Sorry that I've been MIA for a while. My husband and I have decided we're going to put our house on the market and we've been busy preparing the house. It's been exhausting but also nice to have a bit of a distraction. A few weeks ago, I wrote a post where I asked all of you to ask me any questions you may have for me. Thank you to all of you that asked questions.
What have you done with Corbin's things?
All of Corbin's things are pretty much as they were the day we lost him. That is going to have to change soon with getting the house ready to put on the market but his swaddler is still in his crib. His swing is still in the corner of our living room with the last blanket we used draped over the top. His favorite paci is still on the ledge next to it. When we move, Corbin will still have a room in the new house.
Are we going to try to have another baby?
Yes. We're going on a Mediterranean cruise that actually leaves on Corbin's birthday. Once we return, we're going to begin trying to have another. We figure the trip is a once in a lifetime opportunity and we also wanted some time to attempt to adjust to our new normal.
Is there anything you just can't seem to bring yourself to do?
Not that the opportunity has come up yet but I'm not at the point where I can hold a baby yet. I've only been to Target once since we lost Corbin and I about lost it when I was there. We spent so much time at Target preparing for him that I just feel I can't go there. I also can't go to a toy store. I also can't bring myself to wash the dirty clothes in his hamper.
What is a typical day like for you?
I get up at 5:30 during the week. I work from 6-3:30 normally. After work, I try to keep myself busy with housework or yard work or really just anything. I've found it's when I'm sitting and watching TV that my mind wanders the most. I take Granger for a walk everyday. If the weather is nice, these walks can be trying - even in the middle of the day because there are so many kids in our neighborhood that I'm bound to see at least one if not several women pushing strollers and that's still very tough for me to see.
How often do you go to the cemetery?
It sort of depends. Whenever I'm in the area (which I am a lot) I always stop by. We try to go at least once a month but it varies.
When Corbin passed, did the hospital give you anything?
Yes. They put his hand and footprint on a ceramic heart. They did take pictures (they're typically for parents who's babies were born sleeping and so they never had a chance for pictures) and I guess (we never saw them) the laid a little stuffed dog by him. They gave us that and they also cut off a bit of his hair and wrapped it in a plush blanket thing. We also received a book called "Mommy, Please Don't Cry. There are No Tears in Heaven." I'll be honest. At first I was upset they gave us that and for weeks it sat on my dining room table with the cover facing down because I couldn't bear to even look at the cover. I've since read it and it's a wonderful book even if it does make me cry.
Are things getting better for you?
I don't like to use the word "better." It just doesn't seem to fit the situation. We never will "get over it" or "deal" with it. As time passes, we learn better coping skills for when triggers arise. The rough days are starting to become a bit further apart. I still have days, still have moments but I'm learning how to handle them better.
Again, thank you for asking these questions. If there are more that weren't answered, I'll be happy to answer them. Thank you for all your love and support.
I just found your blog from Still Standing magazine. I don't have anything helpful to say - because what could I possibly say that would help? I just wanted you to know that I was here and reading and learning about Corbin and about a mother's grief. Thank you for sharing him and your story and also for teaching people how to help when a friend is grieving.
ReplyDelete