Information

[traveler]

Other than playing bingo, I haven't really been on the board in a month. Some of you have reached out which is very sweet. Here's what's been going on.

You may remember that my mother-in-law was hospitalized twice in December. We thought she was recovering, but she just propped herself up to be able to have our annual family Hanukah gathering with grandchildren and cousins. 

In early January, my husband and I went to California to visit my sister.  My husband's brother called to discuss whether they should put their mother on hospice. So, we flew home early. Our kids each flew in for a day to say goodbye which was good that they were able to do that. She passed about a week later. In Jewish tradition, the funeral is as soon as possible and then the mourners (immediate family) sit shiva for a week. During shiva, people visit the mourners and typically bring food. The idea is that you shouldn't be alone or hungry while grieving and shouldn't have to worry about things like cooking. Once a day during that week, you have a minion which is at least 10 people and say a prayer. 

After that, we went on a ski trip. It seemed odd to take a vacation immediately after shiva, but it was planned and paid for in advance and it is what she would have wanted us to do.

So, now I am back and plan to be home most of the rest of the month and on the board again. I also have 2 ideas for new challenges, which I plan to post today or tomorrow. 
 

[Flasher]

I'm so sorry to hear of your mother-in-law's passing.  Thank you for explaining the tradition of shiva.  Continued thoughts for you and your family.

Glad to see you back.

 

[emmapaige]

I am so deeply sorry for your loss, Louise. I heard about the tradition sit shiva but never knew about never being alone or worry about cooking. What a wonderful tradition. 

[blbabe1234]

Sorry to hear about your MIL's passing, but at you least you know she is no longer in pain.

Glad you still went on your ski trip. I'm sure we will see some fabulous layouts from you.

[kate W.]

My condolences on the loss of your mother-in-law. May her memory always be a blessing.

[aheatfan]

I'm so sorry about the passing of your mother in law. Sending hugs your way.

[VickiR]

Welcome back, Louise. Once again I’m so sorry for your family’s loss.

[Karyn_Sue]

So sorry to hear of your mother-in-law's passing. May her memory be a blessing.

[Charleneanne]

Condolences on your loss. Following traditions can really help get through these tough times.

[SandyJay]

So sorry to hear of your MIL’s passing.  Thank you for educating me on this Jewish tradition of shiva.  I hope that you enjoyed your ski trip because that is what she would have wanted.  Take what time you need, my heart goes out for your husband, you and your family. May you all find peace in the Lord.  

[Monroe1218]

I'm sorry to hear of your mother in law's passing.  Thank you for sharing with us the tradition of sitting shiva, as I appreciate being able to understand the customs and tradtions that are important to others.
May her memory be a blessing!

[GinniG]

Louise, I’m so sorry for your loss! And I’m glad your sons were able to visit her and say farewell. Sending {{{HUGS}}} and prayers.

Looking forward to seeing your challenges!

[MTCanuk]

Louise, So sorry to hear hear about your MIL. So good your boys were able to squeeze in one last visit with her. Continued thoughts and prayers for you and your family.

[StacyLee]

Sorry to hear of your family's loss, Louise. I really enjoyed seeing the beautiful paintings you shared that she created, what a treasure.   It's wonderful that your boys were able to see her one last time before she passed.  The only knowledge I had about sitting shiva is from tv, it was incorporated into the storyline of one of my favorite shows, what a nice tradition.

[joannie]

Sorry for your loss ((hugs))

[stinkerbelle]

sorry for your loss   glad to see you back!

[SandyK1967]

Glad you are back, and so sorry for your loss of your Mother-in-Law! Sending hugs and prayers....

[JAire]

Thank you for sharing your family sadness, so glad your kids also got their last time to see her. I wish dear memories to you all.

[pawprints]

So sorry Louise for the loss of you mil. It is wonderful that your boys got to see her one last time. Many ((hugs)) to you and condolences to you and your family.

Very glad to see you back and happy that you were able to go on your trip.

[Art_Teacher]

So very sorry for your loss, Louise.  I am glad you and your boys were able to be with her at the end.  Sitting shiva sounds like a wonderful custom. Thank you for sharing that with us.