Friday evening my husband and I watched a DVD rental - 17 Again. Who would have guessed a movie about a 30 something Dad returning to his glory days of high school could be so good? The movie was just what I needed - a lifeline to lift my spirits up out of the sea of sadness and anguish I've been wading through since my Dad died. I'll take my light-hearted, feel-good moments any way they come.
Saturday morning we broke our routines. We got out of bed, got dressed, skipped breakfast and drove downtown - about a 20 minute drive to Greenville (SC). We got in line on a beautiful sunny morning to purchase tickets to the Broadway show, Wicked, coming in Feb. We managed to nab 2 premium tickets on day 1 of this sale (at a premium price of course!). That will be something to look forward to in the coming months.
Saturday evening we met friends for a quiet dinner and conversation.
My week is ending differently than how it began, mirroring the ups and downs of the grieving process. The emotional intensity and nights of interrupted sleep earlier this week have eased up. I've slept through the night three nights in a row. I experience small moments of lightness.
Some people have described losing the second parent as akin to becoming an orphan. Since the word 'orphan" conjures up children in my mind, that comparison doesn't fit for me. Rather losing a second parent feels like there's a new crack in the foundation of my life. Although my foundation remains strong, the crack is permanent.
In the weeks ahead my energy will gradually return. And in the weeks and months ahead lie the big grief triggers . . . settling Dad's estate; Thanksgiving; Christmas; St Patricks Day; Dad's birthday; and Fathers Day. I'll do my best to take it one day at a time, and remember to keep coming up for air.
[Photo Credit: Patita_Rds]
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