I think it might be him. I will also always know deep down because of him someone made the right choice.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
For good
The last few night I have been missing Bryan. The dreams of the last few times I saw him or talked to him, along with big waves of emotions have come back. Not that they went away completely, the just weren't a prominent part of every moment and every place I go.
I went to Wicked with my girls on Sunday. It was a fabulous play. I had never seen it before. I think it has moved up to my favorite. As I was sitting in the audience before it started and during intermission I keep thinking of the first and only time I took Bryan to a Broadway Production. I took him to Lion King in Salt Lake. I bought tickets for Krys, Bryan and me. not knowing if bryan would want to go or not and thinking I would probably end up taking my niece or sister if he bailed. When I told him about the tickets his eyes lit up and he was almost insulted when I told him he didn't have to go, I could invite someone else to go with me. I couldn't get tickets all together there was 2 seats together and one seat a few rows in front. Bryan volunteered to sit by himself. The guy next to us offered his seat to Bryan. Bryan was so happy he could sit by me. It was always the little things that would make his day. Watching Bryan and Krystal watch the show was such a great Mom moment. I loved both the both of the kids reactions and how they were both so mesmerized by the acting and music. I remember how he posted on facebook "a thug like me is going to the other side and going to be with the high society." I held it together though until towards the end when they sang "For Good". Then tears came to my eyes because they were singing it to me. I know because of Bryan I am a better mom, and I was changed for good because I knew him, because I was blessed to be his Mom.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvWfHIo5-kU
Last night was pretty rough as well. Every time I fell asleep I would dream of him, they were the same dreams I have been having since July 15 but they wouldn't stop and I kept waking up shortly after I fell asleep. I went upstairs and got the blanket I got for him for his last Christmas. There is really nothing special about it but that it is really soft and it was his. I wrapped it around me and went to bed. It was almost like he was wrapping his arms around me and giving me a hug, almost like sleeping with him when he was little and he was sick but this time it was me that need him not the other way around. I don't know what it is about a blanky that can make things better but the big brown blanket made me feel loved by my boy. It also makes me miss him so much. How I wish I could turn the hands of the clock back to the time when he slept with me when he was sick, how there was no place that could make him feel better than being in my bed with my arms around him.
I went to Wicked with my girls on Sunday. It was a fabulous play. I had never seen it before. I think it has moved up to my favorite. As I was sitting in the audience before it started and during intermission I keep thinking of the first and only time I took Bryan to a Broadway Production. I took him to Lion King in Salt Lake. I bought tickets for Krys, Bryan and me. not knowing if bryan would want to go or not and thinking I would probably end up taking my niece or sister if he bailed. When I told him about the tickets his eyes lit up and he was almost insulted when I told him he didn't have to go, I could invite someone else to go with me. I couldn't get tickets all together there was 2 seats together and one seat a few rows in front. Bryan volunteered to sit by himself. The guy next to us offered his seat to Bryan. Bryan was so happy he could sit by me. It was always the little things that would make his day. Watching Bryan and Krystal watch the show was such a great Mom moment. I loved both the both of the kids reactions and how they were both so mesmerized by the acting and music. I remember how he posted on facebook "a thug like me is going to the other side and going to be with the high society." I held it together though until towards the end when they sang "For Good". Then tears came to my eyes because they were singing it to me. I know because of Bryan I am a better mom, and I was changed for good because I knew him, because I was blessed to be his Mom.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvWfHIo5-kU
Last night was pretty rough as well. Every time I fell asleep I would dream of him, they were the same dreams I have been having since July 15 but they wouldn't stop and I kept waking up shortly after I fell asleep. I went upstairs and got the blanket I got for him for his last Christmas. There is really nothing special about it but that it is really soft and it was his. I wrapped it around me and went to bed. It was almost like he was wrapping his arms around me and giving me a hug, almost like sleeping with him when he was little and he was sick but this time it was me that need him not the other way around. I don't know what it is about a blanky that can make things better but the big brown blanket made me feel loved by my boy. It also makes me miss him so much. How I wish I could turn the hands of the clock back to the time when he slept with me when he was sick, how there was no place that could make him feel better than being in my bed with my arms around him.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Things to do for a grieving mom
I saw a blog the other day on what to do for a new mom that inspired me to write a blog on what to do for a grieving Mom. I have talked with a few other mom who have lost a child and some of the feelings and thought are the same as mine. I am not an expert but I know what helps me get through those tough moments.
1. You don't have to know what to say a simple "I am sorry" will work.
2. Listen to her. Let her tell the same story or her experience over and over again. She doesn't get to make new memories and she is processing everything by telling you her experience.
3. Cry with her
4. Don't wait for to ask or call you for help or support. Drop by her house with a treat or lunch for her and offer her support
5. Come over to help her do her everyday chores (laundry, dishes, vacuuming,)
6. Text, call or leave her messages to let her know you are thinking about her. She feels alone and overwhelmed.
7. Bring her meals in disposable dishes so she doesn't have to worry about getting them back to you. If you bring paper plates and disposable silver she won't have to worry about the dishes for one night.
8. Offer to go do errands with her. Gets her out of the house and gives her support if she gets overwhelmed and looses it.
9. Give her a reason to get out of bed.
10. Help her remember the little things.
11. Continue to shower her love long after her loss.
12. Try to remember on her hard days (holidays, anniversary dates, birthdays hers and her child's, Mother's day etc.
13 Give her a gift card for take out for the days she just too overwhelmed to think of dinner.
14. Tell her she is a wonderful mom.
15. Give her a memory box for her small tokens, flowers from the funeral, cards, programs.
16 Give her a present that she can keep and that will remind her of her child (an ornament, nick knack, a picture.
17 If she has older kids offer her a day that you take them and pick them up from their activities.
18. Give her a bouquet of flowers for no reason
19. Share your memories of her child with her.
20. Tell her she has not gone crazy when she can't remember anything.
21. Make her a play list of encouraging songs or Mom songs
22. Tell her its OK for to have a good time with her child
23 Don't tell her child is with a loved one in Heaven. She wants her child with her.
24. Don't take anything personal when she is grieving
25 Don't tell her how strong she is or God wouldn't give this trial. She doesn't feel strong and she doesn't need any other reason to blame herself for her child dying.
26. Laugh with her even if it seems an inappropriate time for laughing
27 Don't judge her when she laughs or cries at inappropriate times.
28. Be willing to leave when she suddenly looses it while you are out with her
29. Understand the emotional wave can hit at anytime
30. Send her a random card
31. Help her write the thank you notes from the funeral.
32. Don't expect her to "get back to normal"
33. Remind her she is not alone.
34. Don't become uncomfortable when when talks about her child
35. Give her scriptures and encouraging quotes, and poems
1. You don't have to know what to say a simple "I am sorry" will work.
2. Listen to her. Let her tell the same story or her experience over and over again. She doesn't get to make new memories and she is processing everything by telling you her experience.
3. Cry with her
4. Don't wait for to ask or call you for help or support. Drop by her house with a treat or lunch for her and offer her support
5. Come over to help her do her everyday chores (laundry, dishes, vacuuming,)
6. Text, call or leave her messages to let her know you are thinking about her. She feels alone and overwhelmed.
7. Bring her meals in disposable dishes so she doesn't have to worry about getting them back to you. If you bring paper plates and disposable silver she won't have to worry about the dishes for one night.
8. Offer to go do errands with her. Gets her out of the house and gives her support if she gets overwhelmed and looses it.
9. Give her a reason to get out of bed.
10. Help her remember the little things.
11. Continue to shower her love long after her loss.
12. Try to remember on her hard days (holidays, anniversary dates, birthdays hers and her child's, Mother's day etc.
13 Give her a gift card for take out for the days she just too overwhelmed to think of dinner.
14. Tell her she is a wonderful mom.
15. Give her a memory box for her small tokens, flowers from the funeral, cards, programs.
16 Give her a present that she can keep and that will remind her of her child (an ornament, nick knack, a picture.
17 If she has older kids offer her a day that you take them and pick them up from their activities.
18. Give her a bouquet of flowers for no reason
19. Share your memories of her child with her.
20. Tell her she has not gone crazy when she can't remember anything.
21. Make her a play list of encouraging songs or Mom songs
22. Tell her its OK for to have a good time with her child
23 Don't tell her child is with a loved one in Heaven. She wants her child with her.
24. Don't take anything personal when she is grieving
25 Don't tell her how strong she is or God wouldn't give this trial. She doesn't feel strong and she doesn't need any other reason to blame herself for her child dying.
26. Laugh with her even if it seems an inappropriate time for laughing
27 Don't judge her when she laughs or cries at inappropriate times.
28. Be willing to leave when she suddenly looses it while you are out with her
29. Understand the emotional wave can hit at anytime
30. Send her a random card
31. Help her write the thank you notes from the funeral.
32. Don't expect her to "get back to normal"
33. Remind her she is not alone.
34. Don't become uncomfortable when when talks about her child
35. Give her scriptures and encouraging quotes, and poems
Friday, February 3, 2012
Still....
Still...
miss miss him.
expect a phone call.
want a different ending
need to hear "Mom I love you"
want to hear "Mom I need money."
want to call him to tell him to come down for a visit
want to hear "I'm aw ight"
crying
my heart is breaking
want him to remembered in a good way
want him to tell me everything will be ok
want to smell my boy
see his face
see the twinkle in his eyes when he smiles
want him to hug me
want to hear about his adventures
want to hear about his girlfriends
need closure
get insomnia thinking of him
don't want to get out of bed
break down at the mention of his name'
want to tell him to pull up his pants
want to hear about the girls in his life
want him to tell me what a pain his sister is
want him to play pranks on us
wish I had him here
want him back
want the pain to take a breather
want to be a normal mom again
do want to answer all the questions
want answers
want my baby boy back
don't understand
miss miss him.
expect a phone call.
want a different ending
need to hear "Mom I love you"
want to hear "Mom I need money."
want to call him to tell him to come down for a visit
want to hear "I'm aw ight"
crying
my heart is breaking
want him to remembered in a good way
want him to tell me everything will be ok
want to smell my boy
see his face
see the twinkle in his eyes when he smiles
want him to hug me
want to hear about his adventures
want to hear about his girlfriends
need closure
get insomnia thinking of him
don't want to get out of bed
break down at the mention of his name'
want to tell him to pull up his pants
want to hear about the girls in his life
want him to tell me what a pain his sister is
want him to play pranks on us
wish I had him here
want him back
want the pain to take a breather
want to be a normal mom again
do want to answer all the questions
want answers
want my baby boy back
don't understand
Friday, January 13, 2012
6 months
This is the third time I have started this post. There is so much I want to say but as I am writing the words are not capturing my feeling or making enough sense for people to read. I don't know if it will all make sense to you but I guess it really only needs to make sense to me. I cant believe on Sunday the 6 month anniversary of Bryan's death will be here.It has been the hardest, slowest, fastest and most emotional six months of my life. The last six months have been life changing to say the least.
One of the hardest thing for me is I want Bryan to be remembered. Not just by me and not only while I am on this earth but afterwards. I know in reality other people remember Bryan but I think a lot of people remember him for his mistakes, mishaps and for other wrong reasons. I want people to remember him for being such funny kid that could make just about anyone smile, not for being so much fun to party with. I want him to be remembered for being such a kind, cool cousin not for being an example of what not to do. I want people stories like when his 2 year old cousin wanted him to read him a story and he didn't want to. He finally told his cousin to get a book and sit on the couch. He took a whole 30 seconds with her by starting with "Once upon a time..." he then proceeded with "blah blah blah blah."as he turned the pages of the story. At the end of the book he said "the end" she said "tanks Bry." She was happy and so was everyone else because he had taken time with her but made us all smile at the "blah blah blah blahs."
I want Bryan to be remembered as loving and respecting his Mom and Grandmas. Protecting his sister from people that made fun of her. I want him to be remembered as being a loyal friend. I want his heart to be remembered not just his mistakes. I want his smile and the spark in his eyes, to be remembered. His smart remarks and his laughter to be remember.
Sometimes I wonder if I will ever stop counting the days weeks and months it been since Bryan died. I think the answer to that is no. I counted them after he was born. I knew how old he was, what time and day he was born as many moms do. But I am more precise with the time after his death. Its hard to explain. Maybe because its only been six months that I know the date and how many weeks days months and hours its been. Maybe the preciseness will stop after awhile. I don't know maybe it is my way of holding on to him. I am not sure of that answer and only time will tell.
I also wonder if time really mends the pain or if the constant thinking of him every hour of every day just dulls the pain. I guess it doesn't matter what happens healing or dulling. Thinking of him doesn't make me cry all the time now. I can get through a couple of weeks now without having a total breakdown.
In reality I know he will be not be remember forever, but I guess not many people are remembered forever. His sisters and brother will have kids and Bryan's name will be mentioned. Then slowly he won't be mentioned much and then not at all. He didn't have kids so there won't be legacy of people that will mention his name just because its Great Grandpa Bryan that was crazy. I guess that's ok too. I will always remember him. I will always donate and do things in memory of Bryan. Someday I won't have to just remember him. I will get to see him in heaven. That seems like a very long time to wait though and a very long time that Bryan will b just a memory and a long time that new memories are not made.
One of the hardest thing for me is I want Bryan to be remembered. Not just by me and not only while I am on this earth but afterwards. I know in reality other people remember Bryan but I think a lot of people remember him for his mistakes, mishaps and for other wrong reasons. I want people to remember him for being such funny kid that could make just about anyone smile, not for being so much fun to party with. I want him to be remembered for being such a kind, cool cousin not for being an example of what not to do. I want people stories like when his 2 year old cousin wanted him to read him a story and he didn't want to. He finally told his cousin to get a book and sit on the couch. He took a whole 30 seconds with her by starting with "Once upon a time..." he then proceeded with "blah blah blah blah."as he turned the pages of the story. At the end of the book he said "the end" she said "tanks Bry." She was happy and so was everyone else because he had taken time with her but made us all smile at the "blah blah blah blahs."
I want Bryan to be remembered as loving and respecting his Mom and Grandmas. Protecting his sister from people that made fun of her. I want him to be remembered as being a loyal friend. I want his heart to be remembered not just his mistakes. I want his smile and the spark in his eyes, to be remembered. His smart remarks and his laughter to be remember.
Sometimes I wonder if I will ever stop counting the days weeks and months it been since Bryan died. I think the answer to that is no. I counted them after he was born. I knew how old he was, what time and day he was born as many moms do. But I am more precise with the time after his death. Its hard to explain. Maybe because its only been six months that I know the date and how many weeks days months and hours its been. Maybe the preciseness will stop after awhile. I don't know maybe it is my way of holding on to him. I am not sure of that answer and only time will tell.
I also wonder if time really mends the pain or if the constant thinking of him every hour of every day just dulls the pain. I guess it doesn't matter what happens healing or dulling. Thinking of him doesn't make me cry all the time now. I can get through a couple of weeks now without having a total breakdown.
In reality I know he will be not be remember forever, but I guess not many people are remembered forever. His sisters and brother will have kids and Bryan's name will be mentioned. Then slowly he won't be mentioned much and then not at all. He didn't have kids so there won't be legacy of people that will mention his name just because its Great Grandpa Bryan that was crazy. I guess that's ok too. I will always remember him. I will always donate and do things in memory of Bryan. Someday I won't have to just remember him. I will get to see him in heaven. That seems like a very long time to wait though and a very long time that Bryan will b just a memory and a long time that new memories are not made.
Friday, January 6, 2012
The new year
As the 2012 starts, I know it will be filled with bittersweet memories. I will make many new good memories and there will be many memories from the past. this year will also be a year of getting through a whole year with Bryan. The new year started about a week ago. the thought of a year with out Bryan is almost overwhelming. I have the awful month of Febuary, Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, birthdays and then the holidays to look forward too.With each day, week, month, and holiday that passes, it is one more I make it with out Bryan and one more day of memories that I make with my friends, family and loved ones. In my brain, I know Bryan is in a better place and he has gone to his permanent homebut thatt knowledge hasn't reached my heart yet. The brain and heart is going to take a lot of time before they are on the same page
This week one of my friends asked how I was doing, when I answered the standard "I am Ok". She then said, it seems you are doing great. It seems like you have move on and you are dealing with Bryan and everything pretty well. With new year, I am sure you will do even better with more time." I thanked her and thought I am a pretty good actor." If she only knew how many times I cry and totally loose it, how many nights I can't sleep because I still think of all the should have and could have, or if I was a better mom he would have made better choices. She didn't see me have a complete break down when we put up and took down the tree. I don't think I am ever going to be able to completely move on but I will agree with her I am doing better and I am learning to continue with my life without the firest truest love I had. I will always have a huge whole in my heart where there is supposed to be added memories of Bryan. My Broken feelings from never hearing his voice again or feeling him in my arms.
As the year begins it brings up new questions for me. I just got used to answering how many kids do you have and what are your older kids doing? Now as my kids have their birthdays , and I am asked how old my kids are, do I answer that Bryan is 25 or 26?? If he stays 25 that is just weird that Krys, Kyle and Heather will be older than him. And if he is 26 that too is wierd. And if I say He would have been 26 that opens up a another can of worms because then I have to explain everything again. I know this is pretty minor in the big picture but think about how many times you are asked how old your kids are? This is just one more thought that keeps me up at night.
As time moves on I can honestly say I am going to make it. Little things are still going to be the precursor for me having a breakdown. However the little things ar also the precursor to happy memories that make me smile. 2012 is going to be year of change and adjustment I am can tell you that I will make as long as the world doesn't end. ;)
This week one of my friends asked how I was doing, when I answered the standard "I am Ok". She then said, it seems you are doing great. It seems like you have move on and you are dealing with Bryan and everything pretty well. With new year, I am sure you will do even better with more time." I thanked her and thought I am a pretty good actor." If she only knew how many times I cry and totally loose it, how many nights I can't sleep because I still think of all the should have and could have, or if I was a better mom he would have made better choices. She didn't see me have a complete break down when we put up and took down the tree. I don't think I am ever going to be able to completely move on but I will agree with her I am doing better and I am learning to continue with my life without the firest truest love I had. I will always have a huge whole in my heart where there is supposed to be added memories of Bryan. My Broken feelings from never hearing his voice again or feeling him in my arms.
As the year begins it brings up new questions for me. I just got used to answering how many kids do you have and what are your older kids doing? Now as my kids have their birthdays , and I am asked how old my kids are, do I answer that Bryan is 25 or 26?? If he stays 25 that is just weird that Krys, Kyle and Heather will be older than him. And if he is 26 that too is wierd. And if I say He would have been 26 that opens up a another can of worms because then I have to explain everything again. I know this is pretty minor in the big picture but think about how many times you are asked how old your kids are? This is just one more thought that keeps me up at night.
As time moves on I can honestly say I am going to make it. Little things are still going to be the precursor for me having a breakdown. However the little things ar also the precursor to happy memories that make me smile. 2012 is going to be year of change and adjustment I am can tell you that I will make as long as the world doesn't end. ;)
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