This is such a poignant post and in its way - guiding, so thank you for your honesty.
I was once told I was co-dependent. Husband and I are both co-dependent; definitely. It's how we have loved and lived for 47 years. But I'm trying to be independent - to forge my own life so that if he pre-deceases me, I am able to manage and be generally happy (such an ordinary word for a difficult time).
I use my mother as inspiration really. She was immensely codependent but very strong. When Dad died, she grieved until the day she died but she still moved on until that day, with positivity, managing her life in all its facets. Lonely? Yes. Wanting her husband back? Yes. But managing, and always with a smile and placing one step in front of the other. I hope I can be like her when I grow up.
Wonderful piece, Janice. Thanks for sharing it with us. My library, Interloan just phoned to tell me that Luke’s book is waiting for me at my local library. Can’t wait to dig in.
I got choked up reading your take-home lessons from Luke's book. I think you should write a book yourself Janice, because everything you are sharing is so tremendously helpful and inspiring.
It's awesome to hear you say you are going to shift your focus away from what you should have done and focus on how much you did do. From this side of the screen it seems like you did everything you could, with what you had, at a very difficult time.
Much to unpack, the images are beautiful and... thank you for this beautiful post. You are coming from such a vulnerable place, and yet you show us what gets you through, and gives the rest of us courage to see things in a different light. Thank you.
Thank you Janice for including Luke Russert's here. I will look for his book. He writes beautifully about a subject that pertains to me. I have so much left to learn! Loved your mini travellog, the photos, and the comparison of the ridiculous and the sublime that make up EVERY trip.
The Trip
This is such a poignant post and in its way - guiding, so thank you for your honesty.
I was once told I was co-dependent. Husband and I are both co-dependent; definitely. It's how we have loved and lived for 47 years. But I'm trying to be independent - to forge my own life so that if he pre-deceases me, I am able to manage and be generally happy (such an ordinary word for a difficult time).
I use my mother as inspiration really. She was immensely codependent but very strong. When Dad died, she grieved until the day she died but she still moved on until that day, with positivity, managing her life in all its facets. Lonely? Yes. Wanting her husband back? Yes. But managing, and always with a smile and placing one step in front of the other. I hope I can be like her when I grow up.
Your posts are incredible. So real and moving. Thank you for being so open and eloquent about it.
On a lighter note, Tim Russert is the pride of Buffalo, New York! I grew up in Western New York, just outside of Buffalo.
Wonderful piece, Janice. Thanks for sharing it with us. My library, Interloan just phoned to tell me that Luke’s book is waiting for me at my local library. Can’t wait to dig in.
I got choked up reading your take-home lessons from Luke's book. I think you should write a book yourself Janice, because everything you are sharing is so tremendously helpful and inspiring.
It's awesome to hear you say you are going to shift your focus away from what you should have done and focus on how much you did do. From this side of the screen it seems like you did everything you could, with what you had, at a very difficult time.
Wow, Janice! That post was awesome and I truly needed to hear your words of truth and encouragement! Can’t wait to read Luke’s book!
Congratulations on the turning point. It sounds like a great trip to the parks
Much to unpack, the images are beautiful and... thank you for this beautiful post. You are coming from such a vulnerable place, and yet you show us what gets you through, and gives the rest of us courage to see things in a different light. Thank you.
Keep these posts coming. The journey you are on through your grief is so important. I’m glad you’re here sharing your wisdom.
Thank you Janice for including Luke Russert's here. I will look for his book. He writes beautifully about a subject that pertains to me. I have so much left to learn! Loved your mini travellog, the photos, and the comparison of the ridiculous and the sublime that make up EVERY trip.
1,500 miles, yet so many important steps for you. My heart feels good for you right now. ❤
That’s wonderful, exciting news!!! Hopeful for the rest of us too. {{Hugs}}