I truly appreciate everyone who's reached out to express condolences and concern for me. I'm doing all right.
It's been a week of meetings, phone calls, emails, and making arrangements.
I met with our pastor to plan the service (May 17) and met with the church women who do the luncheon. I've asked my P.E.O. and Zion Woman's Club friends to collaborate on the desserts with an emphasis on rhubarb. I will give them packages from my freezer.
The obituary is on the funeral home website here and will be published in the Chicago Tribune and the Concord (NH) Monitor.
The funeral director gave me a helpful list of "who to notify" along with copies of the death certificate (needed to file for just about anything). I dreaded getting caught in an endless loop and hold queue with Social Security. I was able to leave a call-back number (2-hour wait) and the call was early. When the agent asked if there was anything more I told her that I hoped she could keep calm despite the roiling situation in the federal government. She thanked me and I think I heard her chuckle.
I'm slowly working on photos. I have to select them and digitize some of the old ones and print some of the new ones. A friend who's an ace paper-crafter will do the poster board collages. The funeral home creates the slide show.
Six weeks ago we bought a new wheelchair (with arms that lift up). It never came out of the box. I was able to send it back. I can return the 8 unopened packages of ultra-absorbent diapers. (I know I could give them to a thrift shop or the food pantry, but I'd rather have the $200.)
The church rummage sale was this week. It's too soon to empty his closet and bureau, but I did contribute seven pairs of his shoes (including three nearly-new pairs of Skechers slip-ins). On Monday I helped set up the sale and I worked Thursday evening and Friday morning. Helpers get half off the already-low prices. There was fabric!! I'll write about that in the weekly update for Monday.
Today brings more errands. Tomorrow I'm going to spend the day with my sister. I have a couple of quilt projects in process and as I hinted there is fabric to sort.
Sounds like you've been coping and dealing with all the "have to do" stuff. Enjoy the day with your sister. I think it gets harder once all the have to do stuff is done and then you have to develop new routines. I'm glad you have people close that support you. Take care.
ReplyDeleteI've been following along with your new status and progress. I know that the first couple of weeks after a spouse's death are filled with things you have to do and friends gathering around. Fabric is patient although sometimes the quilter needs a few minutes with sewing machine and fabric. Take care.
ReplyDeleteSo much to do. You sound very well organized and on top of things, Nann. I enjoyed reading Stevens' obituary that you posted on Facebook. When we only know people from our blogging, there is so much more to learn about a person. I loved the story about how the two of you met! Glad you've had a little time for fabric fondling, and maybe even sewing. Keeping you in my thoughts and sending love. 🩷
ReplyDeleteonce the flurry is over tho....grieving is a journey my friend with good days and bad...i found keeping occupied help but still it was tough...when the emptiness becomes all too real...
ReplyDeleteSo many things that you need to do all at once--but good that you are keeping busy for now...Nice to hear that you are getting a lot of support--I hope you are taking some quiet time, too, and resting as much as you can...maybe just a smidge of machine sewing time??? My thoughts go out to you at this time...hugs, Julierose
ReplyDeleteBe sure, amongst all the busy work, to take some time for yourself. I read the wonderful tribute to him and was surprised to see that he was a librarian too.
ReplyDeleteWhat a moving obituary! Thank you for sharing it with us.
ReplyDeleteCeci
I am so sorry for your loss. I’ve seen your blog before but never commented. Keeping you in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful tribute/obituary, Nann. Hoping your friends and those in the organizations you belong to will continue to be present for you in the months ahead, after the service and shortening of the inevitable to-be-done list. Grieving is hard work.
ReplyDeleteOops - that last anonymous comment was from me.
ReplyDeleteI was so sorry to read about Steven’s passing. I read the obituary you linked with interest. What a marvelous man he must have been. You’ll have wonderful memories to keep you company. Please be gentle with yourself.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful obituary--a snapshot of who Stevens was. Thank you for sharing the link.
ReplyDeleteThere's such a lot to do after a death. It seems like you've got things under control. Blessings to you, Nann.