I consider myself pretty flexible but when COVID hit in 2020 it challenged me in many ways. Although challenged, we did find new ways to connect. I started using FaceTime more with my mom so I could see her. We wanted to make sure she stayed safe so we did not visit often or if we did it was window conversations. COVID physically kept us apart but we were still always close through texts, phone calls, and FaceTime.
Then, vaccinations came and mom was excited to get hers and so was I because then, once fully vaccinated we could be in proximity of one another again when inside. She was always safe, wearing her mask when going places but we could be together at her apartment (safely distanced) and talk. We also could hug again.
When it was time for our boosters – she was ready and so was I. We were doing the things it took to be safe.
Then something other than COVID struck. Cancer. Cancer sucks. On January 17th mom went to the doctor and had a CT scan. A couple weeks later we found out she had 3 masses and one tumor. She then was scheduled for a liver biopsy and PET scan. Two weeks later I took her for her PET scan. We went for a late lunch/early dinner at El Pueblo. Little did I know that would be my last meal with my mom. I remember the conversations that day – my nephew Ryan stopped by – we were talking about finding a one level space for mom and Ryan said he wanted to buy a house and she could move in with him. Mom had options – we were exploring those options.
From that day on she steadily declined. I made the decision to not see her on my birthday because she was so tired – I wanted her to rest and not feel like she had to spend time with me. She didn’t call on my birthday. She didn’t text. I called her and left a message on that Sunday. I texted her each day after that. I called her on Wednesday and left a message telling her that we all looked forward to hearing about what the doctor would say and know what treatment she would need. I also told her that I would be there if I could. But, yet again, COVID strikes. Only one person could be with mom for her appointments. My sister always went with her because she is a nurse and most knowledgeable. It made sense. But it was hard to not be with her.
Yes, COVID has attacked our life over a span of 2 years by changing the way we operated. I didn’t think 2022 could be worse than 2020 and 2021. Yet these two months have been the hardest with the loss of my husband’s mother, the loss of my mother, and now a fractured foot. I try to have a positive outlook on everything – I savored slowing down a bit in life during the pandemic, but now I realize COVID robbed me of time with family and with my mom. I realize this happened to many and yes that stinks. I also realize that my mom had 81 beautiful years of life and I got to spend 43 years of those with her and that is a blessing. I realize that the grief I have right now and the anger I have toward our circumstances will be put into perspective later. But right now I am going to live in the moment – feel what I feel – give myself grace as I continue to grieve. One day I know I will be able to see the silver lining of the past few years but right now I don’t want to and that’s okay.
Love the Grey! 
Wow, that is a lot to go through. Give yourself grace, look for someone to talk to, and do something to make you happy. I run Marathons to raise money for the Imeraman Angels cancer charity. That’s how I dealt with losing my mom to cancer. You should Google them and decide if they would be the right help for you. Keep your head up.
Thank you for the recommendation – I will definitely check. I also run marathons and when mom passed I immediately knew I would start running for her and a cancer charity yet haven’t chosen which one yet. I will be able to think about it in that way too. We don’t know the pathology of the origination of her cancer yet hoping to know soon. It all happened quickly for us.
I first off want to thank you for your strength in sharing this post. I cannot even imagine what these past couple of years have been like for you. I think what you said about living in the moment and feeling what you feel is so important to healing and growth. So many times I have found that when I ignore things or try and go so fast that I run away from it all, it still comes back when you start to slow down. It takes a strong person to stand up to the pain and grief like you have and I admire the way that you have found positivity throughout this all.
Thank you Haley. Not every moment is positive but I keep reminding myself that God is with me and my mother’s love is too. It’s definitely a process.
I’m so sorry and so sad for your loss. It has been a couple of tough years and yours has been even more tough than most. I loved your last sentence–it’s okay.
Thank you
I feel for what you’re going through so deeply. We’ve had two family members with cancer diagnoses and it’s hard not to be able to be there easily. So, yes, our 2022 has started off way rougher than we expected too.
I’m really glad you’ll be writing your way through the month of March. Sending you strength as you power through. (And hope your foot feels better soon!)
Appreciate you Stacey. I’m sorry you and your family are dealing with cancer too. I will have you all in my thoughts and prayers. As for my foot, 6 weeks in a boot and hopefully it will be healed. I’m a runner and workout a ton so I’m trying to be okay with spending time doing something different. Perhaps writing will be the way I do that 🙂
Sometimes there’s not a silver lining, and you don’t have to work to find one. You can be sad and angry and totally justifiably so. I’m sorry for all of your losses, and I am sending healing thoughts for your foot.
Thank you Melanie!
I am so sorry for your loss! So much seems so unfair during this time of Covid, but we do the best we can. How lucky you were to have your mom for so long and how lucky she was to have you.
Thank you – my mom was a true blessing and 81 years simply amazing.
What a heartbreak for you. I am sorry for the loss of your mother, and for all that you have endured – and given up – during the last two years. It’s horrible that you lost the opportunity for so much time with your mom. You’re in my thoughts.
Thank you
I am so sorry for your loss. Cancer is a beast. I just lost my husband to it. I know the steady decline you mentioned. I’m glad you are here writing and sharing. It is good to just get feelings out there. Grief is a journey, a part of life’s journey. We never know when we will have to deal with it but all we can do is move through it. My thoughts are with you.
Thank you Suzanne. My thoughts are with you as well.