Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Goodbye, Gayle

My mother-in-law passed away over the weekend. We found out on Monday and things have been topsy-turvy since then. She was 73 and a long time smoker, so we think that was the cause but we'll know more in a few days.

I debated whether to post anything about this. I've only met her a few times and though she seemed to be a lovely woman, I really didn't know her that well. She gave me an art nouveau style necklace once worn by her mother, which I dearly love. She was funny, with a quirky sense of humor. Her relationship with my husband was certainly different from the one I share with my mom, but it appeared to suit them both.

In my life, it seems that people pass in the winter. I'm not sure why that should be; I haven't done any research on statistics to bear this out, but it just seems to be the case. The holidays are always tempered in our household because of it - we celebrate the season but we mourn those who are gone from the table.

I hope I can help my husband through this, though I certainly have no expertise in grief counseling. But I'd like to keep her memory alive and help him to remember the times in their lives that were special to them.

Goodbye, Gayle. Your family misses you.

12 comments:

Lorraine said...

Please let your husband know that I'm sorry for his loss.

paris parfait said...

So sorry to hear this. Thinking of you and your family.

Seattle Coffee Girl said...

I'm thinking of you, your husband and your family today. You're all in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry about your loss. You'll be in my prayers

Unknown said...

Husband here...(yes, she let's me read the things she says about me). Thank you for your thoughts, they are appreciated. As to the "certainly different" relationship with my mom, I may have something for Kim to post soon -- if only for therapeutic purposes. If my screen name raises an eyebrow, it's from The Princess Bride.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear this... hugs.

Doralong said...

My sincere condolences. Losing a parent is indeed a blow. My mother in law and her sister (his favorite aunt) passed within an hour of one another a week before Christmas- and my mother died July 3rd, I genuinely understand holidays tempered with sadness. In time it really does become easier.

As their relationship to you was different, his mourning may well be also. About the best thing to do is simply be there when he wants you, and leave him in peace when he prefers..

Anonymous said...

I know this pain all too well, my deepest sympathies. I'm glad you posted something, even if you did not know her well. We, each of us, touches someone's life in a small way regardless of how well we know them. It's just how it is. I'd love to see you wear that nifty necklace, too!

Nancy Chisum said...

Sorry to read about this. I can identify because I lost my Mom just a couple of months ago. She had been sick with Leukemia for over a year.

Sling said...

It does seem as though wintertime is,in many ways,a time of passing.
So sorry to hear about Gayle.
Don't fret too much about not being an expert in grief counseling kimberly...Trust your warm heart to guide you.
I'm sure hubby will appreciate it.

NH Yocal said...

You and you family are in our thoughts. It is so hard to lose someone right near the holidays...

Heather said...

I'm so sorry for your family's loss. :( I've noticed that people seem to die within three months of their birthday - either before or after.