Hi dear friends,
I know I skipped Sunday Post last week and my daily blogmas events aside I have been quite MIA this last week but there is an explanation…
Some of you might recall that my dad was diagnosed with T4 cancer in August without any hope to survive except going through a very heavy surgery that would have left him crippled for life.
As he was already amputated from one leg and had his bladder removed he considered that it was enough. He rejected the surgery and we knew he was condemned to die within weeks or months.
My mom and I respected his choice as he would have been the one living even more diminished.
Last week his health suddenly deteriorated and he decided to ask for an end to his condition.
He fell asleep and died peacefully Monday 10 december.
This week and the weekend before have been really exhausting, sad and painful for my mom and I.
I had bottled up everything inside since August as I had to be strong for both of them. I kept it together till Friday, the day of the funerals. I am still feeling very very tense and “weird” with a killer headache since Thursday.
I am explaining this not to have your pity because it was unavoidable but to shed a light on my lack of interaction this past week.
No meme (Top 5 Tuesday or I Heart Characters or First Impression Friday), not much happening if not for the daily posts I had scheduled ahead. Honestly I know I try to make you smile or laugh at the end of the day but I was too emotional to be my jokester self.
Amidst the sadness I would really like to say that I am grateful.
I am grateful because my dad NEVER suffered from his cancer. It was really important for us , his family.
I am grateful because he left under his terms, with dignity, surrounded by love.
I am grateful for my mom’s family. Her brothers and sisters have been fantastic, keeping her company every evening since my father’s death, cooking for my mom and relieving me from a big weight.
I am grateful for the priest who understood so well what we needed and helped us to have a beautiful celebration.
I am grateful for the people at the “funeral home (?)” (please correct me if this is not the right term) as they really guided my mom and I. They helped us enormously throughout all the things we had to do this week.
I am stopping here but I would like to say: enjoy your loved ones and live your life to the fullest. Be kind with other people and learn to forgive. Life is too short to dwell on negative feelings and it is love that makes it worth living.
Let’s get to what happened on the blog now (click on the graphic to read the post)
I have read four books and reviewed three of them so far. I must confess that my attention span was that of a gnat and I had a very hard time focusing on the books.
I have read Honor Among THieves by Rachel Caine and Ann Aguirre (5 stars an HUGE CRUSH!) ; Steal Me by India R Adams (3 stars); Two Feet Under by CC Hunter (4,5 stars and just what I needed!); Queen of Air and Darkness by Cassandra Clare (4,5 stars and review to come).
If you are interested in reading my #BestBooksof2018 here are my daily posts:
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Oh I did one meme before my father’s death and I think you’ll love this one as I tweaked the titles of books.
In the blogosphere
As I said I tried to follow, comment and like erratically. I managed to read some very interesting posts that I’d like to share below.
Ashley @ashsinfinitelibrary talks about sex in YA
https://ashsinfinitelibrary.wordpress.com/2018/12/05/lets-talk-about-sex-baby-in-ya-fiction-part-1/
Irina @drunkenanimeblog gives us her top reasons to blog
https://drunkenanimeblog.com/2018/12/07/top-5-reasons-to-keep-blogging/
And something funny at Epicreads:A test: would you survive a Fearie court? I confess that I did not survive! 😀
Now I will do my best to get back with some upbeat tone and participate in the weekly memes but maybe I’ll need some more time.
As usual I am linking to The Sunday post at Kimberly @caffeinatedreviewer
Anyway I wish you all a wonderful and warm Sunday!
Thanks for reading.
I don’t know how I missed this post. Sophie I am literally crying for you and your family. I lost both my parents within a month of each other and it was one of the hardest things I have been through. This year I lost my only sister and that was the single hardest thing I have had to deal with. My heart breaks for you. Just know that he is not suffering anymore. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
Mary
I’m so sorry for your loss- my heart goes out to you and your family <3
Oh, Soph. I’m a little late to this post but I am sorry to hear about your dad *sends hug* May he rest in peace, and wishing you love and the best. It’s good to let those emotions out, sometimes. I’m glad you are grateful for the support and family and friends around you!
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss, Sophie! *hugs*
I’m sorry about your father but I’m glad you are comfortable with the choices made. I’m happy you had some excellent reads to give you some time to relax. Anne – Books of My Heart
I’m so sorry Sophie. My mum died of cancer in 2014 after an 8 month battle so I know the whole range of feelings you must have gone through during your dad’s fight. Take strength from your family and let yourself grieve as things like blogs don’t matter compared to your loved ones. Look after yourself and my thoughts are with you. *hugs*
Thank you so much! And sorry for your loss as even if it happened four years ago a mom always remains a mom and someone is missing from your life. Hugs too! <3
Oh sweet Sophie, I am so sorry to hear of your loss, but I’m glad to hear you are working through it with a wonderful attitude. Big hugs to you and prayers for your family!
Thank you so much Daisy!
I am incredibly sorry, Sophie. I wish there was something I could say beyond that, but there really isn’t. If you ever wish to reach out, we are all here you for. <3
Thank you so much Jenna this is really sweet of you! xoxo
So sorry for your loss x I’m catching o as you can tell, so got to this a little late . I’ve struggled with my blog posts lately due to illness- but whatever the reason we bloggers understand we all need time away from the internet at times – and we’ll all be here for you XX Hugs never feel guilty ! ⛄️
Oh I hope you feel better now! And thank you for your kind words xoxo
Always in my thoughts and prayers, my friend. Hugs and kisses!
Thank you so much Trisy!
I’m so very sorry to hear about your Dad, Sophie. And I agree with everyone else. Please take as much time as you need. We will definitely all be here for you when you return. *HUGS*
Thank you so much Suzanne! <3
Oh, Sophie, I’m sorry about your dad <3
*hugs*
Thank you Norrie!
I’m so sorry for your loss, Sophie. I will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts this holiday season.
Thank you Alicia!
Sophie- I am so sorry to hear about your father! All my best wishes and condolences to you and your family. Thank you for sharing and take care of yourself!
Thank you so much Greg!
Oh dear.. take all the time you need, we understand. You need to do your grief, but we know he’s into a better place now. i know how it is to expect it happening and yet… it still hits us in some way at the end .. we are never truly ready.
He was really lucky indeed, his wish had been granted and that’s all that matters.. I am sending lot of love your way my friend xx please don’t push yourself too hard for things you « should be doing »
Thank you so much Kristina! That’s very sweet to say <3 < 3 <3
That is heartbreaking… My deepest condolences to you and your family. It is a blessing he got to leave on his own terms, but it still doesn’t make it any less painful. Sending you virtual hugs!
Thank you so much Rosie! <3
Sophie, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending healing thoughts and tranquility to you and your mother!
Thank you so much Ashlee!
I’m so sorry to hear that Sophie. I’ll be thinking of you. Please let me know if there is anything all I can do for you. In the mean time, let some of us be the silly ones! We got you.
Thank you so much Katie!!!
Oh Sophie, I’m so sorry about your dad. I’m sending you the biggest virtual hugs right now. I still miss my dad and it’s been just over a year now since he’s been gone. The pain lessens, and you learn to live with it, but it’s still a big gaping hole that won’t be filled. I’m so glad that he went on his terms and didn’t suffer, as this will comfort you so much. Hopefully you will be able to celebrate his life over the coming holiday season, even though it will be sad. Let me know if you ever want to chat. Much love, Meegs xxx
Thank you so much Meeghan! And I am so sorry for your loss too. As you say time will help but one thing is for sure: I’ll never forget him and he’ll always live in my heart. xoxo
Dearest Sophie,
I am so very for your loss, my heart breaks for you and your family, sending my deepest sympathy and condolences. Be gentle with yourself and take all the time you need to grieve, you are all in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
Take care sending All my Love xx
Thank you so much Cat!!!! <3 <3 <3
My deepest condolences about your father, Sophie. Thinking of you and your family.
Thank you Mogsy!
I’m so happy to hear your father was able to deal with his illness on his own terms. We aren’t all so fortunate, especially in such a sad and unwanted situation. And it sounds as though all those around you have been kind and supportive, too. It can’t diminish the loss of a loved one, but I hope as time goes by that kindness helps you and your mother with the grieving process. Your father sounds like a good man, you must feel very blessed to have known him ♥
JJ you just said the right words. Truly the kindness other people show in such dire circumstances make a huge difference. And yes I’ve been blessed to know him as he taught me so much about human nature and to be kind.
So sorry for the loss of your father, Sophie.
Thank you so much Teri!
Oh Sophie I am so sorry. The passing of a loved one, no matter how expected, is devastating and life altering. Prayers for you and your family during this time. It is comforting to know your dad didn’t suffer.
Thank you so much Samantha!
Oh, Sophie, I’m so very sorry for your family’s loss. {{hugs}}
Thank you so much Jacquie! <3
I’m so sorry for your loss Sophie. ‘m sending lots of hugs and kisses your way! Take some time off or let blogging offer some distraction, whatever makes you feel better and know that we’re here for you! xxx
Thank you so much sweet Inge ! <3 <3 <3
I’m so sorry about your dad, Sophie, I am sending you and your family lots of love, hugs and support, take good care of yourself, that comes before blogging for sure <3 <3
Thank you so much for your support Marie! xx
Sending you love and virtual hugs everywhere Sophie! I am glad that he did not suffer. <3
Thank you so much Adrienne and me too!
Sophie, we’ve already chatted privately and you know how sorry I am. We both lost our fathers this year and it’s not something I’d ever want to “share” with someone, but it does mean that I understand the loss. I wish I could give you a big hug. What a gift to know that your dad did not suffer and that he left peacefully on his own terms. That’s just… comforting. He was so lucky to have you and your mom by his side and respecting his wishes. Much love to you, my friend.
Thank you Tanya for this and for your private message. All my love too <3 Weird Christmas for both of us ...
I’m so sorry, Sophie.
Thank you Jennifer! <3
So sorry for your loss. *hugs*
Thank you so much Kiersten!
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family, Sophie. I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father, knowing just how hard it is. I lost both parents, my father to cancer, my mother to heartbreak. As others have said, know we are here, we love you and support you, and take all the time you need to grieve and begin the healing process. Big hugs! ❤️
Thank you so much Alexandra and sorry for your losses too! Whatever our age they always remain our parents and losing them is difficult <3
I’m so sorry about your loss, Sophie I know you didn’t post it to receive compassion but you’ll get it all the same. I love that you guys could be there for him and he was surrounded by his loved ones.
As for the blog, it’s there whenever you are ready. Never feel bad when real life interferes. <3 Take care of yourself and your family and don't think you need to keep it together at all times. You are human. Have a peaceful Sunday.
Thank you so much for these kind words Astrid <3
<3
You always life me up and I wish I could do the same for you, Sophie. Take comfort in knowing your father did what he needed. You and your family are in my prayers.
Thank you so much Laura! xoxo
Thinking of you. I’m so sorry you’ve had to go thru this (and him, and your family). xoxo
You were an amazing daughter for him. 🙂
Thank you so much Jay!
((HUGS)) and I so agree with you about your dad – less suffering and going out on his own terms. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts.
Thank you Sam!
Sophie, big {{{hugs}}} to you and my sincerest condolences. Take comfort that your dad made his treatment decisions and that it went the way he wanted it to, with the love and support of his family. Take time for yourself to mourn and grieve
Thank you so much Darlene!
I’m so sorry about your Dad Sophie. My dad passed 13 years ago and I still miss him each and every day so don’t worry about your blog or others blogs. You just take all the time you need to miss and grieve your dad. We will all be here when you come back…..big hugs
Thank you so much Susan! He was my guide so I think I’ll miss him for a long time …