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 enjoytotheend AncestralPea PeaNut 359,333 January 2008 Posts: 4,031 Layouts: 0
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As most of you know my grandma died Thursday night. Her sons decided they will not pay for the burial or cremation at all. I am livid. They treated her like crap so why should this be any different but I feel like I have to get this figured out. And I want to scream.
Anyway I just thought maybe someone on here could understand. Just because I am angry it won't make me an angry person as long as I don't let it fester. I spent my whole life avoiding anger and it turned into depression (anger turned inward turns to depression). I am tired of people telling me I lack faith or I need to forgive. I WILL forgive. It's a process. I am by nature a very forgiving woman and I don't get angry often. I know I have to walk through this to get to the other side. Just venting I guess. | |
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 Annabella Leads a Charmed Life PeaNut 43,843 July 2002 Posts: 42,250 Layouts: 46 Loc: East Coast
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What were her instructions once she passes? Is it a money issue? My mother wants her body donated to science. |
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 bbkieffer PeaAddict PeaNut 284,458 November 2006 Posts: 1,173 Layouts: 4 Loc: Minnesota
 | Posted: 2/4/2013 10:36:17 AM
((((Hugs))) |
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 hilsmom Professional Hobbyist PeaNut 292,577 January 2007 Posts: 5,245 Layouts: 50 Loc: In the deep-fried south.
 | Posted: 2/4/2013 10:38:09 AM
You have every single right to be pissed, and you will let go of your anger in your own time. I don't necessarily think anger in itself is a bad thing, it's what you DO about that anger that counts. As long as you are not going around hurting people because of it, well, then you feel how you feel until you feel better. ((((Hugs))))
By the way, just because someone is "family" doesn't mean you should be forced to forgive or overlook. |
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 eebud Doxie Pea Mom PeaNut 52,841 October 2002 Posts: 31,003 Layouts: 25
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 recap.pea StuckOnPeas PeaNut 288,074 December 2006 Posts: 2,978 Layouts: 0
 | Posted: 2/4/2013 10:43:12 AM
I didn't know your grandmother passed away - I'm sorry for your loss. | |
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 Mallie BucketHead PeaNut 574,604 December 2012 Posts: 693 Layouts: 0
| Posted: 2/4/2013 10:48:48 AM
I know how you feel. When my grandmother died, my siblings and I paid for her funeral. My aunts/uncles had no issues with their mother, they were too freaking cheap to pay for her funeral. They also never thanked us in any way for paying for and organizing it.
You have a right to be angry and it's on your schedule when you'll get over it. Anyone who tells you otherwise can offer to pay up in your stead. | |
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 msorange PeaNut PeaNut 475,342 July 2010 Posts: 191 Layouts: 0
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I understand. My Dad is in hospice now, and there are jaw-dropping family antics going on. It's hard to understand why people are such jerks sometimes. And having just arranged the small funeral Dad tells me he wants, I know how astounding the costs are. It's hard not to explode with anger.
The only good thing is that you will carry the love and closeness you have with your grandmother with you for the rest of your life. Karma will deal with your jerk uncles the same way it will deal with my appalling relative.
Be as angry as you need to be now. As you said, you will be your usual sweet self again soon. |
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 Nightowl scrapper Intl Assoc of Epic Length Posters - USA Chapter PeaNut 103,889 August 2003 Posts: 24,761 Layouts: 0 Loc: Colorado
 | Posted: 2/4/2013 10:57:06 AM
I am so sorry about the loss of your grandmother. I know you have posted that this was coming soon but I didn't realize she had passed. My heart goes out to you.
Same here.
I know emotions are raw and you have every right to resent your uncles placing a burden on you. They are using their resentment toward their mother to punish an innocent party, you, who has only tried to do what you felt was right. I hope you find comfort in knowing you are doing those things that you feel are right and that you have done all you could to honor your grandma.
People telling you to forgive have the perspective that at some point forgiveness is needed for the health of the one doing the forgiving. But they are wrong to pressure you to do that before you are ready. I suspect they see a young lady who feels alone and needs older and wiser people giving her advice. And what you need is sympathy and kindness, not lectures. If you can state that to them, I wouldn't blame you at all.
If I may gently suggest that you take advantage of a grief support group and/or grief counseling offered to you by hospice to help you work through your emotions of loss and anger. It will take time, but you are very much alone and need help now more than ever in dealing with your loss and the other family issues connected with it.
Again, I am so very sorry for your loss of your precious grandmother, and admire the sacrifices you have made to do what you thought best for her. You are a special young woman who should be treated with gentleness and care, and I'm sorry people are hurting you with their demands to behave as THEY think you should. |
"Until you put a thought into words, clearly and precisely, it is not a thought at all. It is a kind of fog rolling around inside the skull."
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 He**inWA *Clever Pea Title Here* PeaNut 220,816 August 2005 Posts: 8,902 Layouts: 2 Loc: Hidden under a pile of scrap!
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 inkedupmommy PeaAddict PeaNut 180,138 December 2004 Posts: 1,258 Layouts: 8 Loc: My own little world
 | Posted: 2/4/2013 11:04:37 AM
I have no advice, other than you are entitled to your feelings. If you can swallow them until the services are over. I am so sorry for your loss. |
| "The difference between science and religion is the difference between a willingness to dispassionately consider new evidence and new arguments, and a passionate unwillingness to do so."----Sam Harris | |
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 batya Making the WWW better, one post at a time. PeaNut 59,094 December 2002 Posts: 31,816 Layouts: 24 Loc: up on my high horse
 | Posted: 2/4/2013 11:05:39 AM
I am so sorry about your grandma. You don't know the ins and outs of their relationship though you think you do. They may have their reasons.
That said, get angry. You are entitled! No one should tell you how to feel or that you have to forgive. Especially not now when everything is raw and it's all falling on you. |
OK. Newbie. This is how it works. If your post consists of 80% sanity, 10% stupidity and 10% all kinds of crazy, we immediately focus on the 20% b/c it discredits the 80%.
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 obliolait BucketHead PeaNut 550,788 April 2012 Posts: 843 Layouts: 0
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there may be a reason why they had a poor relationship with their mother. grandchildren tend to have a different type of relationship. | |
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 Shih Tzu Mommy Million dollar camera, 10 dollar lock! PeaNut 224,352 September 2005 Posts: 23,525 Layouts: 0 Loc: Right here
 | Posted: 2/4/2013 11:15:36 AM
I had not seen that she had passed and I am so sorry for your loss! And I am sorry they are jackasses, but don't let your uncles be any part of your life ever again. Don't dwell on them or give them a moment in your mind! |
Dog people are a special breed! | |
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 basketdiva PeaAddict PeaNut 187,030 January 2005 Posts: 1,735 Layouts: 0 Loc: Eastern Shores of Mobile Bay
 | Posted: 2/4/2013 11:47:53 AM
I think the title of this Terri Clark song sums of your feelings and you should let people know this:
"I just wanna be mad for a while"
I'm sorry for your loss and all the drama surrounding the passing of your grandmother.
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 finally~a~mama StuckOnPeas PeaNut 438,682 September 2009 Posts: 2,594 Layouts: 0
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I'm so sorry for the loss of you grandmother. I'm also sorry that her sons are making this even more difficult. |
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 Edgy Coolness PeaFixture PeaNut 365,853 March 2008 Posts: 3,514 Layouts: 0 Loc: Dallas, Texas
 | Posted: 2/4/2013 11:54:30 AM
{{Hugs}} You have every right to be angry. My "step" Aunt, who was never treated as anything but full member of our family pulled some heinous stuff while my "step" Grandfather (the only Grandfather I ever knew and my only real father figure) lay dying. After his death she was so awful that I refused to talk to her for 5 years and to this day I still become very upset over her behavior towards my Grandmother, the only mother she ever knew.
But here is something for you to remember once your anger and pain have diminished (and it does eventually) that my Mom told me,
"Do not let your anger and hatred get in the way of your own salvation. You are only hurting yourself by carrying the burden of your hate because she does not care."
{{Hugs}} again and it will get better with time. |
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 purpledaisy Calm PeaNut 116,261 November 2003 Posts: 25,155 Layouts: 102
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(((hugs))) I'm sorry you all are dealing with that on top of everything else. |
Becca
May we be consumed with the Creator of all things rather than with things created.
6 rings - no cheating! Go STEELERS!
Holding a grudge is letting someone live rent-free in your head. | |
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 gar Whoopea! PeaNut 172,235 October 2004 Posts: 12,459 Layouts: 0 Loc: England UK
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Go ahead and be angry - it's healthy sometimes to allow yourself that.
I'm sorry for your loss.
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"I contend that we are both atheists. I just believe in one fewer god than you do. When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours."
Stephen Roberts
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 gar Whoopea! PeaNut 172,235 October 2004 Posts: 12,459 Layouts: 0 Loc: England UK
 | Posted: 2/4/2013 12:05:44 PM
Go ahead and be angry - it's healthy sometimes to allow yourself that.
I'm sorry for your loss.
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"I contend that we are both atheists. I just believe in one fewer god than you do. When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours."
Stephen Roberts
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 *~*amanda*~* ... PeaNut 393,905 October 2008 Posts: 6,624 Layouts: 0 Loc: Illinois
 | Posted: 2/4/2013 12:10:03 PM
I am so sorry to hear this is happening.
The post I read a few days ago about them not coming to see her really made me sad for you.
I think you have the right attitude about it, but I sure don't blame you for being angry!
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 Nightowl scrapper Intl Assoc of Epic Length Posters - USA Chapter PeaNut 103,889 August 2003 Posts: 24,761 Layouts: 0 Loc: Colorado
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there may be a reason why they had a poor relationship with their mother. grandchildren tend to have a different type of relationship
That may be true. However, it is not okay to let a niece bear the entire financial burden of burying your mother. She's a single college student, which makes it even more reprehensible. |
"Until you put a thought into words, clearly and precisely, it is not a thought at all. It is a kind of fog rolling around inside the skull."
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 pheestand Ancient Ancestor of Pea PeaNut 6,487 September 2000 Posts: 5,032 Layouts: 16 Loc: Livonia, MI USA
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First of all, so very sorry for your loss. I hope you find peace in the relationship you had with her, and know that her best interest is now in your heart. As for the rest of the family, they will deal with whatever their feelings are, and whatever their own relationship with her may have been. Luckily you don't have to bow to them, nor can you make things better with or for them now; it is what it is. Sometimes those situations get better for you when you put the time and distance where it needs to be. So sorry it's a rough time for you. Just continue going in the direction of your heart and you will be led in the right path; you absolutely know she is guiding you now, and will always be.
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 obliolait BucketHead PeaNut 550,788 April 2012 Posts: 843 Layouts: 0
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That may be true. However, it is not okay to let a niece bear the entire financial burden of burying your mother. She's a single college student, which makes it even more reprehensible.
i disagree but maybe they should be more forthcoming as to why this is an expense they do not care to indulge. | |
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 icedpea BucketHead PeaNut 562,203 July 2012 Posts: 807 Layouts: 0
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You have every right to be angry! Not only for what they are putting you through, but because it is a stage of grief. | |
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 mikklynn PeaAddict PeaNut 294,285 January 2007 Posts: 1,496 Layouts: 1 Loc: Minnesota
 | Posted: 2/4/2013 2:22:47 PM
I am sorry.
Accept your feelings, but you also need to accept that you cannot change people. I hope you can someday think of your beloved grandmother with a smile.
Peace to you. |
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 Nightowl scrapper Intl Assoc of Epic Length Posters - USA Chapter PeaNut 103,889 August 2003 Posts: 24,761 Layouts: 0 Loc: Colorado
 | Posted: 2/4/2013 2:27:42 PM
i disagree but maybe they should be more forthcoming as to why this is an expense they do not care to indulge.
it doesn't matter why. The woman has to have her remains taken care of. Since her children refuse to do it, they are putting a burden on their niece and punishing her for their problems. What do the sons expect to happen if their niece didn't do it? |
"Until you put a thought into words, clearly and precisely, it is not a thought at all. It is a kind of fog rolling around inside the skull."
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 lucyg819 pearl-clutching nitpicker PeaNut 201,774 April 2005 Posts: 14,375 Layouts: 15 Loc: gone to chemo with BethAnne
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I didn't know your grandma had passed away. I'm very sorry ... my grandmas died years ago and I still miss them and my grandpas, too.
I don't know the ins and outs of your uncles' relationship with your grandmother, but I'm sorry they're being dickheads, whatever the reason. Do the right thing by your grandma and put them out of your mind. After you're done being mad at them.  |
LUCYG
northern california
"The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts."
--Bertrand Russell
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 megmc AncestralPea PeaNut 497,090 January 2011 Posts: 4,894 Layouts: 0
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So sorry about your Grandmother.
On the topic of her burial, I think that her estate should pay for it, before any of the inheritance is passed out. | |
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 dynalady My soul is fed with needle and thread PeaNut 25,620 December 2001 Posts: 20,146 Layouts: 49 Loc: Sweet Home Chicago
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 I-95 It's all just nonsense anyway! PeaNut 97,456 July 2003 Posts: 19,537 Layouts: 0 Loc: California, NY & Orlando
 | Posted: 2/4/2013 4:39:33 PM
I'm sorry for your loss. Your anger is well placed and justifiable.
I don't mean to pry, but exactly what happens if someone refuses to pay for burial, or cremation? The idea had not ever crossed my mind. I can't imagine refusing to cover the cost of a simple casket and burial for a loved one. Is this your maternal, or paternal grandmother? Are your parents still living? Do they know about this?
I'm sorry you are having to deal with this, on top of the loss of your grandma. | |
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 gizmos PeaAddict PeaNut 375,962 May 2008 Posts: 1,089 Layouts: 0 Loc: running to catch up
 | Posted: 2/4/2013 5:14:03 PM
My heartfelt condolences, be very gentle with yourself for the next while. | |
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 meshelley PeaFixture PeaNut 431,262 July 2009 Posts: 3,342 Layouts: 0
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I get where you are coming from. Like you, I'm not generally an angry person. But, once in awhile I feel that way and I just need to be angry for a while and process it in my own way and time. I'm not going to stay angry - it's a temporary thing. People trying to tell me I shouldn't be mad generally just add to the problem and make me more angry.
I'm so sorry to hear about your grandmother. Anger is a completly natural emotion to feel - it's one of the seven stages of grief. You just have to feel it until you don't. | |
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 perumbula oooh, what you said! PeaNut 27,933 January 2002 Posts: 10,107 Layouts: 97 Loc: bedlam
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I don't mean to pry, but exactly what happens if someone refuses to pay for burial, or cremation? The idea had not ever crossed my mind. I can't imagine refusing to cover the cost of a simple casket and burial for a loved one. Is this your maternal, or paternal grandmother? Are your parents still living? Do they know about this?
In my area if no one claims the body, the county must pay. it's called a pauper's grave and is unmarked or marked with a simple, temporary marker. It's an awful thing to let happen to a relative no matter the relationship to them. |
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 Nightowl scrapper Intl Assoc of Epic Length Posters - USA Chapter PeaNut 103,889 August 2003 Posts: 24,761 Layouts: 0 Loc: Colorado
 | Posted: 2/4/2013 5:22:51 PM
don't mean to pry, but exactly what happens if someone refuses to pay for burial, or cremation? The idea had not ever crossed my mind. I can't imagine refusing to cover the cost of a simple casket and burial for a loved one. Is this your maternal, or paternal grandmother? Are your parents still living? Do they know about this?
From previous threads, I believe her mother passed away a couple of years ago and she has been caring for her 90-something grandmother and attending college and trying to figure out how best to manage grandma's needs. I believe she does not have siblings, and the only other relatives are her uncles. And I believe the grandmother does not have an estate to draw burial costs from.
The uncles have turned their anger toward their mother into a tremendous financial and emotional burden for their niece. I think that's morally wrong. I understand wanting to have nothing to do with a parent who has done something evil. I don't understand making a college student niece sacrifice and struggle to make up for your refusal to pay for burying your mother. They aren't hurting their mother at all, they are hurting an innocent party. Thats just not right. |
"Until you put a thought into words, clearly and precisely, it is not a thought at all. It is a kind of fog rolling around inside the skull."
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 nighthawk PeaFixture PeaNut 118,730 December 2003 Posts: 3,446 Layouts: 0
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I don't remember the details but I believe the OP posted about this before and her grandma was pretty sick at the end and there isn't an estate really to speak of.
So sorry about your Grandmother.
On the topic of her burial, I think that her estate should pay for it, before any of the inheritance is passed out.
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 ScrapWench* Seems a pity to miss such a good pudding. PeaNut 247,139 February 2006 Posts: 18,702 Layouts: 0 Loc: Spokane, WA
 | Posted: 2/4/2013 5:41:25 PM
I am sorry to hear of your loss. It is so hard to deal with family dynamics at a time like this. ((((hugs)))) |
----Theresa
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 enjoytotheend AncestralPea PeaNut 359,333 January 2008 Posts: 4,031 Layouts: 0
 | Posted: 2/4/2013 5:48:48 PM
Yes grandma doesn't have any estate. I went to my psych nurse today and she said I am doing AMAZING with processing this. I have had so many people get on me about my anger on facebook that I thought maybe I was wrong. But since I have PTSD and panic attacks my psy just said that this is a huge breakthrough. I wasn't expecting that. I am not going to turn into an angry woman. That just isn't me. But it's okay to stay in the moment and process it. I was so surprised. I thought I was doing something wrong.
Thanks all you wonderful peas. I know things will work out with the burial. Worst case scenario I can use my financial aid from school and my church can help me with rent. It is just the fact that her own sons don't care that really pisses me off to no end.
Grandma had life insurance for awhile but she had to cash it out a few years ago. We didn't think she would make it to 92. Her burial plot is ALL paid for. Even her head stone. Just not the mortuary part. It WILL work out. It always does. But right now I am okay being PISSED off! Stupid uncles. | |
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 *Delphinium Twinkle* I'm just a pea:) PeaNut 163,613 August 2004 Posts: 68,230 Layouts: 236 Loc: *Sunny Southern California*
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I'm really sorry for your loss and that you're having to deal with all the family drama |
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 angelaspangela PeaNut PeaNut 418,383 April 2009 Posts: 145 Layouts: 2 Loc: Cape Cod
 | Posted: 2/4/2013 6:45:58 PM
I'm sorry to hear about your Gram. I lost my Grampa a little over a year ago and, while he was buried, there has yet to be a headstone put in place which really irks me to no end. I couldn't imagine going through what you are, but I hope everything works out in the end.
Sending positive thoughts your way. | |
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 enjoytotheend AncestralPea PeaNut 359,333 January 2008 Posts: 4,031 Layouts: 0
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It is my maternal grandma. My mom died in 99. I am an only child. She has 2 other sons. They refuse to pay which leaves my cousin and I who are both in school. It's crazy because her burial plot is already paid for. Thank God for both prayer right now and xanax. | |
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 LottaFire PeaNut PeaNut 555,986 May 2012 Posts: 471 Layouts: 0
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I'm so sorry for your loss & your uncles' asshat behavior! | |
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 enjoytotheend AncestralPea PeaNut 359,333 January 2008 Posts: 4,031 Layouts: 0
 | Posted: 2/4/2013 7:41:30 PM
Because I am my grandma's medical power of attorney (or was I should say) and I was at the hospice when she died her body HAD to be placed in MY care. Right now it is at some place called Angels something. It will have to wait until we figure it out.
I have offended my cousin because I was hurt that he spent time with his dad more time than with me when he came to visit this weekend. It hurts deeply. So now that I have been angry they are angry so now who knows if they will even help me. They were planning on coming down here next month too so I was a little pissed that he couldn't help me when I had no one and instead spent time with his selfish, jerk of a dad and his equally selfish step mom from Hades. I was hurt. Now he is hurt. I give up. But guess who gets to figure out her arrangements. ME. As well as clean out her assisted living place. Again thank God for xanax. | |
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 PennyPaws PeaAddict PeaNut 551,978 April 2012 Posts: 1,415 Layouts: 59 Loc: Canada
 | Posted: 2/4/2013 8:50:56 PM
Haven't read any other posts, just wanted to say that I agree with you that anger does need to be felt and released... There are different views on forgiveness... Instant forgiveness gets a lot of attention, but there is value in getting to that point more slowly too... There was a lovely show on PBS about different views of forgiveness in case it interests you... But in the mean time, feel what you feel and don't feel bad about it... I'm sorry you're going through such a difficult time... |
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 transprntbutterfly BucketHead PeaNut 478,947 August 2010 Posts: 856 Layouts: 2 Loc: Ohio
 | Posted: 2/4/2013 9:10:19 PM
I am so sorry for your loss.
You have every right to be angry. It sounds like a huge burden has been laid at your feet and everyone is looking to you to do what needs to be done.
I don't know where you live, but I do know that the funeral homes in my area do allow people to make payments instead of paying in a lump sum. Perhaps that is in option for you so that you don't have to use your financial aid at this point in time and get assistance with your rent. | |
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 froggy one PeaAddict PeaNut 479,242 August 2010 Posts: 1,104 Layouts: 0 Loc: In my own mind
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I am so sorry for your loss. You are entitled to your feelings. It is so sad that death brings out the worst in so many. |
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 TravelAgent Resident Smart Ass PeaNut 294,429 January 2007 Posts: 12,671 Layouts: 7 Loc: Indiana
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Anger is actually one of the middle stages of grief, so it's coming back again in your future over things you think are unrelated to your grandmother's death. Don't be ashamed of that emotion. It's natural. The problem is unchecked anger, when you allow your anger to take control of good decision making or become violent toward people.
You obviously love your grandmother very much, and are ready to defend her against what you see as a disrespect. I admire your passion and protectiveness. Scream as loudly as you want in private. It feels good.
Julie
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 lindywholoveskids Ancient Ancestor of Pea PeaNut 168,696 September 2004 Posts: 7,190 Layouts: 0 Loc: Northern California
 | Posted: 2/4/2013 9:40:55 PM
Yes, anger is a part of the grieving process.
I hope you can find a grief group, as they are so helpful.
This is a time to find connections so maybe you can find that in these days ahead. | |
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 mamashosh Sugar Snap Pea PeaNut 257,999 April 2006 Posts: 13,364 Layouts: 3
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I'm sorry about your grandma. |
| "Some people should exercise their compassion a little more and their mouth a little less."-- Burning Feather | |
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 AngieandSnoopy Michel's Mom ~ Sugar Plum's Mummie PeaNut 52,307 October 2002 Posts: 5,290 Layouts: 80 Loc: Land of Enchantment - Louisiana girl in a Southwest world.
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I knew it was going to be soon but didn't know that it already happened. I remember your posts, that you were so close to her. I'm so sorry your family is behaving this way. |
Angie ~ Snoopy, Amanda, Michel, Davy, Benji, & Onkita - my fur kids!
Red, Black & Tan, & Double Dapple mini Dachshund's! Is it Snoopy or Snoopea?
Michel 9, Onkita 14, Jeannie the Chiweenie 14, and Sugar Plum 16 years!
 
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