June 23, 2011

Yesterday was a sad and heart-wrenching day being with Mr. B and his younger sister Melissa (or Missy, as she is known to the family). Missy's supportive husband Larry was also with us. Although Larry and I would do anything to comfort Mr. B and Missy, for the most part we could only fight back our own tears and put on a happy face as our loved ones, two grown children, grieve for their mother. The four of us spent most of the rainy gloomy day making arrangements to bury Heloise next to Mr. B and Missy's father, who died in 1990.

The loving mother and son on
Mother's Day 2011.

During such a difficult time as the death of a parent, the comfort provided by family and friends is important. Yet Mr. B and Missy's older brother Gary, who lives in Virginia, is absent both physically and mentally. Gary has refused to accept or return his siblings' repeated phone calls. They have had to relay information to Gary through his wife Susan. Excuse after excuse come from Susan, all meant sincerely to explain her husband's seemingly heartless behavior. As a lioness would do, I want to strike out and protect Mr. B from the added grief his brother's actions are causing. But I think the honorable Mr. B's anger at his brother is for being disrespectful of their mother by not attending her funeral. Everyone grieves and behaves in different ways, and the brothers are so different!

Today I'm creating opportunities to hold Mr. B's hand as much as possible. Giving him an occasional squeeze brings a much need smile to his handsome but sad face. I love you Heloise Pettit for raising such a wonderful, sweet, and caring man. I promise to take care of him for as long as I'm able.