insecure writers support group

Ups and Downs #IWSG

jenlanebooks
Thanks to Alex Cavanaugh for starting this group. Join us!

Many thanks to March’s wonderful co-hosts: Kristina Kelly, Miffie Seideman, Jean Davis, and Liza @ Middle Passages!

I’ll be brief this month as I’m rather tired in the midst of some family stuff. Life sure presents ups and downs.

The positive aspects of my life include longer daylight starting this weekend in America (can we PLEASE keep Daylight Savings Time?!?), writing a little bit, and my 87-year-old dad moving from Ohio to South Carolina (where I live, along with one of my sisters).

A sad reason for my dad’s move is the death of my 87-year-old mom in February. We are fortunate that Mom lived so long, and it was scary and surreal to witness her health decline the past four months to the point where her body was done with this world.

Mom endured a rough upbringing, and my childhood attempts to soothe her anxiety were likely the foundation for my career choice of psychologist. She was a teacher who loved crafting, swearing, laughing, and Jumbles puzzles. I hope she has found some peace.

Here are my parents in their 40s:

I hope you stay strong as you navigate life’s highs and lows!

Published by jenlanebooks

21 thoughts on “Ups and Downs #IWSG”

  1. Hi,

    Not being allowed to Like today, but count me in, Esther O’Neill, far north of England, just below Scotland. 

    Love this near-equinox time, detest messing about with the clocks, which doesn’t really change the hours of daylight, especially for larks, but this year , we have a new cooker, after the last one tried to burn the house down. Used to press, and click, and hope, and try again. By the time this worked, it was so much later…

    Changing the new oven clock will be easy. Kitchen wall clock ? Needs a new battery. That leaves a Black Forest wall clock, 19th C, another, Viennese, also 19th C , both might be avoidant, certainly don’t like being touched. Various far from young family timepieces, all manual. Microwave ? Easy. Car ?( only one now) Suzuki, inscrutable. Why all the clocks ? Austrian godfather, clockmaker and repairer ( deceased) responsible for some of them. Childhood treat was going to his workshop at midday, but I never asked him about summertime.

    Esther.

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    1. Thank you, Alex. Sounds like our moms’ bodies knew when it was time to shut down. My parents were fortunate to live near supportive neighbors who rallied around them.

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    1. Thanks, Anna! My dad never met a stranger, so I hope he makes some fast friends at his new independent-living community. My sisters and I have to pack him up, and I’m not looking forward to that process so soon after my own move, but it’ll be great to have him nearby.

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  8. My sincere condolences. When my mom passed without any hint of trouble on the horizon, the experience filled me with a huge range of emotions. But then, that’s probably true for most people who are left behind to shoulder the world without a loved one’s presence. As much as I want her back, just for the shear comfort of her voice and tender caring, I know without a shadow of doubt she’s been immersed in a place of unconditional love.

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    1. Thank you, Feather. That sounds painful to lose your mother without warning. I’m glad I got to spend my mom’s final days with her at home. Good to see you here at IWSG!

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  9. I’m sorry you lost your mother, Jennifer, and my heart goes out to your father. I wish we’d settle on one year round time and be done with it. Hugs to you and a wish for healing to your family at this time.

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