Thursday, January 8, 2026

The hardest part of today was watching them carry my Mom out of the house. My DH was asked to help carry her and that somehow made me feel better, that someone who loved her helped her on her way. She will be cremated, and later this summer we will spread her ashes under a pine tree, special to our family, on our family land, that was once a part of my grandparents farm.

My brother went home before the funeral director arrived. He was up with Mom most of the night and is exhausted. We are staying with my Dad for now.

My Dad is talking nonstop. He's going to crash eventually.

I am planning the service, DB turned everything over to me. I wrote the obituary, and will meet with the funeral director tomorrow.

A quote I will not use at the funeral: And I loved them in all their flawed, outrageous humanity : Prince of Tides, Pat Conroy

Thank you so much for all your care.

That's a lot in your shoulders, DD. Though I can't imagine more capable shoulders than yours!

Wonderful quote. My Mom was a rather nasty alcoholic for more than 30 years beginning when I was 14. Though the later years with her were good our relationship was never the close mother/daughter one that many of my friends had. That quote applies well to my mother too.

A lot to do, but that can be helpful in this stage.

I have been wondering how your Dad will manage alone. I'm sure you are all thinking about that too.

Beautiful obit DD. You can tell it was written by an English teacher. Good on you for letting your brother rest after the all night thing. Let the funeral director earn their money by much planning. Thinking of you. ds

Just saw this that was posted today:

I have started to wonder if it will be difficult to get a new prescription at only a maintenance level. Hopefully my new doctor will be okay with that.

I was wondering if people in maintenance would even qualify! Hoping so, but I still have 4.5 years to get to Medicare!