About a month ago, I wrapped up a bottle drive for my cousin Jimmy, who was given a couple months to live (the month before) with end stage cancer.
Last night, he officially outlived his wife. She passed away, leaving Jimmy and their three kids, who know they will be losing their father as well soon.
Last night was a bad night for the whole family and relatives. Barbie was her name, and she will be missed by all who knew her. But especially, my heart goes out to their kids. And to Jimmy.
@MidnightRider thank you 💓💓💓
@Jax_Wild_4_Life An awful situation for all involved. I'll keep them in my prayers.
@stueytheround thank you so much, Stuey! 💓💓💓
@Jax_Wild_4_Life I am so sorry for your loss and theirs.
@jds_again thank you so much 💓💓💓
@Jax_Wild_4_Life Awfully sorry for your loss. May merciful and comforting arms hold you close.
@Pat_Walrond thank you so much 💓💓💓💓
@Jax_Wild_4_Life what age are the children?
I know @damselfly59 is in touch with a group that helps young people process death of a parent.
You and the family may also find Megan Devine and her books on unexpected death useful
@Mauve_matelot @Jax_Wild_4_Life
Jax
First 🖤 💧 words are hard right now. Know what you are and will be going through.
I do have a resource for kids under 18 highly recommended. If interested let me know your state. If hospice is involved ask for a referral to a grief counselor for any age. They also provide a social worker and spiritual counselor for now to prepare for the event itself.
If you would like me to dm more information, let me know.
I am so sorry for all your loss. 🖤
@damselfly59
Thank you so much. I know those kids need all the help they can get. We're actually in Canada, in the province of Nova Scotia. These kids are dealing with layers of grief beyond words. So much loss.
@Jax_Wild_4_Life @Mauve_matelot
I will get some resources together.
The biggest healing I've seen is kids talking to other kids with loss. It helps them to know they are not alone in loss and my personal belief is it kicks in empathy for others which helps neutralize the self destructive part of grief.
So very sorry. 💧
If dad is healthy enough a memory making trip for them all is both distracting and a good memory to hold onto. A break from the pain of death.
Be back within a day.
@Mauve_matelot @Jax_Wild_4_Life
I am so excited!!!! My dad held a grief camp for kids based on the Dougy Center's approach. I knew there were only a few centers but luckily there is one in Nova Scotia!!! And it has expanded to young adults. This first link is to a pdf with resource links within.
https://www.dougy.org › assetsPDF
2021-Newsletter.pdf - The Dougy Center
@Mauve_matelot thank you so much! The twins are 17 (the two youngest) and the oldest is 21.
@Jax_Wild_4_Life @Mauve_matelot
The podcast I just posted mentioned 40 day support system. Having someone who can help with the every day living and funeral arrangements. I know it is hard to accomplish but can see the value of trying in maybe a rotational way or in an every day check in.
#grief
@Jax_Wild_4_Life
Jax, I am so sorry to hear this, it is tragic. 💔 Just... I hope they find help, both practical and something to comfort their hearts somehow.
@janallmac thank you & I hope so too. Those kids need all the help they can get, that's for sure. Layers upon layers of grief piled on those young lives... my heart breaks for them...
@Jax_Wild_4_Life Oh no. I'm so sorry.
@smittycanada1 thank you 💓💓💓
@Jax_Wild_4_Life hey beautiful, how are you and the family?
I know October was rather rough for you all. I am thinking of you often and hope you are able to make some good memories soon.
@Mauve_matelot hi there, Eleanor! Thanks so much for reaching out 😊💓💓
Things are okay, and my cousin is still hanging on. He's got one helluva strong heart (physically and spiritually)!
My daughter is back at school (PP - but she was sick for a couple weeks and missed trick or treating this Halloween, but we did a Halloween Hunt in lieu, which was a blast).
I've been trying like hell to level up spiritually, but I think my biggest problem is to stop fighting what is and go with the flow..
@Mauve_matelot apart from all that, I'm well, and we're all doing okay.. I am blessed, we are blessed and we're doing what we can day by day.
I hope you are well 💓💓💓 sending love and positive vibes your way 💓💓💓
@Jax_Wild_4_Life glad to hear from you, the Halloween hunt sounds great fun. Was it like how many skeletons can you spot from the car or a wildlife walk seeing what is visible/collectable like red leaves, nut cases?
@Mauve_matelot it was actually more like an Easter egg hunt but in the house and for Halloween lol (she still managed to get all kinds of treats). Although your idea would have been healthier, I kept her home so that she wouldn't spread her cold to others on the walk.
@Jax_Wild_4_Life I am glad your family enjoyed Halloween in the comfort of your own home.
@Mauve_matelot thank you 😊
Hopefully, next year, she'll get out for some trick or treats
@Jax_Wild_4_Life have I missed an update on Jimmy and the family?
I woke up, thinking of them.
@Mauve_matelot oh I'm sorry I haven't properly updated. Jimmy and his wife both passed away about 5 weeks in the difference from each other and the kids are still living in their family home.
Jimmy's wife didn't want a funeral, nor a wake, but they did wake her. Then when Jimmy passed, he was waked, and then a funeral service was held for both Jimmy and wife together. Her ashes were placed in his arms. My daughter and I were sick, so we couldn't go, but I'm told it was a beautiful service.
@Jax_Wild_4_Life thank you for this update. I really appreciate it.
I know how time goes strange after a funeral
@Jax_Wild_4_Life I'm sorry