As I noted to my dad, our plates were full, and about 1/2 of those plates were devoted to Mom's care. Now that Mom is gone, there's a 1/2 plate that's empty and it's a start of a new routine. Mom's care in the end was physically and emotionally challenging for all involved. No one wants to see a loved one sick and suffering. Yet, now that she's gone, we're easing into a new routine, a routine that includes sadness and loss as well as perennial desire to live a good life.
What will that new routine include.
First on the agenda is getting outside into nature to walk and walk some more. This is something we can all do, and something that makes us feel good. That's positive.
There's also a lot of thank you notes to write. People were so loving, kind and generous to us during Mom's illness, death and related ceremonies. We want to acknowledge that warmth and kindness.
Then, there's also some house updating--a bit of rearranging to make our homes warm and welcoming for the holiday season and beyond.
And, creating events to look forward to--when there are events to prepare for and look forward to, life takes on more meaning and interest. For example, next summer there's the annual mountain trip, and right now there are family holiday celebrations. We'll likely add a few more events to the list.
Upcoming holidays also means that there's some gift creation and preparation to do as well.
We're easing into a new routine--a healthy routine to support the good living ahead. Onward.