Saturday, July 9, 2011

DIFFICULT TIMES

Marc drove to St. Louis (1/2 way) to pick up Oksana on June 4th.  We could not believe how much 12 year old Aric had grown these past 6 months and is now taller than his 16 year old sister.  You can see his big grin of satisfaction.

 Marc will be taking Oksana back to St. Louis (1/2 way) this Sunday, July 10th.  We met the 3 of them Friday, at Friday's!!!!. to share lunch with them and say good--bye to Oksana.  She is returning to live with her mom.
 Aric will be going to stay with his mom for 2 weeks, but thankfully will be back with his dad and us soon.  It's difficult for Marc and Mickey and I to have had Oksana here only 5 weeks so far this year.  Such is the plight of divorce.

Today Mickey and I finally conquered another difficult task that we had discussed with Dave and needed to do but had been putting off.  We called Dave about picking up some China and Crystal that we had given Suzette.  He answered the phone and was in Dallas (aren't cell phones wonderful? !!!) but he said to feel free to go over and get the items so we did.

This is the first time we'd been to their house since the day after Suzette's memorial service on May 24th when we went to clear out all her clothes, but I was still numb that day.  Today I was not numb, as I've been dealing with her no longer being with us for 7 weeks and 2 days.

Walking into that house, with everything exactly as she had fixed it and decorated it, without her being there was almost more than I could bare.  But life goes on and we must face reality as painful as it sometimes is.  I sobbed and bawled my eyes out for some minutes and then we got to the task at hand. 
We had given Suzette this 36 pc set of Rose China - Japan - in this Rose Villa 3912 pattern when she was 19!!!  36 years ago!!!
The set was service for 8: dinner plates, soup dishes, bread and butter plates, and cups.  Also a serving dish, platter and creamer and sugar bowl set.  It is trimmed in silver.
I had a 12 serving pieces set of 8 different crystal pieces.  When Suzette and Dave married, on Valentines 1994, I had given her 4 pieces of the 8 different sizes of crystal.
Here I am putting the very last piece into the storage box.  We plan to give this china and crystal to one of Suzette's 2 nieces(Jessica or Oksana)  or nephew (Aric) as a heirloom from her.

Two other items we also packed away were: (1) a flowered cup and saucer set that had belonged to Mickey's mother and (2) a ceramic teapot, 4 plates and 4 cups that I had made YEARS ago.

Another milestone and big hurdle out of our way.  It feels good and the best part of all......we know Suzette is smiling down on us!!!!  We love you honey and miss you sooooooooo much, but we WILL see you again soon.


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12 comments:

Humble wife said...

((Hugs))

I have been slowly processing my mother's death and I cannot believe how at times it just comes upon me and makes me sob.

I think that you packing the China up for the nieces or nephew will be a lovely way to share their aunt as they continue on in their lives.
My prayers are ongoing for you and yours...

Jennifer

Jill said...

Sorry for these hard times- I can only imagine how hard it must have been to walk into Suzette's house. Glad you got to be with your granddaughter this summer, if only for a very short time. I continue to keep you all in my prayers.

Mari said...

Glad you got to spend some time with Oksana, but I know saying goodbye was hard. I can't imagine how hard it was going into Dave and Suzettes house, but it was a first step and good for the two of you for getting through that. Suzette would be happy to see that china being passed on to one of her nieces and nephews.

Just Mom said...

This totally made me cry, Susan.

My husband and I received a cut glass pitcher and glasses set from my grandmother-in-law on our wedding day. The pitcher and glasses were handed down to her from a beloved aunt in my hubby's family. Suzette's memory will live on as you pass those dishes on to her nieces or nephew.

(((hugs)))

Michelle-ozark crafter said...

That must have been so hard for you guys. Love and huggles.

Dawn said...

I didn't realize Oksana was living with her mom. Wonder how I missed that important change.

I'm glad you got that hard job over with, and can only imagine how difficult it was.

Kathy said...

Susan, I know it must've been difficult beyond belief to have to go to her home and to not see her. Oh, I'm sorry! The only relief really is knowing that someday the reality of our heavenly home and the great reunion that awaits, will come. I love you. I'm praying for you.

On another note, we just fell in love with your two grandchildren while we were there. Aric definitely brought some joy and fun into Daniel and Bethany's lives last Sunday. Oksana brought a really tasty cake into ours!!! We'll be praying for you all and for them. Make sure and tell them for us! : )

retha said...

Although doing such things are hard, it does bring a small bit of help in going on with life, it is good to read how you are going through these actions or tasks. Not only for yourselves, but also for others to see how we can go through life with the LORD.

I can just imagine that there are nothing in life harder to go through than you are at this time. My heart feels with yours.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Seeing you pack up the china made me cry, too. We are not supposed to outlive our children and I can't imagine how difficult these days are for you. I don't know how you are staying as strong as you are. Well I do know, don't I? The Lord will give you the strength you need.

It's good to know that the china will be treasured by others in the family and Suzette will be thought of each time it is used. She would like that, I'm sure.

Take care, Susan, and know that we are still praying for you and your family. Hugs, Cheryl

Brenda said...

Oh Susan, I cried feeling a very tiny piece of your's and Mickey's pain. I can't imagine, but thank God for the hope and joy that the Lord gives us even through these terribly rough times. How could we cope without Him?
Hugs!

Debra said...

Susan, my heart just breaks for you. That had to be very difficult. What a treasure that will be for her nieces and nephews.

God bless

Debra

Oklahoma Granny said...

My "go-to" thought for times like these is, "If God brings you to it, He'll bring you through it." Blessings to you this week.