As time passes, I recognize how much things have changed and the moments that have significantly changed me. When I lost my son in 2018, I thought I was never going to survive. I still struggle even though I feel him present in my life at all times.

Sometimes I have felt like a complete failure especially as a mother. I remember the times of trying to balance work, home, and educational pursuits. I sometimes did stupid things to try to keep my sons happy like letting them watch horror shows I think they never should have watched. I gave in too easily, and I perhaps spoiled them at times.

Now the house is mostly silent. I work part-time, but I have plenty of hours to accomplish tasks, but I’m tired of taking care of a home, and I’m really tired of cooking meals. Will I regret this time of my life later? Will I ponder how I spent my time? So many things change. Sometimes it feels like it is all bad, especially when watching the news. Fortunately, I can look forward to other events and so I do my best to treasure what I have at this moment.

Barb Edler Avatar

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6 responses to “Time: A Regrettable Moment or Two”

  1. Glenda Funk Avatar

    Barb, I can’t help but think of Hootie and the Blowfish’s somg “Time” and that first line: “Time, why you punish me?” Isn’t that what time ultimately does w/ it’s promise to “take your time” and then the clock’s reminder we have little time left once we hit a certain point in life. It seems even more true when we lose someone we love or our children make choices that harm them. BTW, I love the blog name. I’m glad you’re here.

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    1. edlerbarb76 Avatar

      Thank you, Glenda. I’ll be counting on you for advice, I’m sure, but I wanted to start blogging so thanks for the push and support.

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  2. kimhaynesjohnson Avatar

    Barb, I am so sorry for your loss. I had no idea that you had been down this profound journey of grief. I know there is peace to feel your son’s presence. Glenda shared with me that you are now blogging, and I look forward to reading all that you share. I know those regrets as parents – the second guessing of the shoulda, coulda, woulda thinking can be haunting. I think parents feel this more strongly than others. I wish I had done many things differently, but here we are 😊 – and kids have a resilience and a way of forgetting things that are forever etched in our memories (thank goodness)! Thank you for sharing this brave and courageous piece today!

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    1. edlerbarb76 Avatar

      Thank you, Kim. I appreciate your comments about kids having a way of forgetting things:)

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  3. Stacey Shubitz Avatar

    I’m so sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine the feelings that swirl inside one’s head after losing a child.

    I question many of my choices about parenting. For instance, I have not permitted video games in my house. NONE AT ALL. As a result, my kids find it hard to connect with other kids who incessantly talk about video games. I worry that being so black-and-white about it could negatively impact them. (Though I still think I’m doing the right thing for our family.)

    Your post will push me to look for the shades of gray in all areas of my parenting life.

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    1. edlerbarb76 Avatar

      Thanks for your response, Stacey. Parenting is always hard even when we are doing the right thing.

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