My sister-in-law died.

[namommy]

We got a phone call about an hour ago that my sister-in-law was found dead in her house. I can't believe this is happening. It feels surreal.

The neighbors said her car hadn't been moved in a couple days, and when they realized that the car was there but no lights were on, they called her son and the police. The found her in the bath tub. They think she probably had a heart attack, but to be certain they are taking her body to do an autopsy. She was only 52 years old.

My husband is a wreck. My 7 year old son is totally breaking my heart. He went with her every weekend somewhere. Usually Sat and Sun they would go somewhere and do things together. She would stop by on weeknights alot and just take him to the library or the book store or somewhere educational. He was in bed, but not asleep when we got the call and he heard the commotion and came out. When he realized what happened, the look on his face broke my heart. He finally cried himself to sleep on the sofa. Him and my 16 year old daughter are curled up on the sofa sleeping together. My son, 13 years old, went up to his room alone. I don't know how he's handling it.

I don't know what to do.

{{{hugs & prayers}}} I'm sorry about the bad news. My condolences, namommy.

[pedagogue]

I'm sorry for your loss.

Hopefully your family can remember the good times with your SIL, and have a nice ceremony to honor her. Death is never easy, but with the support of each other, you can get through it.

As an aside, I think it is important to talk with each one of your kids about her death. It is important to let them feel like they have an outlet for their grief, and that you validate it. Often times letting them write down a few nice memorieis they have of the deceased will help them process everything. You can have a special family time for them to share if they want to. Children often don't know how to deal with the feelings, so they clam up or divert their feelings elsewhere, and they do not deal with them. Issues related to this may come up weeks down the road, whether it be a question about mortality, or just some sad moments because the kids are thinking about their aunt. Keep an eye out for related themes.

Having a time to reflect about your SIL's death will also help with your own grief. Suffering in silence is not good for anyone. Being a strong figure also involves showing feelings, and not being stoic. It takes a strong person to show their emotions. Your children will look to you for support and also cues on how to react. Just be loving, supportive, and encourage them to share when they are ready.

-p

[na4today]

I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my prayers.

Kathy

[Time2Surrender]

Sorry for your loss Laurie. My condolances and prayers for your family. Mike

[Chy]

I'm so, so sorry. My prayers are with you and your family this evening.

[CAPTAINZING2000]

Keeping you and your family in my prayers


{{{PRAYING YOUR SISTER IN LAW IS SLEEPING WITH THE ANGELS TONIGHT}}}

[daydream]

((((((((((((namommy))))))))))))

You're in my prayers

[best]

Originally Posted by namommy

I don't know what to do.

Just be Laurie and love them. Hugs speak volumes when the words don't seem to be there.

*HUGE HUG* for you

[namommy]

Originally Posted by best

. Hugs speak volumes when the words don't seem to be there.

*HUGE HUG* for you

I'm sorry, but I had to chuckle at this. My 7 year old, at one point, put his hand up and said "Mom, don't hug me anymore, it's Ok". I don't know what else to do BUT hug them.

My brother-in-law, who lives in florida, just called. He got our message and my husband is on the phone telling him now. This sucks.

I can't help but feel pissed that my son's favorite aunt was taken during his favorite time of the year.

My head's pounding, I can't sleep, my body feels numb, except for these feelings like 'electric shocks' shooting over me every once in a while.

This sucks, this sucks, this sucks.

Thank you all for your prayers, hugs, and support. I really appreciate and need it.

[best]

Originally Posted by namommy

I'm sorry, but I had to chuckle at this. My 7 year old, at one point, put his hand up and said "Mom, don't hug me anymore, it's Ok". I don't know what else to do BUT hug them.

He may put up his hand every time and say no more, but inside, he is saying Thank you Mom.


Know that prayers will continue.

*HUG*

[Nina Kay]

namommy,
That is just horrifying !!!! I am so sorry for this shocking and untimely loss. My heart just really goes out to you and everyone that loved her and especially your little 7 yr. old son. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers. {{{{{Loving Hugs}}}}}}

[indigo]

What can I say....my heart, love and prayers for your loss and your brother's too.

namasté

[Gabe]

Prayers out for you and your family.
My condolences on your loss.

[historyteach]

(((Laurie)))
May her memory be a blessing...

I'm so sorry for your loss. There will be grief work to do once things calm down. In the meantime, take it one day at a time. Be good to yourself. Anger is part of the grieving process. And death never comes at a "good" time. So, feel the anger; feel the saddness. And on Christmas, keep your traditions and maintain as much normalcy as possible. She will probably be peeking in on your 7 year old and want to know that everyone's going to be ok. Remember too, that G*D will see you through this.

My prayers for your renewal of body and spirit. And for all of your family's.
Shalom, my friend...

[Ann]

I'm sorry, namommy, and my prayers go out for you and your family. Her spirit will live in your hearts forever.

Hugs
Ann

[Done_With_It]

Oh I am so sorry! I can kind of relate to what your going through, I just lost my favorite uncle this year, He was more like a dad. He was only 54. It devasted me. It still does but time is helping. I found the only thing that helped me in the beginning was to go to our roof and talk to him. I don't even know what I said, but it helped.
As to your son, I can also kind of relate, I lost my uncle from suicide when I was around his age. It is confusing but I think also with the support from you he is getting that will make all the difference in the world. And, lol, I love the hug thing. Too cute.
They do still want those hugs though, I agree.
Hang in there sweetie, your doing all that you can and even more. We are all thinking about you and with you in spirit.

DWI

[Pony]

All my prayers go out to your family during this time. I know how hard this can be at this time of year. I, too, am facing a loss, my father died of a heart attack 3 months ago, and my little one and older kids....as well as me....are facing this first Christmas without him.

[namommy]

Thank you all for your prayers.

[abtchonamission]

(((((((((Laurie))))))))))))

I'm so sorry for your loss. She'll be in my prayers too, as well as the rest of the family.

Give your son another hug, tell him be quiet and take it cuz this one's from me, not you.

[MamaGoose]

I am so sorry for your loss.
Prayers and hugs.

[splendra]

((((Namommy and family))))

I know you and your family must be in a state of shock. I am very sorry for your loss. You HP is with you now as always...Prayers going out for you all.

[kitkatii]

Bless your family in this time of need. My prayers are with you and your family this day as well as the days to follow.


______________
Beck

[Cap3]

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers,
Sending my sincere,condolences..
God Bless