Why I’ve Been Away from my Blog

These past few weeks I have been feeling very unreal and immensely sad. I haven’t had much time or inclination to write on my blog. My sister was diagnosed with lung cancer in November last year and despite radiotherapy and chemotherapy the cancer eventually spread  to her brain and she died on 4 August. She had good friends who supported and helped her throughout her illness, but she lived on her own and about 4 hours drive away from me. Although I knew her illness was terminal it was hard to accept that and the suddenness of it all has deeply shocked me. She was very upset and angry about the cancer and fought hard to combat it. Her funeral is on Friday and there is much to sort out. I’ll be back writing some time next week, I hope and although I have been reading in July and August I don’t think I can write much about any of the books I’ve read – much of it is a blur in my mind.

25 thoughts on “Why I’ve Been Away from my Blog

  1. Margaret, my deepest sympathies for your loss. I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers and most especially on Friday. I’m so sorry.

    Like

  2. My deepest sympathies Margaret. I lost a very, very dear friend to cancer two years ago, and I can’t imagine the depth of your grief at losing your sister. Please know others are thinking of you, and we can wait for your return to blogging. Take the time to grieve – and heal.

    Like

  3. Margaret, I’m so sorry to hear about your sister. My prayers are with you. My father suffered this same thing (lung cancer that spread to the brain); it is so hard, especially the short time. I’ll be thinking about you.

    Like

  4. I am really sorry about your Sister. My Mother in Law is going through lung cancer treatment at the moment and there is much suffering. She is very dear to me. Anyway I wish you courage and strength for Friday and for the coming months.

    Like

  5. Margaret, I’m so sorry. My sister in law died with a brain tumor at the age of 37 a few years ago. I know that there’s nothing anyone can do or say to make it better. But, just know that there are people all over the world thinking about you and sending good thoughts your way.

    Like

  6. Me too, Margaret, thinking of you and especially on Friday. I lost a brother this year and I’m so very sorry that you should be going through this.

    Like

  7. Margaret – I’m so sorry to hear about your sister. Just devastating news. I hope you take good care of yourself, and know that my thoughts are with you as you go through this very hard time.

    Blessings —
    Terri

    Like

  8. My sister-in-law died last September after a two year fight with brain cancer. It was awful. My thoughts are with you, especially for Friday. Take care.

    Like

  9. Margaret, this is so awful. I know we’ve never met, but I’ve followed your blog for quite a while now. And I’m just so sorry that this has happened to your sister and to you. It’s obvious you have many people besides me sending supportive thoughts your way. I hope we’ll all be hearing from you again really soon.

    Like

  10. I saw this yesterday and meant to comment. Regardless, adding to what everyone else has said, I’m adding my prayers and thoughts for you and your family during this time. I’ve had two grandfathers who have passed away from cancer and an aunt who has undergoing radiation therapy now for cancer. So I can empathize somewhat. Anyway, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Look forward to your posts when you do return. In the meantime, may the peace of God be with you.

    Like

  11. Margaret,
    I am so sorry to hear about your sister. I can only imagine what you are going through. My heart goes out to you and your family. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We will miss you while you are away. Carol

    Like

  12. I’m so sorry to hear about your sister. My mother-in-law passed away from lung cancer ten years ago, but feels like yesterday. It was about a year from diagnosis to death, and it was very difficult. I’m sorry that you have had to go through it. My thoughts are with you at this sad time.

    Like

  13. So sorry to hear about your sister. No matter how we loose family members it never seems fair. I am sorry for the pain you are going through.

    Like

  14. I’ve been away from your blog for a week or so and have just read this recent post. Oh, Margaret. I am so heartbroken for you. I have a lump in my throat and wish there was something I could do to ease your pain and sadness. Having lost a child three years ago, I have some sense of what you are feeling today. I remember those days after the funeral and how overwhelmingly sad I felt. I couldn’t bear to read for pleasure – everything was such a mind-numbing blur. I wasn’t blogging at that time (my first blog was letters to our deceased daughter), but I’m fairly certain if were, I’d need to take some time off from the blogging world. Be gentle with yourself in the coming months. Don’t let anyone tell you how to grieve or expect you to “move on.” Your friends here in the blogosphere will obviously keep you in their thoughts and prayers. Come back to us when you’re ready. Sending you a heartfelt hug and love…

    Like

  15. Margaret,
    You have my deepest sympathy. I lost a beloved sister-in-law to cancer five years ago. These stanzas from Longfellow’s poem “Resignation” may be of some comfort; they have been to me, anyway:

    We see but dimly through the mists and vapors;
    Amid these earthly damps
    What seem to us but sad, funereal tapers
    May be heaven’s distant lamps.

    There is no Death! What seems so is transition;
    This life of mortal breath
    Is but a suburb of the life elysian,
    Whose portal we call Death.

    Like

  16. Oh, dear Margaret. I suspected this might have happened. I wish I were nearer. I wish I could come and just sit with you. My heart aches for you.

    Like

Comments are closed.