Friday, September 25, 2009

Only 9 days

Here's a picture, taken a year ago, of Steve and Daddy Jack. Aren't they two handsome, peas in a pod? Everyone says how much they look alike.
We cherish this picture more than words can say
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It's been 9 days since they found Daddy Jack. Some days it seems like 9 years and other days it seems like it's been 9 minutes. It's a weird set of emotions that takes over when you loose someone close. People say it takes time, and from past experience, I know it does, but remember-I'm not the most patient person in the world....which can lead to problems.
It's only been 9 days.

We've had a very busy week. To say that we're all horribly tired would be an understatement. We are physically, emotionally and mentally exhausted. I had no idea there was so much to do and understand when a parent or parent in law dies! I knew my parents and my Dad's siblings had a lot to deal with when Grandma and Grandpa died, but I had no idea just how much...
until the last 9 days.

I told a girl at work today that I've learned so much about death and things to do when it happens. I said at some point, I'm going to write these things down, make copies and hand them out to people I know. I mean really, losing a parent is something that we all may experience in our lifetime and I think it's best to be prepared. But that's something I'll do later...
it's only been 9 days.

I went back to work on Wednesday and worked until 1:00 every day. I'd get off, do an errand or two and then go over to Dad's with Steve and the girls (his sisters). We have worked and worked on Dad's 500 square foot apartment. We've laughed, we've told stories, we've cried..heck, we even had a big blow up with their psycho Mom (I can say that on here-I call her this in front of Steve and he agrees with me)! We've still got quite a bit of work to do, but hopefully we'll finish up the majority of it this weekend. Considering what we've done though we've done well.
It's only been 9 days.

Steve and the girls met with the Attorney yesterday and he's starting all the paperwork to get things through probate. Because Daddy Jack didn't have a will, we have a 45 day waiting period. We hate that it's going to take so long, but can't really do anything about it. The girls and Steve have gotten along great since Sunday (there was a bit of a falling out between Steve and the younger sister earlier last week), though and they are in agreement as to who wants what.
It's hard to believe it's only been 9 days.

Let me tell you too-you can't imagine what all you learn about a person until you go through their stuff. The pictures, the old letters, the food...not to mention other things! Let me just say that I bet Daddy Jack is in heaven watching us kids going through stuff and just shaking his head in disbelief (and maybe even a little embarrassment!). Oh the things you can learn
in only 9 days.

We are working at Daddy Jack's again tomorrow with the girl's and with Mechelle's boyfriend Todd. Tomorrow night the girls and Todd are coming over for dinner. While here, we're going to go through some old video's, pictures, letters that Dad kept over the years, and just try to relax and remember. I'm sure there will be LOTS of laughter, LOTS of stories and even probably LOTS of tears shed. It'll be fun though.....and no matter what, we have to remember that
it's only been 9 days.

Some may know about the big falling out that Steve and his little sister, Mechelle, had when all this first started. I think stress was the biggest factor there. Once Sunday came around and we all saw each other at the visitation, things got better. Now-things are great between all of us. It's been fun for me to see Steve interact with his sisters, and they are so much alike! I understand now how my Mom can be so close to my Dad's siblings! Mechelle and her boyfriend, Todd, live in the Lee's Summit, Missouri area. I told Steve tonight that I'm really going to miss them when they go back home. It's hard to believe that I've gotten this attached to them after
only 9 days.

I'm tired and worn out. We all are. We still have a lot to do, but we're making progress and that's a good thing. Thank you for supporting us and praying for us throughout the whole ordeal. Please don't stop-we still need them. After all,
it's only been 9 days.

2 comments:

JulieAnn said...

Loved reading this. This really opened a window for me to see in on some of what you've been going through. We can't speed time, and it is good to remember that the whole grieving process will take much longer then 9 days. My prayers continue to go out to you and Steve. Hugs and Love coming your way!

Annette said...

Hugs to you. This is a beautiful account of what you're dealing with. Prayers are with you. Love you!