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July 08, 2022

The Best of Times and the Worst of Times

Hello friends. I'm sorry I've been away for such a long time. I sure have missed all of you. It's late, but I can't sleep and a catch up post is long overdue.

The last time I was here was way back on March 1st. I had mentioned then that one of our assistant managers at work had gone out on medical leave. I knew I would be working those long ten hour days again with no time to blog for what I thought would be a few weeks. Right after the assistant manager returned to work our store manager walked out the door, quitting without notice. I found myself in the same position I was in last year and once again I stepped up to the plate.

Things were finally looking up towards the end of April when a new store manager was scheduled to start the first of May. I was so looking forward to cutting back my hours and getting back to my own life and my regular routines.

This is where the best and worst of times comes in.

On April 28th our first beautiful little grandbaby was born. She was a few weeks early, but a perfectly healthy baby girl, 8 pounds 8 ounces. Her name is Luna. My husband and I were so thrilled and so excited to start on this new journey of being grandparents. It was one of our happiest days ever and one we've looked forward to for a long time.

A few days after the baby was born my husband wasn't feeling well. We thought Covid may have finally found us. He took a home test, it was negative. Over the next ten days he had some concerning symptoms and continued to feel unwell, but he refused go to the doctor. On May 12th my husband had a massive heart attack. He passed away before he even made it to the hospital. 

I'm so thankful he was able to hold his grandbaby in his arms before this happened, but how sad that she will never be able to get to know him and that he won't be able to experience all the joys of watching her grow. 

As hard as things have been, I will say that our little Luna has been the saving grace for me and the rest of my immediate family. She has given us all something beautiful and positive to redirect our attention and emotions to during such a difficult time. I don't know how we would have made it through this without her.

I have continued to immerse myself in work, but by choice this time. I have felt like it's the best thing I can do for my own well being right now. 

I'm unsure about how much time I will have for blogging in the near future but I wanted to stop by to let you know what's been happening in my world. Please let me know in the comments what's been going on with you and how you are doing.

Peace, love and hugs,
Martha

77 comments:

  1. I am so very sorry for your loss. Know that I am thinking of you and wishing you well. I can tell you that my job has been what keeps me sane since my husband passed away 4 years ago. It's a strange new life you are beginning. If you ever need to talk I am here to listen.

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  2. I am so sorry to read this. My heart goes out to you and I am, like you, so very glad that he had the chance to meet Luna.

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  3. Oh, Martha, I am so sorry to read about losing your husband! My deepest sympathies to you and your children. But, what a joy little Luna must be and I'm glad your husband lived long enough to know that he had a granddaughter. (((HUGS)))

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  4. I am so sorry to hear this about your husband, my condolences to all of you and congratulations on baby Luna and hugs and prayers coming your way.
    Blogging can wait for you to grieve and we will be here when you can post, don't even think about trying to read blogs. I am so glad you have your job when you need it. we are fine, home repairs home repairs.. hugs

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  5. Hello, Martha

    I am so sorry for your loss. I am so glad Luna arrived in time for your husband to meet his first granddaughter. I am sure she is a joy and gives you all some comfort. Sending prayers for you and your family. Take care of yourself!

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  6. Martha, my deepest condolences for you. I never imagined why you could be gone so long and it was for such a tragedy. My prayers are with you and hope all goes well. Thankfully you have that new grandbaby. Lynn and Precious XX

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  7. It has indeed been the best of times and the worst of times for you. Sending positive thoughts your way as you maneuver through this new time in you life. So sorry for your loss.

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  8. Martha, I am so SORRY to hear about that your husband has passed away..my deepest condolence to you and the whole family, Martha. Luna came to the world a bit early...I guess there's a reason behind it.

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  9. Oh Martha my deepest sympathy for you and your family. I am so sorry you are going through this. I'm happy that Luna arrived in time for her grandfather to meet her and that she is helping you all through this heartbreaking time. I can't even begin to imagine what you are going through. My heart truly goes out to you. Please reach out to me if you ever just need to talk. Big hugs to you my friend!

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  10. Oh Martha. What a roller coaster ride you’ve been on and such a range of emotions is this post. Congratulations on baby Luna. Such a wonderful addition to the family. Then the unspeakable loss of your husband. How fortunate he got to meet his sweet grandbaby. How fortunate she arrived early! Take care my friend. Thinking of you…

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  11. Martha, my heart just dropped as I read this. Words can’t express how sorry I am. I wish I could be there for you right now. Do you have friends nearby that are supporting you? What a blessing that Luna came early so that your husband could hold her. She will be the light you need in the coming months. Sending you love from the CLE.❤️

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  12. I'm so sorry Martha. Your grand daughter was surely a blessing for you all. Please take care not to let your work consume you as you grieve. Lean on friends and family as much as you need.

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  13. Martha, I am so sorry to hear this but so happy that you have little Luna in your life. I'll be thinking of you. It was a blessing that Luna came early and your husband was able to meet her. Thinking of you in New York State.

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  14. Martha, you have been on my mind for the past several weeks, so when I saw your post on my reader, I was so happy. However, how bittersweet. I am so sorry to hear about your husband, truly I am. It's so hard to process loss, particularly when it happens unexpectedly. Just know that we are all sending your lots of love and hugs, my friend. Like you, I too would be immersing myself in work because I think it helps stabilize us.

    I am also so very happy to hear about your grandbaby!!! I love her name, Luna! And yes, I'm sure she is such a saving grace for you and your family at this time.

    Again, please know that you are in our thoughts and that you are LOVED.

    ((((((((((((((((( X YOU X ))))))))))))))))))

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  15. Oh Martha, I am so very sorry. Definitely the best and worst of times. So glad that your husband was able to meet little Luna. May she continue to bring comfort to you and your family. Sending hugs and lots of love.

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  16. AnonymousJuly 08, 2022

    Oh, what a blow! I'm so sorry for the unexpected death of your husband, but delighted to hear your new grandbaby's giving you a reason to smile. I love her name! Me? Still acting as caregiver to Tom and trying to find a measure of joy among the weeds. Please take good care of yourself!

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    1. AnonymousJuly 08, 2022

      Whoops -- Blogger thinks I'm 'anonymous.' This is Myra/Mevely.

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  17. My deepest condolences on the death of your husband, Martha. What a difficult time this must be for you. I'm glad you have your new baby granddaughter Luna to help ease the pain. Take care and don't work too hard.

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  18. Oh, Martha. I'm so, so very sorry to read about the loss of your husband. I'm very happy he was able to meet Luna, and that you have her to help you as you deal with this grief. Remember to take care of yourself, and find balance during this incredibly difficult time. Sending you lots of good thoughts & hugs.

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  19. AnonymousJuly 08, 2022

    I'm ao sorry that the worst of times hit you, but thankful for the best in your new grand child. They do give us a lot of happiness. I'm wishing you the best in your future, it's going to be a big change for you ! Love, ma

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  20. MARTHA!!!!!!!!!!!! My mouth is hanging open!!! *sigh* I am so very very VERY sorry to hear of the sudden loss of your husband. I'm trying to think back....had he just retired or went back to work after retiring the first time? I can't quite remember. Oh my word, what a sad thing! *gentle hugs* I'm happy you have sweet little Luna to fill your heart with joy now. My son was born 5 months after my Dad died and we all thought the same thing.... what a blessing he was at such a hard time in our lives, especially Mom's life. Babies bring such joy!

    Please try not to be a stranger to your blog here, dear heart. You are a good friend to many of us & it doesn't matter if you visit our blogs or not. Just update your blog here, so we know what's going on with you. Try to just type a few lines once a week, if you are able, so we know you're not far away.

    Much love & sympathy~ Andrea
    XOXOXO

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  21. Oh, Martha, I am so very sorry for your loss! So glad you do have Luna to ease the pain but could cry for the fact that she won't get to enjoy her grandpa. But at least she was held in his arms. Hugs to you and give Luna a hug for me, too. There is nothing like grandchildren!

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  22. I am so, so sorry for the loss of your husband. I was so happy to see you'd posted again, not expecting such sad news. Luna's birth, of course, is happy news, congratulations, Grandma! What a rollercoaster of highs and lows you've been through. Take care of yourself. And, please, don't second guess whether you could have "made" your husband see a doctor. I know it's not uncommon to do that. I did. Before my husband died his doctor told him to go to the ER, but my husband never mentioned it to me.

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  23. Martha, I am so saddened by the news of your husband's passing.

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  24. Oh, Martha. My heart breaks for you. I'm so sorry for your loss. The title of this post really does say it all. What a blessing that your husband met Luna, and she will know him through the memories all of you share. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

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  25. Enjoy the new grand-baby. That's the most important thing.

    Have a fabulous day and weekend. ♥

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  26. My heart breaks for you in the wake of your loss, Martha. Know I will definitely keep you in my prayers. I'm positive that Luna's presence will give you a solace and a hope you might now have had otherwise. There is nothing to compare to being a grandparent, that's for sure. Celebrate every moment you can with the little one.
    Blessings!

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  27. I am so very sorry to hear your sad news. I'm very glad you have a healthy grandbaby to spend time with but I know it's a terribly hard time for you. My heart goes out to you and I will keep you in my prayers. Don't worry about visiting us all. We are just glad to hear from you so that we can keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Take care of yourself my friend. Sweet hugs, Diane

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  28. AnonymousJuly 08, 2022

    Oh Martha, despite the beautiful news of Luna's birth it is definitely the worst of times. I am deeply sorry that you've had to experience such a tragic and sudden loss. I'm sure that does a whole trip of emotions in your head. I send love and wishes for peace and healing. You know we welcome your thoughts, even if you simply need to vent, and will be here for you.

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  29. Oh I am so very sorry to hear that heartbreaking news of your husbands passing.
    So wonderful to hear the news of your first grandbaby Luna being born.

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  30. This is truly terrible and I don't quite know what to say except that keeping busy and surrounding yourself with loved ones is the only solace. I had two years to prepare for my husband's death (cancer) whereas losing yours was so sudden and shocking. I'm so very sorry! Both my daughters are now living in the Pac NW, close to me. The older one, her husband and their 2 year old are living with me while they wait for their goods to arrive from New York. They are expecting another little boy in early December. My younger daughter has been struggling in her relationship and in her life decisions. Hope she'll be able to work it all out. Sigh. Thinking of you fondly and sending my deepest condolences. xoxo

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  31. Oh, Martha! I am so deeply sorry for your sudden loss of your husband. I am so very glad that little Luna is bringing you & the rest of your family some comfort & smiles at this terribly sad time. Wishing you nothing but peace & so much love as you move forward in your journey of being a Grandma. xo Susie

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  32. Oh my goodness!!! I am so very sorry!!! I cannot imagine how awful this is for you. My prayers will be with you, I will be praying for you. Yes, babies seem to make everything better.

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  33. Like the rest of us I am in total shock after rewarding your post. I'm so sorry about your husband's sudden death., It is wonderful that he was able to hold his first grandchild in his arms in the short time that he had. I'm also glad that the baby is a consolation during this awful time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

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  34. I am so sorry for your loss. What a shock. The best and worst times, indeed. Take care of yourself. Life is fleeting.

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  35. It's so nice to see your post. We were so sad to hear the news when your husband passed away. Luna is such a blessing for you and I hope the work thing calms down a bit.

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  36. Martha, such deverstating news regarding your husband..may he RIP. Joy too, such a delight to have a baby within your grasp, congratulations on being a grandmother. Take care..

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  37. AnonymousJuly 08, 2022

    Martha I am so very sorry- a bit of a shock too. Keep well and congrats grandma! - Christine cmlk79.blogspot.com. I am using cell data as there isza massive internet outage here with our Rogers service provider

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  38. I am so sorry for your loss. I know you have wonderful memories to help you through this sad time. I am happy that you have your family and baby Luna to bring you joy.

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  39. Oh Martha, I am so sorry for the loss of your dear husband. Words seem shallow but I really do care. Your work is a blessing for you right now as is that beautiful grandbaby.
    Hugs and prayers as you move forward.
    Sue

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  40. Martha...so, so very sorry. Peace and love to you. Focus on the beautiful baby.

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  41. Oh Martha I am so sorry that your husband died, and so suddenly what a shock for you all. I am sure that Luna will help you through your grief...being a Grandmother is one of the most wonderful experiences...I am sure you will embrace that role with gusto! Sending you a hug today and good thoughts.
    My husbands sister died back in April from breast cancer that spread. It was/is hard for him as she was his only sibling. We continue to put one foot in front of the other!

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  42. Martha, please accept my sympathy on the death of your husband. I cannot imagine the shock of such a loss for you. I hope your journey through grief is a gentle one.

    I am so glad that you have a happy, healthy new granddaughter to remind you of the joys of life. Luna is aptly named; she is a light in your world now, and she obviously will help you see your way through these difficult times. Enjoy being a grandma. Take good care of yourself.

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  43. I don't think my comment came through earlier but even if it did, I'd like to say I'm thinking of you. I am so sorry for your loss and so thankful you have a new baby and family close by to comfort you. Take care my friend and let us know how you are doing. Hugs Diane

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  44. Martha I am so very sorry about your husband's sudden passing....dear me.
    I too am thankful he met Luna and I hope you took some photos of the meeting so she can eventually 'meet' him and know how happy he was to be a granddaddy.
    Take care of yourself.
    Cecilia

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  45. Oh Martha, I am so sorry to read about the loss of your husband, my condolences.

    So thankful, that you have your new grand-daughter to love and cherish.

    Thinking of you.

    All the best Jan

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  46. Oh, Martha, I am so, so sorry for your loss. I knew you hadn't been blogging lately, but was hoping it was the normal busyness of life. I'm glad your husband was at least able to meet your granddaughter, but so sad for all of you that he won't be there to watch her grow up. I hope you're finding some comfort in your granddaughter and in staying busy. Love and hugs to you.

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  47. Oh I'm so very sorry for your enormous loss. Babies are a blessing always, but particularly so when life is difficult. May your lovely Luna bring you joy and comfort.

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  48. Oh, I'm so, SO sorry for the loss of your husband! I can't imagine how painful this must be for you. Glad to hear of the arrival of Luna, of course, and I'm sure that's a comfort. But wow.

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  49. Martha ♥♥♥♥ I have no words, my dear. I'm so sorry. ♥♥♥

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  50. AnonymousJuly 16, 2022

    Oh dear, I don't see my earlier comment here, so I will try as anonymous!
    I am so sorry to read about the loss of your husband, my sincere condolences.
    Enjoy your beautiful new grand-baby.

    Thinking of you.

    All the best Jan
    https://thelowcarbdiabetic.blogspot.com/

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  51. Martha, I am deeply sorry that your husband passed away. There are no words adequate to comfort when this happens, but please know I'm thinking about you during this time of sorrow and sending comforting thoughts and love to you. That is wonderful that your first grandchild was born. I'm happy that you are a grandmother now. There's nothing like it. Maybe your new busy working hours came at a good time for you. Take care, Martha, and welcome to the world, little Luna. : )

    ~Sheri

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  52. Oh Martha I am so very sorry for the loss of your husband. May his memory bring you peace and comfort. Congratulations on your new granddaughter. Grandchildren can bring us more joy than we can imagine and I'm glad you have her!

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  53. First of all I'm sending you HUGE HUGS! I'm so sorry to hear about Joe! I'm so glad he was able to hold Luna and know the joy of being a grandpa before his passing. I know you will all help Luna to know her grandpa as she grows through memories and family stories. Congratulations to JoJo and his wife on being new parents. Please take care of yourself and don't overwork yourself! Hug that grand baby tight and surround yourself with family. <3 :D

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  54. Martha, I continue to think of you and miss reading your blog. I know you'll return when you're ready. I hope you are continuing to heal, enjoying your grandbaby, and taking time away from work to do whatever you love the most.

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  55. Martha...my condolences for your loss. You need time with family, and the job to help heal. I am at a loss of words, but I hope you are finding comfort somehow. Hug Luna For me.

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    1. That's me, Hootin' Anni

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  56. Thinking of you Martha as summer is nearly over. One day at a time:)

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  57. I am so far behind this year on cards! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

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  58. Hi Martha! Just checking in to see how you are. You are missed❤️

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  59. Thinking of you and hope you're doing ok.

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  60. Been thinking about you and hoping all is well and that you're not floating away or having too much wind. Stay safe my friend.

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  61. I was so very sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. I am so glad you have Luna and work to.help with learning tomadjust.

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  62. Martha, hope you were not too seriously affected by Hurricane Ian. Stay safe!

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  63. I hope you're doing well Martha and that you were safe from Ian. Miss you!!

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  64. Oh Martha, I am so very sorry to hear this news of your husband! I haven't been blogging much and so haven't been here in awhile (clearly). What a sudden and horrible shock that had to have been for all of you. I will hold you close in my thoughts.

    I am glad that you have Luna now to bring a ray of sunshine during this difficult time. She is surely a blessing to you and your family. Take good care of yourself in this season of mourning, as complicated that must surely be.

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  65. I am so very sorry to read this Martha. Family is so important at times like this, and the blessing of a grand baby. My deepest condolences for your loss.

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  66. I am so sorry for your loss. It's getting colder. Please keep warm and be healthy.

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  67. Martha, I hope your Christmas was lovely and special with your new grandchild despite your loss. May 2023 be a kind and happy new year for you.

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  68. Thinking of you!
    Sending hugs as I know the holidays are hard. I hope that time with family and that precious grandbaby brings comfort.

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  70. This comment has been removed by the author.

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