tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998392453589309507.post4449317345961317785..comments2024-03-22T21:12:45.711-07:00Comments on Mom, the Intern: Love and loss.Jenna Footehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06053037054553243481noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998392453589309507.post-90943079244511057682017-02-18T23:22:22.014-07:002017-02-18T23:22:22.014-07:00Stumbled on your blog quite randomly. I am so, so ...Stumbled on your blog quite randomly. I am so, so sorry for your loss. The pain (as well as its companionate beauty) is so potent. Thanks for your description of events. I lost my mom on May 28th. She was five years older than your mom, and died of early-onset Alzheimer's. Because of this coincidence, I could relate to this account of your experience so viscerally that I wanted to leave a comment. I guess I can say that eight months in, I now know that even though at times it feels like the grieving process--and it's strange and unexpected twists and turns, as well as the occasional dips into powerful depression--might last forever and be the new normal, as time passes, there really are things that somehow heal inside the mind and heart. I have been surprised how deep grief goes, and how long, at least for me, the feelings of not-quite-being-back-to-normal last. For months I kept forgetting somehow and then saying "I feel so off today. I'm treating people so strangely. What is WRONG with me?" And my wife would look at me skeptically and be like "Uh, sweetie, you just lost your mom two months ago" (or whatever) and it surprised me every single time. But yes, eventually, at least for me, some things have somehow healed or adjusted in inexplicable and relieving ways, even though of course things will never be the same, and losing her early, before my kids all knew her, will never be "okay" and I will always always miss my sweet mom. (I'm sure you know all to well what I mean.)<br /><br />Anyway, each process is different, of course. But sometimes it's helpful to know there are people out there who know some approximation of the pain you are feeling (though naturally there is no way anyone else could really know the tender details of your sweet Mom and the ways that make this loss so personal and tragic for you.) Please know that things do slowly get better--or at very least they have for some random guy on the internet. :)<br /><br />Blessings to you and your grieving family. ❤️The Weedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00402140616200621802noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998392453589309507.post-40294666361885815392017-01-23T08:13:25.474-07:002017-01-23T08:13:25.474-07:00 Jenna, thank you for sharing not only your painfu... Jenna, thank you for sharing not only your painful experience of losing your "one in a million" Mom, but for sharing the lifelong and eternal lessons, knowledge, perspective and even blessings you gained through this life changing painful experience. Sharing these tender Mercies you and your family received through this difficult trial will forever change those who have not yet had to experience so great a loss in their lives yet. We love you Jenna.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13840231666127120875noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998392453589309507.post-62240274076863598792017-01-19T14:25:00.729-07:002017-01-19T14:25:00.729-07:00Oh Jenna. This was so beautiful. I can't stop ...Oh Jenna. This was so beautiful. I can't stop crying. I'm so, so deeply sorry for your loss. Your words for strength and love and peace are so inspiring and have been a strength to me. You are wonderful. Your mother sounds absolutely wonderful. I'm so sorry. Praying for you and your family. ❤️Brissa Christensenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16374071582462358329noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998392453589309507.post-39051674065504974972017-01-19T09:08:11.911-07:002017-01-19T09:08:11.911-07:00This was beautiful. I'm in tears as I read it....This was beautiful. I'm in tears as I read it. You are right, you are all too young-- SHE was too young-- to go through this. I'm so sorry she will not be here in the flesh for all the events for your family in the future even if she is watching from the other side (which I truly believe she is doing). I know you know this, but remember it's ok to be angry. You do know the plan of salvation and you know you'll see her again but it's ok to feel whatever emotions you have and to let them out. I can only imagine it will be a roller coaster for you and your sweet children for a long time. Hugs. Alisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03499476146413501541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998392453589309507.post-46842509843829037572017-01-18T23:04:08.966-07:002017-01-18T23:04:08.966-07:00Jenna- You have such an amazing way with words. A...<br />Jenna- You have such an amazing way with words. As I read your post I was taken back to when my father passed away. He was only 49 and I thought I would never get over the pain of losing him. But 24 years later, I can honestly say it is easier. There are still times that catch me off guard and I cry and I miss him so much, but it is easier. Then I pictured you so gently caring for your mother cleaning her ears and wanting to do everything you could for her. I felt that way when my mom was in the hospital. I painted her toes, made sure she had lipstick. When she died I was crushed, reading your words, "no one wants to weep over their mother, or watch their children hug their grandmother for the last time." It broke my heart to know my kids were seeing my mom for the last time. You have so eloquently put into words things that I experienced and have felt for years. Thank you! I pray that your family will continue to comfort eachother and find strength in the gospel.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11099913745399551948noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998392453589309507.post-43864436743839890962017-01-18T21:21:39.569-07:002017-01-18T21:21:39.569-07:00Beautifully written Jenna. We continue to pray fo...Beautifully written Jenna. We continue to pray for your family at this difficult time. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14619462443917873806noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998392453589309507.post-54985269808156740372017-01-18T20:12:58.037-07:002017-01-18T20:12:58.037-07:00Oh, Cheyenne! I will never forget how you reached ...Oh, Cheyenne! I will never forget how you reached out to me when my mom was first diagnosed. It meant the world to me. Thank you for your support and prayers.Jenna Footehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06053037054553243481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998392453589309507.post-10631511370836561072017-01-18T20:11:37.812-07:002017-01-18T20:11:37.812-07:00Camille, thank you. I am really trying to have fai...Camille, thank you. I am really trying to have faith in what I believe because it's all I have. I definitely feel my mom is still watching out for me.Jenna Footehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06053037054553243481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998392453589309507.post-15271260995612801702017-01-18T20:10:10.329-07:002017-01-18T20:10:10.329-07:00Thank you, Lisa. The loss you endured when your hu...Thank you, Lisa. The loss you endured when your husband passed away is one I cannot fathom. I remember that fireside you and Steve gave in Cornerstone Ward. I couldn't believe how tragic both of your stories were! But I have recalled your words many times throughout this. I didn't realize then that your testimony would strengthen me during my own trial of loss many years later. Thank you for your mentorship and friendship throughout my life! I just love you and your family!Jenna Footehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06053037054553243481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998392453589309507.post-92171285874881688652017-01-18T19:26:25.806-07:002017-01-18T19:26:25.806-07:00I'm so so sorry for the loss of your mom. Your...I'm so so sorry for the loss of your mom. Your post was so inspirational to read and like everyone else it brought lots of tears from my eyes. I just recently put a quote in my wall and you reminded me of it when you talked of cleaning your mothers ears and the quote I put up says "enjoy the little things in life, for one day you will look back and realize they were the big things." The fist birthday my mom had after being diagnosed with cancer left me worried about how many more she would have. I chose then to live every day to the fullest and to love my mother more and more and your post was the greatest inspiration to keep cherishing that life even when I start to forget. I know it's knowing we will see our families again that makes death a little easier to understand. I'm thankful for that gospel everyday. I'm thankful to see your strength and watch it spread to others around you. Stay strong and unwavering. Love is people you never see or talk to that are here to support you anyway and if you need anything at all please don't hesitate to ask. I can tell how amazing your mom was by how amazing you are. Prayers to you and your family. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08223303809482245648noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998392453589309507.post-40519957850834675652017-01-18T17:21:59.199-07:002017-01-18T17:21:59.199-07:00I just cried reading this, your way with words and...I just cried reading this, your way with words and your love and admiration for you mother is so beautiful. What a blessing to understand where she is, what an amazing testimony you have! I'm sure you feel her presence so strongly throughout your life! FWIL Sentimental Blog Contenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06950088695992968293noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998392453589309507.post-46319150248575724182017-01-18T17:11:00.497-07:002017-01-18T17:11:00.497-07:00Jenna, your choice of words in this blog post were...Jenna, your choice of words in this blog post were raw with emotion. Anyone who has every lost someone close to them understands exactly how you feel. The feelings come back as if it was yesterday. You will never be the same Jenna. You have experienced something that has changed you. Your heart loves a little deeper and your understanding of Christ's atonement is stronger and you have never loved the Savior more for making it possible to live again as a mortal being. Thank you for sharing your story. Your mom's story. It is beautiful. Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02023449329558410886noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998392453589309507.post-72578649389283447552017-01-18T15:47:24.310-07:002017-01-18T15:47:24.310-07:00Thank you, Hilary!Thank you, Hilary!Jenna Footehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06053037054553243481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998392453589309507.post-75296114169762651262017-01-18T15:47:08.605-07:002017-01-18T15:47:08.605-07:00Aww, thank you, Rachel! I've always looked up ...Aww, thank you, Rachel! I've always looked up to you!Jenna Footehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06053037054553243481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998392453589309507.post-88854310708983177592017-01-18T15:45:52.310-07:002017-01-18T15:45:52.310-07:00Thank you, Ali. Losing a loved one is very hard. Thank you, Ali. Losing a loved one is very hard. Jenna Footehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06053037054553243481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998392453589309507.post-50368359178050678842017-01-18T15:20:51.065-07:002017-01-18T15:20:51.065-07:00It sure is. Thank you, Emily.It sure is. Thank you, Emily.Jenna Footehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06053037054553243481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998392453589309507.post-1127168685611375202017-01-18T14:17:29.679-07:002017-01-18T14:17:29.679-07:00Great post Jenna, I am so sorry for your loss. A...Great post Jenna, I am so sorry for your loss. Amazing how love can carry you.Hilaryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02333985897002693622noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998392453589309507.post-43641997572242178832017-01-18T14:12:25.372-07:002017-01-18T14:12:25.372-07:00Thanks for sharing your thoughts Jenna. I've n...Thanks for sharing your thoughts Jenna. I've never experienced loss like yours but my heart goes out to you and your family. Though we experience grief and pain, I believe Christ's love is truly what sustains and carries us through difficult times. I know we're not close but I've followed your blog a long time and I seriously love you! Rachel Shaw Weekshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11027055285413711902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998392453589309507.post-26851813910680652512017-01-18T14:05:03.192-07:002017-01-18T14:05:03.192-07:00Jenna I am truly sorry for your loss. I haven'...Jenna I am truly sorry for your loss. I haven't lost a parent but when my great grandmother died I felt her loss pretty deeply. I truly wish you and your family peace and love right now. You can see your mom's strength in you and I hope you feel the Savior's love for you too. <3Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14259031976693371287noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998392453589309507.post-82937058585051434342017-01-18T12:15:21.407-07:002017-01-18T12:15:21.407-07:00Oh, Jenna. I am so sorry for you and your family, ...Oh, Jenna. I am so sorry for you and your family, and can't even imagine the grief you must feel. Love is a powerful thing.emilymcbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11243556316258433109noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998392453589309507.post-71072114304604446862017-01-18T12:02:28.600-07:002017-01-18T12:02:28.600-07:00Oh, thank you so much Andi. I love you, too!!!Oh, thank you so much Andi. I love you, too!!!Jenna Footehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06053037054553243481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2998392453589309507.post-66565019123714647552017-01-18T11:47:42.524-07:002017-01-18T11:47:42.524-07:00I know from experience, that there is no cure for ...I know from experience, that there is no cure for the heartbreak you feel. Only our Heavenly Father can give you comfort as you navigate your grief. I just want you to know, that I love you. I know that seems silly since we've never met, but I feel like we are friends. My heart goes out to your family. My Nash included you in his prayers last night. We are praying for continued peace for you all. Andreahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03180055767278627212noreply@blogger.com