Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Yesterday was 4 weeks & update

Sorry I haven't updated in a while. I've either been trying to keep myself busy or sitting on the couch. In other words I've just been kinda lazy and haven't been on the computer much at all.

Well yesterday was 4 weeks since Shawn has been gone. I pretty much had a shitty day all day. I woke up not feeling good at all, went back to sleep for a while then woke back up still feeling like poop. Finally around 11:00 I threw up and then felt a little bit better. Then the tears started a flowin.

On the way back from the bathroom I for some reason looked on my one bedroom wall, the wall I put up one of our wedding pictures. I totally lost it. I don't think I've cried that long or that hard since Shawn had died. I was home alone so I just sat in my big lonely bed and just cried. Then after about 20 minutes I felt a little better. I called and talked to one of the Coaches who has been great since losing Shawn and then was a little better yet. I still felt like crap, but I guess that is to be expected after losing the love of your life. I did also go back to the cemetery yesterday. I didn't stay for too long because it was cold and pouring rain. I went and talked to Shawn some more, told him that I miss him more than words can say, that I would give my left arm to give him just one more kiss, or to feel him give me a hug just one more time. I told him I picked out his headstone, and I also told him that I'm doing ok. That I have good days and bad. Then I kissed my hand, then placed my hand over where his heart would be, told him I loved him and missed him one more time. Walked away and told him I would be back next week. After that I felt better, still bawled, but felt a little better.

But I do have a question for you all. I'm wondering what you think of this situation.
Since I've been back home I have talked to the one Coach, that Shawn was close with every night before going to bed. We talk almost every night at 11:00, either he calls me or I call him. Either way we talk. Most of the time we talk about Shawn, sometimes we talk about Shawn for a while, then talk about either myself or what is going on with him. Other times we just talk about everything and anything. Sometimes we just call and say good night to each other, other nights we talk for hours before each falling asleep. What I was wondering from you all is this...Do you think it is an odd thing that we are each gaining so much comfort from each other?
In one aspect I think it is very healthy for us to be helping each other get through this horrible time. He was very close to Shawn, he was over at our house all the time, and was with Shawn in the office when he died, he watched the EMT's work on him. Then in another way I kind of feel bad about it. Kind of like in some odd way like I'm "cheating" on Shawn. I know deep down I shouldn't feel like this. But on another hand I feel like I'm doing something wrong because if Shawn was still here I know I wouldn't be talking to him like this. We are helping each other get through this and I think that is ok, but then again I don't know. But on nights like last night when we both fell asleep before talking I felt like I had missed something in my day, and he told me the same thing today when he called me at lunch time.
Every night we say "love you" before hanging up the phone. It's not the "I love you" like I told Shawn during the day. But it's the "I love you" that you tell a friend who is helping you through a difficult time. Which when I think about it is what we are doing for each other.
Please, please don't think this is in any way a "romantic" thing. That is the farthest thing from my mind right now. I just kind of think we are drawing some sort of comfort from each other. Is that an ok thing to do from a person of the opposite sex?

Now for the update:
Still nothing has happened with the miscarriage. I have to call the Dr. tomorrow to see what to do next. I still would like to wait a few more days before having the D&C depending on what the Dr. says. Most of what I've read has said that a natural m/c happens within 2 1/2 weeks from the time the baby has stopped growing (that would be the end of this week). I don't want to have the D&C on Thursday because that is exactly 30 days that Shawn has been gone(yesterday was 4 weeks) and I don't want it done on Friday b/c that is my sisters b-day and I don't want her day to be ruined with having this done. But if nothing has happened by Monday, then I'm willing to have the D&C done by that time. I'm kind of getting to the point where it needs to be over, so I can heal in all the ways I need to, both with the baby and with Shawn. But not to the point yet where I want to have the D&C tomorrow. I'm don't scared of the procedure, but I'm scared to death to be put under. I'm also very skittish around hospitals, especially after everything that happened with Shawn.

Anyways that is what has been going on with me the last few days. As always sorry this is so long, but I guess I had a lot to say. Maybe I should update everyday instead of every few, to prevent you from reading a long book.

Thank you all again for everything. You have been great to me.

25 comments:

~*JaYmE*~ said...

Hey hun! I wanted to tell you that I do not think that it is wrong to be talking to this coach. I think that it is probably a really good thing for the both of you and Shawn would be happy that you have found comfort in eachother. I dont think he would think of it as "cheating" either. You have to just try and make yourself as content as possible. Hang in there. ((HUGS))

Sara said...

I don't think there is anything weird about your friendship. You need someone you can count on and someone who can bring you comfort. I think Shawn would be glad that you are able to lean on someone.

Stay strong.

Charlotte said...

Jenny,
When something so profound happens in your life, all the "rules" go out the window. You cope and get through any way you can, anyway you know how. There are people I've talked to, things I've done, that never would have happened if I wasn't grieving, trying to cope. There is no right and wrong in this, you can only go by your heart and what gives you comfort and peace. I'm glad your heart have found a place of comfort and healing. I'm always here for you. (((HUGS)))

Miss X said...

Hi, I'm so glad to see you've updated. You've continued to be in my thoughts and prayers and I check your site daily.

It is absolutely okay for you and the coach to be such a comfort to each other. From what you've described of Shawn, I know he wants you to be happy. You'll never forget him, but he wouldn't want you to not go on with your life. And to have such a good friend of his to lean on, is exactly what he would want, right?

Mom 2 my boys said...

I agree, if you are helping each other how can that be wrong? It sounds like he was a great friend and has lost a lot too. People often find comfort in having a connection to their loss. Does that make sense? I hope so. Its like you are both talking about Shawn, he lives on in your hearts and minds. I think he would be honored that you both love him that much.

Anonymous said...

Hey Jen!
Glad u posted an update, I've been checking your blog daily and wondering how you are doing.
With regards to the coach, I think you need to do whatever you need to do to get through this terrible time of mourning. So if talking to him daily helps you get through it then you do it girl. I don't think Shawn would think it was "cheating" and I think he's happy that the two of you are able to comfort each other.
(((Hugs)))

Rachel Inbar said...

I don't know if I ever commented here, but I've been reading your blog for a while.

I think it's important to realize that you're forming a very close bond with this coach. A bond that could change your feelings about each other... It's not (and could never be) cheating on Shawn, but you are very vulnerable right now and should think how you see this friendship long-term.

Julie D said...

I think your closeness with the coach/friend is normal in a situation like this. But I also think you have to be careful that you don't start depending on him to fill this huge void in your life. He can't take Shawn's place, and I know you know that. But he can certainly help you navigate your way through this next few months as you find your new normal in life.

ssbean said...

I think the friendship you have with this coach is okay. You both need somebody to talk to, and you are probably the only 2 that really can understand each other. If it is helping the 2 of you, then there is nothing wrong with it.
As for the D&C, I think you are doing what all of us would do in your situation. I'm sure it's hard to completely let go of this baby. I can understand being nervous about the hospital thing and being put under. It's a warranted fear.

RBandRC said...

I don't think your friendship is wrong at all. You are both in a similar place right now in coping with your loss and I think that having someone who really gets it is beneficial for you both.

I hope everything works out and you can avoid the D&C. Thinking of you, sweetie. ((HUGS))

HUNDLEY said...

JUST WANTED TO I DON'T THINK THAT ANYTHING IS WRONG WITH YOU TAKING TO THE COACH FOR COMFORT! YOU NEED IT RIGHT NOW AND WHOEVER'S SHOULDER YOU CAN LEAN ON - DO IT!

I ALSO WANTED TO SAY I'M KEEPING UP WITH YOUR POSTS. I'M SO SORRY WITH WHAT HAPPENED! YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHT AND PRAYERS. ((BIG HUGS))

Jamie said...

There is nothing wrong with your friendship with Shawn's coaching friend. You are both grieving and healing. I think Shawn would be proud that you are both there for each other.

I hope your miscarriage is over quickly, the waiting sucks.

Stay strong

Liz said...

I don't think there is anything wrong with your friendship. You need to do all you can to cope right now and I think it's great that you have someone you can talk to.

Anonymous said...

I don't think your relationship with Shawn's friend is at all inappropriate. Right after my father died, my Mom and a family friend (a male) leaned on each other for support. I never felt it was wrong or inappropriate.

I will warn you though... The friendship my Mom had with this individual eventually became toxic... Why? Because they saw/talked to each other every day and it served as an enabler for their grief and neither of them made any progress on healing. At the time, my Mom thought she was deriving a lot of comfort from her friendship, but really all they were doing was feeding each other's grief. It took my Mom four years to even begin healing from my father's loss and move on (but only after the friendship ceased being a daily occurrence)... The friendship was more of a crutch than a friendship... What they considered "healing together" was really just codependency. It was a reason not to let go...

I'm not saying that my Mother's situation mirrors yours... I'm just giving you a different perspective. I would urge you to speak to a counselor or therapist... you've experienced a lot of loss in a very short span of time and that's a lot of tragedy to take in all at once.

Cara said...

Sharing a connection with someone as you BOTH mourne the same person is a great way to get your feelings out. Go with it. It will resolve itself!

About your update, I still can't believe you are having to face this too, but if you really want to go naturally - then just tell the doctors. They have to respect your choices right now.

Praying for you everyday.

Elana Kahn said...

I think it's perfectly natural for you to gain comfort from someone like this coach and it doesn't matter that he's male. Keep comforting him, he'll keep comforting you and that's all good.

Fiddle1 said...

whatever you can do to make each day a little easier, to make it easier for you to breathe..that is what you should do. all of my thoughts are with you as you face the miscarriage and possible d&c, and everything else ahead of you.

nancy said...

I don't think it's wrong. People need eachother, especially at times like this. We do what we need to do as humans to get through rough times. You'll look back on this and be thankful as all hell you had him.

~hugs~

SAHW said...

I think you two are helping each other through a tough time...but if you yourself feel uncomfortable, perhaps you should cut back? None of us can say whether it's acceptable or not, personally, it seems normal to me, and I'm glad you have someone to share with. But you have a lingering feeling of discomfort, just maybe try to talk for less time or earlier in the day - do whatever works to make you feel good.
What some of the other girls said about not becoming too dependent on each other is also important...
Take care of yourself, and do whatever feels right in your heart.

Debz said...

I see nothing wrong with you drawing comfort wherever you can. same thing goes for the coach you are talking to. you have both experienced a loss and should help each other through it.

as always, my thought are with you.

Sandy said...

I found your site accidentally and in a convoluted way. My heart goes out to you and everything you're going through. Know that I will hug and cherish my husband tonight for your sake and for mine. We had a blighted ovum at Christmas and I undertand the agony of you trying to make up your mind about the D&C. I don't regret the D&C (the loss of the pregnancy, absolutely) but be prepared for mixed emotions either way you go (you can e-mail me privately for more information if you need to).

In terms of what is right or wrong - you know what's best for you at the moment. Intuitively you are acting on it. You're going to need to do whatever it takes to get through this and as long as it doesn't involve overdoses or other self-destructive behaviours then you're doing it right.

Thank you for having the courage and grace to publish this so publicly. I will keep you in my thoughts.

Anonymous said...

There is absolutely nothing wrong with talking to Shawn's friend. You're both helping each other through a very difficult time. Whatever makes you feel better is what you need to do. I'm sure Shawn is comforted knowing that two people he loved are finding comfort in each others words.
Do whatever you can to give yourself these moments of peace.
**HUGS**

LHD said...

i think it's great that you have someone to talk to. there's some type of connection there since this person was around during the last moments of your husband's life. i think that's special that you feel comfortable talking and sharing stories.
i wouldn't feel guilty about it. you know your husband would want you to be comforted.

just my opinion!

Kristin said...

Jen...I found your blog through a comment you left on another blog. I am so sorry for everything you have gone through. I can't begin to imagine the pain you have been going through.

I think its wonderful that you have found some comfort in talking to that coaching friend of Shawn's. If he loved you even half as much as you obviously love him, I think Shawn would be glad of this too.

Sarah said...

Jen,
I also found your blog through Nancy's blog (I actually found it in the past).

I just want to say that I'm sorry you had to go through all this--I can't even imagine. I think it's okay that you have someone who was close to Shawn because by talking to him, you are getting little bits of memories of Shawn.

Hugs to you, Sweetie. Stay strong and hopefully things get better for you.