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Take a Moment

February 27, 2010 my life changed.  I lost my dad to his battle with cancer, and he was only 52.
My daughter Ava and my dad, summer 2009.
Today is ten years since he died, and I have to say, it is a very tough day.  I didn't expect it to be so difficult, but I am struggling today.  Grief can consume, and it is a sneaky thing too, as you don't realize it's going to get you until it does.  I am constantly on the verge of tears, my every thought is consumed with memories of him - both good and sad ones.  How is it that TEN years has gone by so quickly?

I was having a conversation with one of my Google Innovator mentees today, and he was saying how his life was so busy this past month and his Innovator project has somehow paused for a few weeks.  He was still motivated and enthusiastic about it, and best of all - he didn't feel any guilt about having hit the pause button.  My mentee's project is focussed around teacher self-care and wellness, and he recognized that if he tried to fit in everything this last month, he would burn out, so he took a moment (or a few) for himself and removed something from his plate.  He is now able to reflect and see it was such a good decision for himself.

Today I was feeling guilty about not getting much accomplished and perhaps wallowing in my grief, but after reflecting I realize that maybe I just needed to take a moment.  I spent that time remembering a man who shaped me and helped me become the woman I am today.  Yes, it has been a very emotional and mentally tough day, but I needed to give myself this day so that I can continue on tomorrow.

#BeWellEDU


Comments

  1. Sending you a big hug! There are no rules to grief, so let yourself feel however you need to. The 10 year mark was a hard one for me too, as was surpassing how long he had been alive (he died when he was 34, I was 10 when he passed and just turned 34 this year). You're not alone. Take care of yourself. Reach out if you need anything.

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    1. Thank you, Jenna! I appreciate the words and thoughts!

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