This is going to be sad; be forwarned and maybe come back tomorrow when there
will likely be a Honey Boo Boo recap.
Yesterday I received word that a friend died.
This is the best friend of one of my best friends and I have been with her often over the past 20 years. She was in her early 50’s and died of bladder cancer. She was diagnosed 13 months ago and it was swift and mean. She was helpful to me several times in her capacity as a school psychologist and I will forever be grateful for her guidance. She had one child, a daughter that turned 12 yesterday.
How do you recover from your mother dying on your 12th birthday?
For all the work I have done in grief and bereavement, I have never seen that one. Every year her birthday is the anniversary of that devastating loss. Last night, I was tearful as I was trying to go to sleep with the recurring thought of how the birth of her daughter on that date, September 19, 2000, was the happiest day of her life.
It is sad and horrible and such a loss for her family and friends.
My dear friend, who was with her when she died, told me today that it worked out okay that it was her birthday and that she would explain it all to me when she was able. My friend is the child’s godmother, and has been very involved with them during her illness. Because of family and the love of her godmother, I know that the child will be alright and have as much support and love as she needs to get through this.
My children need me so much. Jumping Bean texts me constantly when I’m not here and has gotten in the car 2x this week and burst into tears because of ‘little girl drama’ at school. She needs me to guide her and hold her hand. I can’t imagine them without me. Or me without them.
Life is hard and often sad. We just have to try to make it worth the ride.
Have a peaceful journey, Margaret. You are well loved.
Many years ago, Margaret taught my children to swim. She was awesome and she will be missed.