NWR: Please send good vibes, prayers, thoughts...

Lisa50

It has been a stressful few months for us lately.  You may recall my "Exhausted" post from a couple of months ago, about my parents and their ongoing health issues.  I am writing, at this juncture, to ask for prayers and good vibes for both my FI and my son.

FI has been out of town most of the week with his father, whose wife is dying.  It is very tough on my FFIL, who has been married to his wife for 38 years.  He has been caring for her by himself, endangering his own health (fell, fractured his shoulder a few weeks ago and then, 3 weeks ago, emergency heart surgery for insertion of a stint and removal of calcium deposits).  I spoke to FI a couple of hours ago -- dad's wife is going downhill rapidly, with not much time left.  I feel so bad for them and wish I could be there.

I have been here, though, to help my son through a very sudden tragedy.  The President of his school (all boys, Jesuit school, one of the oldest in DC) died unexpectedly last week.  My son and Fr. Novotny were close.  He was a great leader, a good administrator, a tireless fundraiser and a wonderful advocate for all of the students at the school.  There have been various liturgies, memorials (including a moment of silence before last Sat's football game -- my son is on the varsity team), culminating with a Mass for the students yesterday morning (my son was one of the readers) and the funeral Mass in the afternoon (my son was the cross-bearer, which was such an honor).  This Saturday, my son will receive a Scholar-Athlete award at the final game of the regular season (3.8 gpa - proud mom!).  Fr. Novotny would have walked on the field with us for presentation of the award.  He will be greatly missed.

Please send your good vibes for these two men in my life.  Thank you!

melissamc2

I'm so sorry to hear that so much sadness is around all of you right now.  I will definitely keep you all in my thoughts and prayers and hope for the best outcome in all situations and that everything goes as smoothly as possible for everyone involved.

Congratulations to your son for all of his acheivements, however.  I hope the presentation goes well.

MikesAngie

Lisa, I'm sorry for all the sad life changing events that are occuring around you and yours and will keep you in my thoughts as you go through this trying time.

Congratulations though to your son for all of his acheivements, he needs to stand proud and tall.  I hope the presentation goes well.

Keeping you and yours in my thoughts.

rapunnzzll

So very sorry for all that is going on around you and your loved ones.  Thoughts and prayers for you and yours.

Your son deserves a big congratulations as do you also.  As a parent, I know you have contributed to his success in some way.  Hoping that all goes well with the presentation and know that Fr. Novotny will be watching over him, not only that day, but throughout his life.

Please don't be too hard on yourself for not being with your fi.  Life puts us in difficult circumstances where hard choices have to be made.  I'm sure he and his family understand.

Marrin713

Will keep good vibes heading in your direction Lisa!

Lisa50

Thank you, all, each and every one of you.

FFIL's wife passed away right about the time I was typing my earlier post.  Sad day.  Sad times.  Thanks for the good vibes, warm thoughts and prayers.  I appreciate your support.

FI fully understands why I'm here and not there.  I just wish I could be there because he has never been in this position (I have) and it's so tough to watch as a loved one passes.  I just wish I could be there to hold his (FI's) hand as he holds his father's hand.  *sigh*

Thank you, again and again, for your support.

mybooboos

I'm so sorry to read of the loss you and your family is experiencing.  I'm sure you must be in a tough place, with needing to support your son, who is experiencing his loss, at such a pivotal time in his life, along with wanting to be with your FI, to support him and his father through their loss.  It's a lot for both of them, and especially a lot for you, since you have to be the balance for both of them, as well as their source of strength.

For your son, it sounds as if he's lost something of a father figure, which is difficult at his age, and I'm sure getting the award this weekend will be bittersweet for him.  He should be very proud of his accomplishments, and take comfort in the fact that Fr. Novotny was very proud of him, is still with him, and is only a conversation away.  As a mom of a child that age, I’m personally thrilled to hear of your son’s accomplishments!  BTW - I think my daughter will be attending that game on Saturday, so I’ll make sure she cheers extra loud for your son, if she’s there for the award ceremony!!   For your FI, the loss of a parent can be devastating, regardless of your age.  Not only do you have to deal with the immediate loss, but in many cases, you also have to be there to support the surviving parent, which can be a very long drawn out process. Sometimes just the touch of a hand can be comforting, and I can’t imagine how difficult it must be for you to not be able to provide that comfort to either your FI or FFIL. Hang in there. Things will be a bit unsettling for the next few months, especially with the upcoming holiday season.  I’m sure you’ll continue to provide support, comfort and love to both your FFIL and your FI during this time…and we Knotties are here to support you however we can! I will keep you and your family in my prayers, Sharon

Sue-n-Kevin

Lisa, I'm so sorry to hear of these losses so close to you, and your loved ones.

I know you will provide the great love and comfort that only a parent and fiance can do. Your emotions come through loud and clear in your email.

And, congrats on raising such an outstanding son. He obviously understands the importance of scholarship, and a GPA like that at a private school is nothing to sneeze at! I'm sure he will continue to make you proud in his academics, as well as how he handles this tough situation.

I went to a parochial HS as well, and know the strong bonds that can exist between the students and faculty. You are obviously making a significant sacrifice to send him there, as I know many of them are as expensive as college!

Adults often forget how hard it is for young people to grasp death so early, but it's obvious you do and are providing the motherly love and comfort he needs.

Best wishes and know that we are all behind you.

ichellemay1

Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.  Congrats to your son for his great accomplishment!

Lisa50

Again, thanks to you all.  We cannot control timing of these events; we just have to keep moving through it all.  I talked to FI twice today.  FFIL is exhausted; FI is exhausted.  They're both keeping busy with business -- looking for paperwork, safe deposit box key, etc.  And so it goes ...

Thank you, again and again, for all of the good vibes.  My faith helps sustain me.  At this point, though, the physical exhaustion is taking its toll (too many tears, too much junk food, and so much soda that I'm about to go crazy!). 

Sunday will be all about staying in my pajamas (or getting back into them after going to Mass) and staring at the TV, watching football.  And maybe getting back on track to feeling healthy ... cool water, fresh fruit, some veggies ...