RE-DEFINING SUCCESS: Woos and Woes

Sheelagh Cabalda is a partner, mama and educator, who has worked extensively in youth development, cultural studies, multicultural counseling, cancer support, higher education, events administration and non-profit management. Redefining success is a combination of positive & changing self-concept, inner directedness and a balance of priorities. It is personal empowerment -- taking charge over what we can control & accepting what we cannot. Every day is an attempt to do just that.

15.9.08

Grumpy Griever

Today was hard. My last day before I return to work. I had to finalize some bank business with my mom. I'm having extreme anxiety about my mom being alone for full days as we get back into the swing of . . . life.

Mom & I had lunch at sinugba, Dad's favorite turo-turo restaurant, corner of West Side & Roosevelt avenues, in Jersey City. Mom & I got the combo meals. She ordered sinigang pork & isda. I had pinakbet & longanisa. We topped off our late afternoon meal with a shared halo halo. Yum.

Spoke with two of my women friends tonight, each of whom lost their mom a while ago. They reassured me that:

Grief moves in waves, and each day does get better.
The worst part is over.

I'll have to write these on post-its and staple them to my body. (Yes, staple them.)

ps Thanks, sisters, for sharing your courage with me.

Signed,

Grumpy Griever