You have no idea how many times I’ve typed and re-typed this. Nothing sounds right.
A member of my immediate family passed away this weekend. This perfunctory blog post is insufficient, but I feel like I know many of you so I wouldn’t have felt right about saying nothing. We have not yet published the obituary, which is partly why I’m not sharing any details. I’m also trying to be delicate and respectful, but I quite frankly have no idea what is or isn’t appropriate.
It’s a heartbreaking time for my family. I just wanted you to know that I’m going to be a bit absent from the blog this week.
Oh Tanya, I'm so sorry to hear that, my condolences. Wishing you and your family strength at this difficult time.
Thanks you so much Patricia.
I am so sorry for you loss. I pray for you and your family. Take all the time you need!
Thank you, Adrienne, I appreciate it!
So sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences to you and your family. Linda
Thank you, Linda. My family was really touched to hear so many readers left their condolences.
Dear Tanya, so sorry to hear your news. My sympathies and thoughts are with you and your family. Virtual hugs from London, UK. Laura
Thank you Laura! That means a lot to me.
my thoughts are with you and your family, tanya.
Thanks Cassie!
I'm so very sorry that you've lost someone in your family. I will keep you in my prayers.
Thank you Sara. I appreciate it. Unfortunately, it's something we all face. I've been very lucky thus far. Very untouched by death.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Thank you Liz, I appreciate it.
You and your family are in my thoughts. Take your time. Much love.
Thank you so much Anna!
So very sorry! Sending prayers your way.
Thanks Annie, that's so kind of you.
sending lots of good vibes your way- hope you're all getting through it the best you can! snuggle that pup of yours š
Thanks! It's inevitable, really, that we all go through this somehow, sometime. We're all doing well. And yes, having Szuka made it easier. But she knew something was up and we ended up leaving her alone a lot during the day. She was very glum-looking, but lifted everyone's spirits.
You and your family are in my thoughts. Take all the time you need.
Thanks Amy! It's amazing how two weeks have gone by already. It's so easy to lose track of time…
I'm thinking about you and your family, and I'm sending you much love and my heartfelt condolences
Thank you so much Dana. I passed on your condolences to my family. As my aunt said, "this just sucks". But we're doing alright.
So sorry for your loss. Take the time you need and know that all of us are thinking of you.
Thank you! That means a lot to me.
Thinking of you and your family Tanya.
Thanks Amelia. I appreciate it.
So sorry to hear of your loss. Family first, we all understand that and will be sending good vibes your way until you return.
Thanks! I appreciate the good vibes immensely. It's so nice to hear.
My condolences doll. Take care of you and yours š
Thanks š I'm trying my best! Trying to be a good support. Got lots of get togethers and distractions planned. Oh and we also finished off a bottle of cloud-berry liqueur, lol. It helped.
Tanya, my deepest and heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I have nothing that I can tell you to ease the pain and grief during this time. My thoughts are with you, take the time that you need to process and grieve this loss in your life.
Thank you Ellen. It's so awful for everyone. It was hard watching people struggle to find the right words – friends and family filled with grief themselves but trying to make the immediate relatives feel better. It's terrible, but we all go through it and it's a comfort to know we're not alone. Thanks for your kind words.
I'm so sorry for your loss, Tanya.
Thank you
So very sorry for your loss Tanya. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Thanks Jen, I appreciate it.
Thinking of you in these difficult times!AriadnefromGreece!
Thanks Ariadne. It's so nice to have good vibes coming from all over the world š
Oh Tanya, I'm so sorry to hear this sad news. I will be thinking of your and your family during your absence.
Thank you Ann.
I'm so sorry to hear this.Be well.
Thank you.
Oh Tanya, I am so saddened to hear of your loss. I wish for you and your family that you may find comfort during this difficult time.
Me too. Sadly, we all go through this but I am comforted in the knowledge that this was his time. It was meant to be.
So sorry to hear this–my heartfelt sympathies!
Thank you Cindy, I appreciate it.
Hello Tanya….Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.Take care,Ria
Thanks, Ria, that means a lot to me. My family hasn't met you, but I've talked so much about you that they feel like they have!
I am so sorry. May the love of your family and friends comfort you.
Thank you Nikki. It's amazing how something like this can really draw people closer. It's been nice to feel more connected to some of my family members.
Tanya, sending you and your family comforting thoughts.
Thank you, I appreciate it.
I am sorry.
Thank you.
I'm so sorry for your loss, Tanya. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. – Shannon from An Inspired Nest
Thanks Shannon, that means a lot to me.
Wishing your family more peaceful days ahead.
Thank you. I hope so!
Tanya, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time…
Thank you, I appreciate it.
So sorry for your loss. Peace.
Thank you, Terry.
Dearest Tanya!!!I'm so very sorry. Please take care of yourself and be with your loved ones at this time knowing our hearts are with you!!Pamxox
Thank you Pam. The two weeks really flew by! Everyone has returned to work and hobbies, eager to keep busy, so I have followed suit. But I am making sure that family stays my first priority from now on. It was a wake up call for me.
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. š
Thank you.
I'm so sorry to hear this Tanya! Thinking of you!
Thanks, Brynne
Tanya, There are no words at a time like this. The feelings are overwhelming and come in waves. Just when you think you've got a handle on it, you find yourself weeping for no apparent reason. Remember them and tell stories about them to each other. When I was little, we always went back to the church hall or to the family home after the funeral and we would eat and talk about the person who was missing and after a while the noise of talking would rise and there would be laughter as we remembered the silly things, the good things, and all the things that made them our relative – our friend. I hope you will find the memories filling as they push the hurt out of your heart.
Thank you so much for your comment. You're right: the feelings come in waves. I'd think I was okay, and all of a sudden I'd burst into tears. I had to pull over this week because I started crying in the truck. It caught me off guard, because I'd been okay for so long. Overall, though, we're doing well. We did exactly as you said. The funeral was done beautifully and was catered after, then we met as a family. Some of us hadn't seen each other in awhile. By that point we felt exhausted, but it was good to remember and tell stories. Looking through the photos albums for a slideshow the funeral home put together was actually a really good experience. We spent a few evenings pouring over photos, sharing memories. It was nice, despite the circumstances. It happens to all of us – a fact of life. But sharing with family made it bearable. We'll have to keep doing so, to keep the memories alive.
Tanya, I popped over to your blog and saw the sad news. Just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you and I'm so sorry for your loss.
Thanks Miriam, I appreciate it.
So sorry for your loss. May the memories of your loved one comfort you as you mourn this loss and as gentle as a snowflake, may peace come to your heart.
Thank you. That was really beautiful.
I'm so sorry for you loss Tanya. -Emily
Thanks Emily.
I just saw this post. My condolences to you and your family. I hope you are finding comfort in the arms of your family and friends.
Thank you, I have. I have also tried to be there for others who were much closer and more deeply effected. I provided cheesecake. Lots and lots of cheesecake.
Hi Tanya, I am just getting caught up my blog reading and just seeing this now. I just wanted to say I am so sorry for your loss. Take care of yourself and hug those you are close with!
Thanks Meagan! I appreciate your kind words š