OUR NEW NORMAL...

 

Happier Times

Twenty-twenty has been hard for all of us, but the end of the year has been particularly devastating for our family.  Right before Thanksgiving our dear daughter-in-love passed away.  It was completely unexpected and fast!  Unfortunately that is the nature of brain bleeds.  We were all devastated and in total disbelief.  Twenty-eight is too young to leave this earth!  Gabby and Justin had just celebrated their second wedding anniversary!  Our poor grandson still needs his mommy!  

Fortunately, our grandson is surrounded by many, many people who love him and will do everything in their power to help him along.  He is extremely close to Justin (his bonus daddy) who he has lived with for over half of his life.  As they have lived with us since April of 2017, my husband and I are part of his daily  routine.  Because of Covid I had been overseeing his virtual schooling in the AM and Gabby would take over in the PM when she got home from work.  I now oversee the entire day, so his routine is still fairly consistent.  We are all holding on, together.  

So 2021 is bringing a “new normal” to our lives.  Justin is learning to juggle being a single parent, and is crushing it!  My husband and I are here to provide support.  He is also surrounded by a wonderful group of friends who have been available to help him through the emotions of losing Gabby, as well as his new single parent status...and their kids have been our grandson’s best friends for years!  Justin and our grandson have gotten together with them a few times since Gabby’s passing (observing Covid restrictions of course) and it has been wonderful to see K just being a kid.  

While I never thought I could find something “good” in Gabby’s passing, the outpouring of love from those around us has been amazing.  In fact, to be shown such love, caring and support from so many in this time of country-wide tumult has been truly miraculous.  Justin and I wholeheartedly believe that Gabby’s purpose in life and death was to bring out the best in people.  We will all try to continue this purpose in her honor.  She was a wonderful mother, Justin’s devoted soulmate and our loving “daughter”-in-law.  We have been truly blessed to have her in our lives.