A wedding, a funeral, and sending mom off to college

Oh how I've missed my YLF friends! The past four weeks have been an emotional roller coaster. I didn't really send my 83 year old mom off to college, but one of my dear friends made the comparison.

The past month started off with my niece's wedding in NC. The wedding took place in an orchard and what a beautiful bride she was. I wore a navy Adrianna Papell dress with a lace yoke and shutter pleats.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ad.....s-_-1_18_C
The lovely Kindrex dazzled in one-of-a-kind silk dress from a Brooklyn boutique. (Pics 1-4)

From NC, I went to New England for three weeks to help my mom move from her home of 55 years (my childhood home) into a one bedroom, senior apartment. So necessary, but so bittersweet. What a job it was...physically and emotionally. It was so difficult to leave her there and come home. A friend described it best - it was like sending your child off to college. She seems happy and I know she is much safer. But still...it's hard.

We also received news of a death in the family while I was there. My cousin passed away at age 53. Such a shock. I had worn my "little black travel dress" on the plane and it fit the bill for the unexpected funeral attire. (Pic 5) I was thankful I had brought it along.
Here's the original post for the dress:
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....avel-dress

I'm home now and glad to be catching up with YLF. I left my mom with a few instructions: study hard, don't party too hard, and stay away from boys.

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9 years ago

DebbieLM

Active Member

Debora, your last few weeks have been an emotional roller coaster, but your wardrobe covered all the bases needed without having to stress over 'what to wear'. I am so happy to hear that you are home and mom is happy. I am sure that she gave you the same advice years ago that you have given her. One difference; the days of calling home collect seem to be over!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Debora! What a treat to see you (and Kindrex!) and what a story. I'm so sorry for all you've been going through. It's never easy to watch our parents age. And dismantling the family home is bound to be very emotional. Especially when a family member has suddenly died.

You looked sensational for all occasions, which is only what I would expect of you. Keep your balance on the bathtub of life, oh beautiful scarf twin!!

Debora

Lol, Debbie! How could I forget the pay phone at the end of the dorm hallway and the once a week calls home every Sunday! Thanks for your kind words.

Thank you, Suz. You are so right about dismantling the family home. It was harder than I thought.

How could I forget! Mom looked sensational at the wedding in silky black pants and a matching shimmery tank and jacket. She busted out some awesome dance moves despite arthritic knees.

Beth Ann

Holy cow! What a month! You and Kindrex (and hubby, for that matter), all look stunning in your wedding attire -- elegant, but relaxed. Both of my parents (and my husbands) are all still healthy and at home, but, as they all enter their upper 70s, things are changing a bit. I hope I am as gracious and strong when my time comes.

pil

Debora, your wardrobe certainly served you well through joy and sadness. I'm sorry about your cousin and hooe your mother is happy in her new home. We may be embarking on the same journey with our 84 year old mother and our family home of 55 years.

Firecracker (Sharan)

You look stunning in that shutter pleat dress! And what a beautiful silk dress on Kindrex (and perfect setting for the photo). I'm sorry to hear about your loss and the difficult chore you faced in your mother's move. What a lot to go through in such a short time. It was serendipity for you to have along your little black dress.
It's funny, but I couldn't quite place you until I saw the bathtub shot! Welcome back to YLF.

Jenniferblue

Hi Debora,
It's so great to see know that you're back and have the energy to tell
us about your time away. So many highs and lows crammed into
a few short weeks. I hope that the rest of the summer is peaceful
as can be and that Mom gets that 4.0 that will let you know that she's
doing just fine.

crutcher

Your wardrobe definitely covered all of your needs...I love your wedding selection...Having just a lbd to wear when you needed it was spot on...
(Who said that a lbd isn't mandatory?...)
Hard to be caught between the generations..your children and parents..The sandwich generation definitely has its work laid out...Your mom will probably learn to love her new life...Best to you...

viva

Like Firecracker, I appreciate the bathtub shot -- you will always be bathtub girl in my heart.

I love the black lace-top dress -- you look so lovely. And the slik dress on Kindrex is amazing. My DDs would swoon.

It sounds like moving mom was very challenging, but you will feel such relief in the coming months knowing this is done, and she is settled and safe. I am on the other side of that move, and it's truly a great thing to have in the past. Good for you.

Anonymous

What a month! That must have been hard for your mum, but she will be much happier and safer, I am sure. Kindrex looks lovely, and so do you.

Firecracker, thank you. I almost posted a pic of that dress in its native habitat - atop the tub!

Jenniferblue, thanks for making me smile. Let's hope for that 4.0 with the move. Her answer when I told her to stay away from boys was "I can't promise that!" Way to go, Mom!

Crutcher, thank you so much. You are so right about being the sandwich generation.

Viva, I just saw your post and my heart is with you. Best of luck to both you and your parents.

Ceit, thank you! Not only is she safer but she also has friends close by. The woman who lives in the apartment above her is actually the very same woman who was the first to welcome her to town 55 years ago when she moved into her then new house.

You girls are the best!

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