This isn’t an easy post to write.
Many who are regular readers of my blog will know that my Mom died in December. The sadness surrounding her death has lessened. Now I’m faced with the reality of cleaning out her condominium and getting it ready to put on the market. I’ve made progress and there’s still much to do.
In addition to this and my regular work commitments, I’m also leading a 3-day training program in April for a new group of Victoria Hospice Life Stories volunteers. And in May I’m giving a workshop on Life Stories at the annual conference of the British Columbia Hospice and Palliative Care Association.
I’ve been feeling overwhelmed and need to make some changes.
Starting next week I’ll only post articles twice rather than three times a week. The Monday’s link roundup will continue with fresh updates as will an Encore! article drawn from my extensive archives. When I can get my head above water, I’ll look at resuming my regular postings.
I’ll miss writing for you. I feel a real connection, especially with those of you starting your personal history businesses. While I’ll not be composing much original material for a while, I haven’t gone away. I’m always available for advice or help. Just ask.
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Photo by LOSINPUN
Take care, Dan. Thanks for all that you do. Wendy
@Wendy Ledger. Thanks, Wendy.
Thank you for all you do. Time to pull things together will make you stronger.
@Frances Ellsworth. Thanks, Frances. I appreciate your understanding.
Dan,
I did not know that your Mom died and I am so sorry for your lost. I know how hard that is to process.
Your posts are great but what I find to be so wonderful about them is that when I re-read them, and I often do, I find something that I’d previously missed. We will be fine because you’ve left us a true treasure trove from which to mine great ideas.
God Bless You and please take your time. We are lucky to have you posting at all.
Anita
@Anita Nelam. Thank you for your very generous and kind words, Anita.
You’re wise to give yourself time and space, Dan — so that we can enjoy your sagacity and humour for that much longer. (We would hate for you to be so overwhelmed that you gave up your blog altogether!) Take care, put your energies to the things that geed your heart and soul and give you joy. We’ll be here when you have the next rant ready.
@Pattie Whitehouse. Thanks, Pattie. My wit is still intact but the body is a wee bit tired. I will take care and regain my strength.
We certainly do appreciate you and know the pain you are feeling. I for one have had that same thing to go through as will nearly everyone at some point.
I was afraid you were going to say you were going to quit and I was holding my breath, so felt relieved that you were merely going to reduce the weekly posts. Whew! Big sigh of relief.
Bless you my friend,
Ellen
@ellenlandreth. Thanks, Ellen. Not quiting or going away – just reducing the load a little.
I’m sorry for your loss, Dan. I really relate to this post because my brother died a couple of weeks ago, and I’m subsequently feeling overwhelmed with work and am looking at projects that can be dropped to make space not only for the grieving process, but also all of the logistical details that come with dealing with a death.
@Susan Carpenter Sims. Thank you Susan and I’m sorry for the loss of your brother. The logistics can be quite challenging. Do take care of yourself.
All the best to you and your family. You have provided (and continue to provide) a valuable service. Thank you and God bless.
@Alison Taylor. Thank you for your very supportive words, Alison.
Dan,
December is a bad time to lose someone, altho there is never a god time. You are wise to take some time to heal and adjust to her being gone. My Mom died 10 years ago in Dec & I still tear out newspaper articles I know she’d like, before it hits me again. But the good part is feeling that connection with what she enjoyed and passed on to me.
You have probably done it already, but consider taking photos or videos of her home and favorite possessions before they are disassembled. I regret not having done it, which is why I capture my memories in stories instead.
P.S. I refer to many of your blog posts and just recently dug out one about your hospice work. That seems to be where I feel a calling.
Bless you,
Beth
http://www.bethlamie.com
@Beth LaMie. Thanks for your kind thoughts and good suggestion. Hospice work is very special and satisfying.
As the song goes: “Danny, I hardly knew ye.” And it was special. Take good care – something is calling you. Diane
@Diane. Thanks, Diane.
I’m so sorry to learn of the recent death of your mother, Dan. My mother died when I was five years old, and I still ache when I think of her. You are wise to reduce your non-essential activities right now and allow yourself the extra time you need for thinking and healing.
Wishing you peace,
Mary
@Mary Harrison. Thank you, Mary.
Dan,
As everyone who works with hospice patients knows, taking care of the caregiver at every stage is a most important thing. Take good care of yourself! I appreciate your posts so very much. Just remember: sometimes it’s good to take some space–people may appreciate you even more! I’m glad you’ll be able to keep the other posts going; I look forward to them every week. As a book I read a long time ago said in French, “Courage, mon brave!”
Meg
@Meg Brady. Your words and thoughts are very kind. Thank you Meg.
Dan – My condolences on the loss of your mother. I echo the words of others who wrote you before me, to take good care of yourself now. It is a tough time. Don’t worry about how many times a week you post the blog.
It is a wonderful service, but we readers can wait until you are ready to do more. Yes, “Bon courage!”
Chana
Chana, Thank you for your supportive and kind words. They mean a great deal to me.
Kind regards, Dan
Dan, my condolences. Good for you for cutting back during this difficult time.
I’ve been completely amazed by how much high-quality content you pump out on a regular basis. As another commenter said, we have plenty of your material to pore over and keep us busy for a very long time! Please don’t feel like you have to meet a certain standard of posting frequency. Even just recycling old posts would be a great service for your readers!
@Sue Mitchell. Thank you, Sue. I really appreciate your kind and generous comments. You and all the others who’ve been so kind to write have made me feel much better about my decision to cut back.
Dan, your blog postings have been a gift to so many of us. You deserve to take care of yourself – as well as the hospice people who will benefit from your wisdom in workshops. I am sure most others will say we’ll be happy to see you online whenever you show up – blogging, Facebooking, whatever.
blessings, cj
@cjmadigan. Thanks, cj. You’re very kind and generous. Your words help me feel better about cutting back on my blogging activity.
Dan,
Your blog has become such a valuable resource for me during the past six months, but I’m glad you’ve chosen to take care of yourself by cutting back on posts. I’m sure it was a decision that didn’t come easily. You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers.
All the best,
Judith
@Judith. Your words our very supportive and kind, Judith. Thank you for taking the time to comment.
Dan, My deepest sympathy in the death of your mother. I pray that the memories are warm and comforting and that you are able to truly celebrate her.
I will miss the frequent posts. I have a notebook of all your blogs and folder is full everyyear. You have touched my life in so many ways and my personal history work is better because of you.
Lee Q. Miller
Legacies & Legends
Rock Hill, SC
@Lee Q. Miller. Thank you, Lee. I’m touched and gratified that I’ve been able to support your personal history work. I’ll still keep posting but I’ll be drawing more on my archives for a little while.
Dan, My condolences to you on the loss of your mother. Take all the time you need and as someone said, we’re lucky you are posting at all. My mom is 98 so I know this journey is ahead for me.
all the best to you and your loved ones,
Ruth
@Ruth Zaryski. Thank you for your very kind words, Ruth.