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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to not know how to grieve my mum? How do people do this?

47 replies

KidFears · 14/11/2016 19:33

My mum died 2 weeks ago. It was very sudden. I can't believe she's gone. It feels like a bad dream. I don't know how to do this. We'd been arguing a lot lately and now I can't believe I wasted so much time that I could have spent just being with her. I never understood the phrase "full of life" until now. She was so full of life, and so beautiful, and so incredibly strong. We used to laugh so much together. I found all of these old pictures of her and I want to ask her about them.

I put this on AIBU because I don't know if I'm doing this right. Im walking around, taking ghe kids to school, doing errands, etc., and everyone probably thinks I'm OK. And then sometimes it hurts so much Mmm I can't breathe. I know lots of people have lived through this and worse but I don't know how I'm supposed go just accept that my mum isn't here anymore. It makes no sense. I need her so much and my kids need her more. How do I do this? I feel sometimes like Ijust can't do it.

OP posts:
Italiangreyhound · 15/11/2016 01:59

TheClaws I am sorry for your loss, and everyone else on this thread.

OP, may I tell you also about my mum? Because my experience of her death was quite different from that of my father.

This year my mother died after a long illness. It was totally different to dad. We knew she was dying and when she did it was a relief that her earthly sufferings were over.

Again I found comport in planning her funeral, looking at old photos, talking to my sister etc, in fact as my sis hates organsing and I love doing it I planned most things! (I am a do-er!). Even choosing what to wear to wear brought me comfort and I still have and wear the clothes I bought at that time (I ended up buying three outfits and even starting a thread on mumsnet about whether to wear all black or not!).

I think that there is no right way to grieve, you grieve in your own time in your own way, as others have said. For me as a do-er, I needed to do, but others may just need to rest and reflect. It is whatever works for you.

The other things that helped me was that work gave me time off for compassionate and bereavement leave, that we turned the wake and funeral into a celebration of life as well as remembering someone who had died. My sister and I scattered mum's Ashes and looked at photos together and read old letters. Yes, I wished I could ask Mum things but it was just nice to read a love letter my dad had sent my mum around 60 years ago!

I hope you ALL find comfort in whatever may bring you peace, I hope you feel empowered to grieve in the way that suits you.

You may be changed by this, you may never forget, and some will never get over it but some will, and it does not need to consume you, whatever you are feeling is OK, as long as you allow yourself the space to grieve and allow others in your family their time and space.

And for anyone not related to your dear departed mum, dad or whoever, it is of no consequence to them so don't waste your time listening to their views. A far away look and silence tends to quieten most people!

I hope you find peace. Thanks

Tryingtostayyoung · 15/11/2016 06:48

I'm so sorry for your loss Flowers and for everyone else's loss that they've expressed on here Flowers

I have absolutely no idea how you feel because thank god I still have my mum; I cannot imagine how your feeling. My mums my best friend so I can't begin to imagine.
Something I do know though is that there is no right or wrong way to grieve, I have unfortunately buried a lot of people that I truly loved and grieving was a different experience each time.
Take it slow and easy, do things that make YOU happy as this is the time to really look after yourself and also let people help you. Lean on people that ask if your ok, they love you and want to be there for you xxx

NattyTile · 15/11/2016 08:28

How dare anyone tell you you are doing this wrong?

You are grieving. Whatever you are doing, however you are doing it, whatever you are feeling, and however you are dealing; that's your way of grieving.

Some people feel the need to weep and wail, others freeze, some get frantically busy, and others stop everything. Some people find they need to get everything sorted all at once, and some people need to shut everything away in a little box and take it out one tiny bit at a time. Some people need to fall apart, and other people need to stay together. And most of us do a mixture of any or all of the above. None of its wrong, it just is how it is.

You're getting on with life, well, life doesn't stop. So you kind of have to. That's not wrong. It's also not wrong to let some bits slide, to ask for help, to live on take out and sandwiches if you forget how to think about cooking for a while.

None of it is wrong. It is just how it is.

Two people will grieve very differently. Try to avoid the people who are telling you you're doing it wrong. They may mean well, but equally they may be grief vampires. I've had a few of them before. The latch on, and feed off your sadness, seem to need you to be visibly upset so they can comfort you, and get really affronted if you decline their offers or are actually functioning normally on the surface so they can't get in.

If you crave solitude, that's fine. If you want company, that's fine too - ask the friends who you know you can tell to bog off when you've had enough, and the ones who will laugh with you and acknowledge you are a complete person not just some grief shadow.

You do this by doing what you're doing, feeling what you're feeling. You put on a face for the children because children grieve differently to adults. Although it won't damage them permanently if they do see you upset too; it's ok to tell them you're sad/tired/flat/struggling because Grandma has died.

You loved her. Even though things weren't perfect, even through the difficult times, she was just there. And you had the option to visit, to phone. And now that's gone. And it is a physical pain. It does srown sometimes. You float on this raft keeping things together as you get the children to school, and then you loosen your hold a little and you're drowning. Deep waters.

It's ok. Even when it's very not ok. This is very early days. You do what you need to do in order to get through. And there will come a time when you're breathing again, when you don't need to try to work out how to, because it comes automatic again. And there will be other struggles.

But for now, break time down into however small a chunk you need it to be. Can't face a whole morning? That's ok. What do you need to do in the next hour? And if that's still to much, what needs to happen five minutes from now? If the answer is nothing, then just breathe. Cry if you need to. If it's get the children to school, then gather book bags and other bits, and head off.

Be kind to yourself. Eat something. Drink something. Breathe.

KidFears · 15/11/2016 20:16

I was sobbing as I read all of these responses. I am so grateful for the support. I do have a fantastic DH and good friends, although we are currently living far away from most of our people, which is hard. Being far away also contributes to the feeling that this all isn't real. I didn't see her every day so it feels like she's just living her life and I can call her anytime. Then it hits me and I can't breathe.

I keep trying to decide if 70 is considered dying young. It's obviously not like dying at 40, but it's not like dying at 85 either. She got to spend some time with her grandchildren, but not enough. I find myself wishing we'd had kids sooner, so they would have had more time together. DH and I met when we were very young but we focused on school and careers, and put off having a family until we were in our mid 30s. We could have done it 5 years earlier.

I don't know why it helps to hear other people's stories of their mums dying, but somehow it does. All of these posts are so sad but so comforting, in a way. This whole process is so lonely. My DH is trying very hard but he doesn't truly understand. I am so grateful to all of you for sharing your own stories. It really does make me feel less alone. This just sucks, doesn't it?

OP posts:
MissBeehiving · 15/11/2016 20:43

So sorry to hear about your mum and the losses of the other posters on the thread. She does sound lovely.

I lost my DM, 7 years ago after a sudden brain haemorrhage. In the immediate aftermath, I was numb and the only real emotional sensation was the intermittent waves of almost physical pain. That first night I slept with a sweater of hers that smelt like her. I wanted to remember her, but it was so hard to do that initially- it was too painful. It does get easier and although the space she left will never be filled, I can remember her without being an emotional wreck. I found talking a lot to DH and to DSis helped a lot and I went to bereavement counselling which was very useful to have a space just to talk about everything.

Wishing you all the best.

Italiangreyhound · 15/11/2016 20:53

Kidfears re "I keep trying to decide if 70 is considered dying young. It's obviously not like dying at 40, but it's not like dying at 85 either."

and

"I find myself wishing we'd had kids sooner, so they would have had more time together. DH and I met when we were very young but we focused on school and careers, and put off having a family until we were in our mid 30s. We could have done it 5 years earlier."

I really don't think 70 is dying young. Yes, it could be older but my mum lost my dad at 72 (she was 72 and he was 74) her remaining years were plagued with ill health and fears, downsizing (twice) and living without my dad, and eventual dementia and death at 84.

Apart from those who do die very young, It is not the age that people die at, it is the life they live (assuming the do not die in their childhood, teens etc etc), IMHO.

And yes you could have had kids earlier but had you done that they would not be the children you have now. You know that. And I bet your mum adored your kids.

You were happy, you were in control of your own life and you did what you wanted with your life, which is (I speak as a mum too) what every mum wants for their own kids, surely.

My dad died when I was pregnant with my precious first child. I am sad he never met her, or my two cats, or saw my sister down the aisle. But that is just life. It really does help (IMHO) in time to recognize and accept what we cannot change, and to recognize and celebrate what we can.

So for me, my dad saw me down the aisle, met my sister's two kids and lived his whole life working hard, enjoying life and making people laugh.

I know he had a great life. In time you will see things coming to light in your mind, I think, , see the things you cannot change and the things you can celebrate, I feel sure of it. but at the moment just grieve in whatever way you choose.

70 is not old, it would have been lovely for her to have had longer. But do not feel bad about your own choices, I am sure she was delighted with you as a child and did not need you to provide grandkids early to feel very proud of you. XX Thanks

Cousinit · 15/11/2016 21:10

So sorry about your loss (and everyone else's on this thread). I also lost my mum suddenly aged 70. She died just over three weeks ago and for me time has stood still. Some days I seem to be able to function fine, others I am angry, others I feel guilty, other days I am so physically tired I just want to sleep all day. And sometimes I am stopped in my tracks as the grief hits and all I can do is cry like a baby until it subsides again. Whoever said grief comes in waves is spot on. It is horrible. I live in a different country from my family so had to rush home on receiving the news mum was ill. I didn't make it on time, which is something else I am trying to process at the moment. I have three young children to look after so have had to return home for them but this has made it harder for me. I used to speak with my mum often and like you, I sometimes forget she is gone and want to call her. Then everything comes flooding back again. Since coming back home I feel like I should be getting back to normal but there is no normal now and seeing others going about their daily lives is making me feel irrationally angry and upset. Anyway, I am waffling but just wanted to share my experiences so far and let you know you're not alone in this. It does indeed, suck and there's sadly no easy way through it. Flowers

Thirdload · 15/11/2016 21:18

Oh KidFears I read your response and it takes me right back. I remember feeling the same way, that it's not real and Mum is still pottering around at home. I also remember desperately wanting to speak to someone else who had lost their Mum, someone who understood. I spoke to my sibling a lot after Mum died.

A big hug to you this evening Flowers

Dowser · 15/11/2016 21:32

I'm another one who has recently lost her mum. Two weeks today.she had dementia and was having a horrible life.
To be honest I'm grieving for the mum I had 8-10 years ago and have been grieving throughout all that time.
This feels surreal and I feel a bit numb.
She was in a nh so I'd done most of the packing away of her belongings a long time ago.
Grief does sneak up on me on odd occasions. She was 88 but I really feel for those that have lost their mums at a younger age.
I'm now at the top of the tree and that makes me feel very vulnerable.

Tootsiepops · 15/11/2016 21:46

Flowers op, and for everyone else who has lost their mum.

My mum died in April. She went in to hospital for a routine operation, but had a brain haemorrhage caused by blood thinners. It's a very rare side effect.

Seven months on and it is as raw as it was when it happened. I still cry a lot, but try to keep it away from other people.

My mum was my best friend. It is terrifying to lose both her unconditional love and her reassuring presence. No one ever loves you as much as your mum does, right?

I found it particularly hard as I'd lost my younger brother a few years ago, and my dad shortly after.

I had my little girl in November, and my mum was so thrilled to be a grandmother. It pains me deeply that after losing her son and her husband, that she only got four months will her granddaughter before she died. My baby is one next week and fuck knows how I'm going to get through it.

AnUtterIdiot · 15/11/2016 21:52

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Nicknacky · 15/11/2016 22:08

I lost my mum five weeks ago and so far I have been fine. In don't understand why but I'm expecting I won't always feel like this.

I agree with all the emotions that people have described and I'm particularly plagued with guilt right now. Mum had brain cancer and it was hard to deal with her and sometimes I got ratty and snapped at her and I feel terrible about that.

And I worry about her thoughts, what was she thinking, did she realise what was going on? My mum became incontient and dealt with it herself and hid it from us but I worrying she realised her body was failing. Could I have done more?

I asked her if she knew I loved her and she squeezed my hand but I never asked if she loved me and that bothers me.

CPtart......I'm obviously sorry for everyone's loss but I'm so so sorry to hear your story. There is no "easy" death but the shock of your mums death must have been horrific. I console myself that I did get to say good bye.

Take care everyone

ChazsBrilliantAttitude · 15/11/2016 22:15

My DM died many years ago when I was a teenager. She was 52. I have found that time does take the raw pain away.
I would echo other posters that there is no right way to grieve, for me getting with everyday stuff helped quieten my mind where sitting around would have had me churning things over and over. For other people sitting and experiencing the waves of emotion is just what they need.
One feeling I felt strongly that I don't often see talked about is pissed off at the whole world. I felt that I had been cheated of time I should have had with my Mum. Consequently, I became really conscious of every trivial unfairness that I experienced - I had counselling which helped.
Grief is normal and powerful and comes in many forms. It only becomes a problem if you get trapped in part of the cycle like I was and needed a bit of help to move through that stage.
Flowers to all those grieving.

CPtart · 15/11/2016 22:17

My mum was 69. She spent many years caring for my dad who had a chronic illness, and most recently for my grandma, who only died in February. She only had six months freedom and was starting to live her life again. Ironically, she and her partner were returning from holiday when the accident happened. He was lucky to survive, but has a long long road to recovery physically. There will be an inquest. I really don't think I can face the reality of what happened that day. The accident was horrific. Another family were bereaved too.
I've always thought I lead a charmed life. Good job, great DH, financially secure, bright and healthy DC but recently I'm not so sure. Sometimes you just want your mum or dad.
This thread is a great support and comfort. My thoughts are with you all.

ChazsBrilliantAttitude · 15/11/2016 22:22

Nicky
Even when she was clearly very ill your DM acknowledged your love for her - that was an act of love on her part to you.

Nicknacky · 15/11/2016 22:27

Chaz thank you, that brought a tear to me.

kidfears and cptart I find these threads quite comforting, especially hearing about other people's stories and the love they had for each other even though it wasn't always expressed. And it's nice to know I'm not alone. People around me don't "get" it and I think my dad worries about upsetting me and me upsetting him. I concentrate in looking after him.

MaddyHatter · 15/11/2016 22:42

Like others have said, there is no right and wrong way to grieve.. you do whatever you have to, to get through each day.

I lost my dad nearly 3 years ago very unexpectedly, and i still miss him desperately.. rarely a day goes by when i don't think about him, even today as i was driving past the cemetery where he's interred, i felt an almost guttural NEED to speak to him, and i wished so hard that he was here and felt the hot tears in my eyes at the fucking unfairness of him not being... but i blew him a kiss and drove on.

It feels so unfair that life seems to carry on, even when they're not here.. but you DO have to carry on.. wake up, eat, sort the kids out, deal with the day to day.. but the trick is not to fight the sadness, or the tears.. cry if you need to.

Get in the car and SCREAM the unfairness if you need to.

Don't ever let anyone make you think you're doing it wrong.. you're not, because grief is personal, and for you its still so so fresh.

I promise it gets easier, it never goes away, but the days you manage not to cry, but instead smile at a memory get more frequent, and the tears get less desperate and further apart, and there is a kind of acceptance of them not being here and you learn to live without them.

Flowers
Memoires · 15/11/2016 22:49

I'm so sorry Flowers. It is so hard, I know. My mum's death (6 or 7 years ago now) took me so much by surprise I was numb for weeks, even though we knew it was coming.

It's like stepping into a world which is almost exactly the same as the one you know but is completely different. It takes a while to get over the shock, so give your self that time and try not to push yourself into doing things right or normally or anything. There is no right way, there is just putting one foot in front of the other at the moment.

I think I am only now really believing that mum is dead, and what that means.

Sillybeagle · 15/11/2016 23:23

I'm so sorry to hear about your mum and also all the other posters who have lost their mums. My mum died, she was 57. Even just typing that sentence still doesn't feel right and it was 6 years ago! Her passing was complicated and took place after a series of errors and was due to medical negligence.

She was supposed to come home from hospital the next day so I said 'bye, see you tomorrow' and left her sitting on the bed reading a magazine-I can still remember who was on the cover of that bloody thing! Sadly instead the next morning we got the dreaded 'took a turn for the worse call.' We actually convinced ourselves in the drive to hospital that they'd got it wrong and had got the wrong person-that's how fine she had seemed and so much had gone wrong with her care I could easily have believed it at that point! It was true though Sad

Sorry I've dragged this on but just wanted to echo what others have said that there is no 'right' or 'wrong'. You are doing whatever you need to do to cope and get through these tough days. Take your time and be prepared that there will be times when you'll be fine but then the grief can sweep in and take your breath away. My mum never got to meet my children and one of the things I still struggle with is writing the party invites and just addressing them to my dad. Think DH wonders what the hell has happened when he leaves the room and I'm fine and then he comes back to a snivelling wreck! Thinking of you OP.

KidFears · 16/11/2016 22:42

Wow, there is so much on here that I relate to. I want to come back tomorrow and thank each one of you individually because you have all said things that have resonated and made me feel less alone. I'm still reading and I still will be.

OP posts:
almondpudding · 16/11/2016 22:56

Seventy does seem young to me, especially if it was sudden.

My grandmother died a couple of years ago, and for the first year I would often dream of her and then wake up crying. It wasn't just that I missed her as a person, it was the sudden realisation of losing unconditional love, and not many people in life do unconditionally love us. It was also losing the shared memories. It still feels that as people I love die, who I am as a person is ceasing to exist.

I did have my mum to talk to about it all the time, as we had nursed my grandmother in the time leading up to her death. I feel terribly sorry that you are feeling lonely during bereavement. Any chance you get to talk about your mum or hear about her from other people, grab that. And keep photos, notes, anything. And you get to keep her love; that is always stronger than the worst aspects of bereavement.

DeadGood · 01/12/2016 21:20

How are you doing now, OP?
Reading this thread with tears in my eyes. I struggle with guilt for not appreciating my mum. I loved her so much, I hope she knew it.

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