08/06/2024
This is a post that I was hoping I wouldn’t have to make quite yet, or ever really no matter how irrational that was. Many of you have followed along with my moms - or Momma R as many of you affectionately call her - journey with cancer. In early April her journey came to an end.
Everything happened so fast at the end. One day we were making plans and then the next things changed on a dime. But I guess with this disease that’s not uncommon.
While her passing wasn’t how we envisioned it when we initially started with hospice it was peaceful and she was in no pain when she left. I was by her side with my brother on the phone with me when she passed at 8:22am - her birthday. For those who knew her you know she couldn’t leave without adding a bit of extra flare.
I’ve held of making this announcement because I’ve been going through so many emotions and feelings and ups and down. And to be honest I just couldn’t. As I’ve said to my friends and family doing things like this adds another layer of finality that I’m still very much struggling with.
For those of you who have followed me for a while you know that my mom is my best friend, biggest inspiration, biggest supporter and also part of B&B. Every day I am acutely aware that she is missing in so many aspects in my life.
I know many of you have been waiting patiently for the shop to reopen or at least get some kind of sense of when that might be. I’m sorry, but I just don’t have an answer to that right now. I do know that I will reopen and Belle & Bark is far from finished.
I ask that you be patient with me while I try to learn how to live without my mom and best friend while trying to do what needs to be and when I’m still very much in the grieving process.
I want to say a huge thank you to all of you who have been so supportive of me and my mother the past few years when as her journey became more difficult. You prayers, good vibes, well wishes, virtual hugs, supportive words and everything else you gave meant the world to me and mom. And I truly believe they worked as we got “extra” time. That time is something that I will forever be grateful for.
***Continued in comments***
