This is very hard to write, much less post. But you're probably wondering why there haven't been any posts here lately, so I thought I should explain why.
You may remember that I mentioned an illness in the family several months ago. The family member in question was my father, and there for a while, we had a lot of cause for optimism. But last weekend, he unexpectedly got worse, and a week ago today he slipped away, very quietly, while I was still thinking he'd be all right. I hope that none of you out there ever have to receive a predawn phone call from a hospital.
Nearly everyone loses their parents at some point in their lives, but I wasn't expecting to lose one of mine before I turned thirty. I've been away attending to administrative matters and helping to arrange the funeral, which was yesterday. I would say that it provided some sense of closure, but I'm still numb.
There aren't any more words. There will be, eventually, but now I can't write anything else. In large part because writing it makes it more real.
I'm very sorry for your loss.
Posted by: tangognat | May 22, 2005 at 06:48 PM
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Posted by: wolfangel | May 22, 2005 at 08:19 PM
*hugs*
Posted by: yami | May 22, 2005 at 08:53 PM
My sincere condolences. Be well.
Posted by: Dorothea Salo | May 22, 2005 at 08:54 PM
This is very sad news. I feel for you and your family.
Posted by: George | May 22, 2005 at 11:01 PM
Take care, Amanda. I hope you're OK.
Know that the writing helps. It really does.
Posted by: Mike | May 22, 2005 at 11:40 PM
I'm so sorry, Amanda.
Posted by: cindy | May 23, 2005 at 04:10 PM
Mia cara, I'm so very sorry. Take care.
Posted by: Sarah | May 23, 2005 at 05:13 PM
I'm very sorry to read about your loss. My father died before I was thirty and it was a very hard and a very confusing time. I found that the grief moved in waves, very slowly ebbing and then taking me by suprise at the oddest times. Be gentle with yourself.
Posted by: Heather | May 23, 2005 at 07:28 PM
Oh, lord, I'm so sorry. Make sure to take good care of yourself.
Posted by: Harrison | May 23, 2005 at 10:21 PM
Amanda, I am so very sorry to hear this. I know what the pre-dawn call is like as my father-in-law passed away in the early morning hours at a hospital as well but I personally have never sustained a loss like yours. I hope that you and your family and friends can take care of each other and find the solace you need as you grieve. My thoughts are with you.
Posted by: Michelle | May 24, 2005 at 11:30 AM
There's nothing good or easy about this kind of thing, Amanda--I've been there. My heart goes out to you....t
Posted by: Terry Teachout | May 24, 2005 at 12:45 PM
I'm so sorry. Look after yourself and mourn well.
Posted by: qB | May 24, 2005 at 04:00 PM
Hugs, Amanda.
Posted by: dale | May 24, 2005 at 04:09 PM
I'm so sorry to hear that! Take care of yourself; my prayers are with you.
Posted by: Bane | May 24, 2005 at 10:17 PM
Here's a virtual hug, words don't mean much at times like this.
Posted by: loren | May 25, 2005 at 10:33 AM
I'm sorry for your loss. take care, take time.
Posted by: timna | May 25, 2005 at 12:36 PM
Amanda, I'm so sorry to learn of your loss. I'm thinking of you. With heartfelt condolences from a fellow Fellow . . .
Posted by: Patricia | May 25, 2005 at 01:53 PM
Thank you, all of you. Your kind words mean a lot, even though I can't really get the words out to say so right now. But they do.
Posted by: Amanda | May 30, 2005 at 12:17 PM
I thought it was brave of you to write that. Take your time, Amanda.
Posted by: Fred | June 01, 2005 at 07:01 AM
I've been there recently, both father and father-in-law. My heart is with you.
Posted by: chick | July 01, 2005 at 09:53 AM