Saturday, December 19, 2009

I hate this....

I just hate this....I hate.....
.....telling people that Eric is not doing well
.....that Eric may not be aware of Christmas or my 40th Birthday
.....that I have to plan a funeral
.....that Eric will not be here for all the important events in Hunter's life
.....that his family lives in Arizona
.... that I did not feel like putting up ALL my Christmas decorations
..... that things are different
.....that Eric is not in our bed
.....that Eric is not getting out of bed
.....that people don't know what to say
.....that I have gained a lot of weight and just keep eating
.....that people make excuses for my weight gain because of the situation
.....that I have a 10 year old that may or may not understand the situation even though we have talked to him the whole time
.....that Hunter and I will never get to vacation with Eric again
.....that I have to think about a funeral
.....that the word funeral has the word FUN in it ...Really
.....that I have to be strong even when I don't want to be
....and that people tell me it's ok to cry......as if I don't know this
.....that we will never get to play rock band or guitar hero until midnight anymore
.....that Eric is not doing well and getting worse each day
.....that we can't go to the movies as a family together
.....that Disneyland will just not be the same with out Eric
.....that I have to live without Eric
.....that weird things make me cry especially in stores
.....that Eric will never get to see Burn Notice,Iron Chief America, or baseball games again
.....that we can't laugh for no reason
.....that Eric won't be here for me to complain to about anything
.....and that he can't give me advice
.....that I have to take care of the finances
.....that people feel sorry for me
.....that Eric will not be there to guide Hunter though all his man moments
.....that Eric would be able to watch hunter play baseball
.....that people tell me that Eric will always be here in spirit....it's just not the same
.....finally that Eric is dying and I can't fix it........



23 comments:

Anonymous said...

You go ahead and keep that list going Hal, I know, I hate that you have to make that list. I love you.
Shana

Anonymous said...

I hate all of the same things for you and I hate how my heart breaks and that I too can do nothing to help you or Eric or Hunter. I hate that I don't know what to say and that sometimes I know I say the wrong things and wish I could take them back. As the tears run down my face, the ache in my stomach worsens with each post and my heart shatters a little more I hate that all of you have to go through this nightmare. Even knowing that time will lessen the pain and that the memories will brighten a day that does not help you today. The burden you now carry is more than one should ever have to bear. I wish I could lighten that load. I love you Hallie and pray daily for all of you. Maureen F.

Anonymous said...

I continue with you in prayers. I wish I could make it all go away. It's OK to hate that you are going to be alone. It's OK.
LCS

Mike Seldon said...

Things I love........

That you are so willing to open your heart so fully to us all.......that every time I watch a hockey game I think of Eric.......that we all were once young and relatively carefree and were able to share part of that time with each other........that the second to the last time that I saw you both we were at Disneyland and it WAS the happiest place on earth..........that Eric had the opportunity to do what he loved for a living..........that Eric had you to help him through this terrible time.........that YOU are healthy........that I cannot think of a time that I was around him that he didn't make me laugh.......that you both produced such a wonderful child.......that you both did the best you could to make lemonade out of lemons........that even though nobody else could fill his place in your heart that you and Hunter have a lot of people around you that love and care for you........YOU!

Anonymous said...

Hal,
Its ok to say it out loud as well.The post you wrote today you have to write a list no food no card will never change what is going on .We will all keep you strong in a diffrent way from your friends to your family we all love you and your family in some funny way .My friendship to you is a diffrent one but im glad im in your life .LOVE AND PEACE
Love Krista

Anonymous said...

Hallie, You are so strong keeping this blog going! We think if you guys all the time and you are all in our hearts and prayers! Hang in there. God Bless You! Jeff and Christine Delahunty

Jackie said...

Oh my goodness... where to begin? You are entitled to hate everything right now. Think of it this way, HATE is an emotion (a strong one) and the fact you can hate means that at least you are feeling something. The scary part (for most of us) comes when you start to feel nothing. In my experience, it came after Bill's death, and much to my chagrin, the numbness didn't last long.

The hopeless feeling however, lasts and lasts. I am not sure I will ever get over that one.

Hunter probably understands more than he lets on. Kids are SMART and we (adults) don't always give them the credit they deserve. I don't know if you thought about this yet, but I have done some heavy-duty research on grief counseling for children. I have some names/programs... but you need not go there yet. Have peace in the fact that Hunter will have amazing memories of his dad. Eric may not get to show him the ropes later in life, but you have to remember the foundation that Eric already laid in your son. He has taught him how to be a man by modeling how good people live, day in and day out. I also have some really good books for children that help not only explain death, but it teaches a way that kids can get their feelings out.

One weird thing that made (makes) me cry is shopping. I love shopping, but passing the men's section without having a need to stop and check to see if they have Bill's favorite shorts on sale absolutely KILLS me. I avoid that area in the store like the plague. When I stopped buying things for him, I noticed a huge void in my heart. (one of many.)

Finances?!? That part sucks... no other way to say it. It's a huge pain!

You need to let others plan the funeral. That way 1) you don't have to do it, and 2) if something doesn't go exactly as you had planned it, then you aren't as devastated because your expectation was low. I can SERIOUSLY plan it for you. I can meet with church people, plan the after part, go to the mortuary, whatever you need. I am that far removed that I could easily step in and handle the calls and decisions that you do not need to make. I am SERIOUS - I will absolutely be your "funeral planner". FYI - I didn't plan Bill's funeral but did add in an insert to the program. I'd be happy to e-mail it to you. It's a letter from Tyler to his Dad. Now I'm crying...

Random things will make you cry, things you don't expect. The things you think will make you bawl may not. Grief likes to catch you off guard.

I'm sorry, but if ANYONE tells you that he'll always be there in spirit you need to set them straight. Of course, he'll always be your guardian angel, but the pleasantry of "at least he'll be here in spirit" is not a comforting trade off and it does not make things better.

I hated the pity. I hate that people STILL feel sorry for me. I hate that I needed help. This whole thing is very humbling and asking for help is one of the hardest parts. I hate the "tilted head nod" when people greet you.

Your last "hate" comment struck a chord with me. I don't want to make assumptions, but I felt the EXACT same way which has a tinge of guilt attached to it. I'm going to save that speech... but guilt is not allowed, young lady. OK, that probably didn't work, but I'm going to save my speech for later. I have a feeling the need will surface.

I am so sorry... you are officially in the hardest part of Eric's journey (for you, not him). This is where a crystal ball would come in handy. PLEASE take care of yourself too. You need to sleep, eat, get fresh air, etc.

I love you Hallie, and I hate that you are walking this path. It is a crappy club to join and no one wants to be a member, but if you end up at initiation, there are many of us out there to help you.

The Smebys said...

Hallie
Our hearts ache for you and your family. There are no words that can really lift the burden you feel right now. However, our loving God has provided scriptures that can be very comforting. If you find a moment to read these I hope you feel it helps some. Isaiah 41:10,13, Psalms 34:6 Psalms 55:22 1Peter 5:6-10,Revelation 21:3,4
Our thoughts and prayers are with
you constantly.
We love you Hallie.
Pat and John Smeby

Anonymous said...

Oh Hallie, there are no words. Its all been said on the blog and on the comments. All I can say is ditto and as I sit here with tears going down my cheeks I only wish I could make it all go away for you.

Liz Miller

daune abadie said...

Hallie,
My heart aches for you, and my prayers continue! I hate that all of you have to go through this. Hang in there...
Daune Abadie

Anonymous said...

Your family is going through a tough battle and you have been the GENERAL through it all....
God Bless You and your MEN...........

Anonymous said...

I agree! I hate all of that too Hallie!

I hate the idea that you and Eric will not be together other than in spirit anymore! My memories are only of the two of you and I hate to think of anything else!

I continue to be so proud of you and your family for what you have to experience! I am so proud to say that you are amazing! You are stronger than you think!

I hate to say it again ......but it is ok for you to cry! And it is "OK" for you to feel these things that you feel!

Hallie you are in my prayers! I am proud of you, your strength, and your wisdom!

Chrissy Nigrelli

Kurt Scorza said...

Hallie,
As I was sitting in church this morning I was filled with thoughts about you and Eric going all the way back to our childhood! I envisioned this...
I LOVE...

..how you have opened your lives and hearts to everyone and have exposed your lives for all to see and allowed us to come on the journey with you

..your love for people and what you invest in them and the care you show daily.

..how you give of your time and talents and knowledge.

..your positive attitude not just now but from as long as I have known BOTH of you.

..your commitment to each other even through the hard times such as having Hunter and now.

..that you are BOTH very unselfish people.

..how your lives impact people and will CONTINUE to with the stories you have lived.

..that you have ALWAYS been an inspriation to me since I can remember I just wish you could have known that all these years!

..that God uses us when we don't feel worthy, or capable or strong enough.

..Eric's attitude through this whole jouney and that it convicts me daily!

I love you both and feel honored to be apart of this journey through the good and bad, happy and painful.
Melinda

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry, I have felt some of those things. I am so sorry you have to go through it. I will not tell you to be strong, but to just get through the day. I too don't know what to say, I know that it is tough. I am sorry, and hugs to you. I wish I had something great to say, but I don't, just sending hugs and prayers your way. :-) Cindy

Anonymous said...

I hate
...that you are my friend and I can't change anything
...that you have to go through this
...that I can't make life like a VCR and fast forward through all the yucky stuff
...that I can make life like a VCR and just rerunning all of those wonderful times
...that at times God seems so unfair and doesn't let us know why He is doing this to wonderful people
...that it is Christmas--but then again, it doesn't matter what time of year it is
...that I am more concerned about how I might fall apart with you and not offer you support
...that I have this blog on my "favorites" list
...that things will never be the same
...that he won't be in your room at lunch, and that YOU aren't at your room at lumch
...that copies of the blog are by our mailboxes and we gather around that rather than a water cooler and exchange jokes.
But I rejoice
...that you are my friend
...that I got to know Eric
...that you have continued the blog and someday you will know all the people you have touched
...that Eric is going to meet Monte and Jana very soon
...that there are no tears in Heaven
...he will soon by out of pain and will be able to see and play baseball
...that someday I will see him again
...you will come back to work.
I love you--LCS

Anonymous said...

Hallie,

I send my love and prayers and the biggest hug I have ever given. May God provide you what the rest of us cannot. I love, respect and admire you. Please take care.

Love,
Trina Pina

Wendy said...

Hallie-

I follow the Bartok's blog and saw your comments on it. I'm so sorry about Eric. My husband was diagnosed with GBM during the holidays last year. I relate so much to everything you hate and offer a "ditto" on the entire post.

Writing has also helped me get through this journey as has the connection with others in the same unfortunate situation.

I am praying for you at this difficult time.

Wendy Diez

Anonymous said...

We're here for you, Hallie. I pray God's peace and comfort now more than ever before. Todd and Shelly

Anonymous said...

Dear Hallie,

I continue to keep your precious family in prayer. May you feel His strength and comfort.

H - Hope
A - Assurance
T - Tenderness
E - Everlasting Love
Blessings,
Liz McCaughey

Anonymous said...

i hate that you, Eric, and Hunter have to go through this - my prayers and thoughts are with all of you.
Cathy B.

Deb said...

Hallie, Your family is in my thoughts and prayers all day, every day.
I cried with each "I hate" that I read. I understood each one but from the child's perspective. I made a similar list when my Dad was so ill. This is such a difficult time for everyone - please keep us posted and know that there are more people than you can imagine lifting your family up in prayer.
Hugs to you all.
Debbie

Anonymous said...

If you are anything like me, I read people's thoughts whenever I read the blog. So, if you are like me: Today I saw Eric for the first time since September. I was braced for the worst, but I was pleased and relieved to see him. He was tired and told Hallie and me we were making too much noise, but he was alert and still has his sense of humor. So, if you are like me and just afraid you will break down in despair, take heart. I did break down and cried, but I felt so much better when I left-knowing that he wasn't in pain and that Hallie was doing pretty good.

Anonymous said...

Hallie,
I have no idea what to say. I think about you every day and wish I could just call you up. It would be 3 yrs ago, before all of this cancer business. We'd chat for an hour, make plans to get together and share "complaints", all of which seem so trivial now. I want to call, but am not sure if I should. I know you have so much going on. I guess what I mostly want you to know is that I love you and I love Eric and I want to be there for you both in any way I can.
Kim B.