Jennifer, 

Thank you for taking interest in our research. We most definitely have questions to ask you. Our research process is two-fold, we start off with a questionnaire and move forward with a phone interview. If you are comfortable and still interested in, please email me at cgibso10@slu.edu so we can get started with a background questionnaire? 

Best,

Corinne Gibson

Hi Jennifer,

I have read a little about the loss of your mom from your profile, but I was wondering if you would be interested in sharing a little more of your story with me. I am part of a research team at Saint Louis University that is looking at end of life decision making and family communication. If you are interested in taking part in an interview, please let me know. 

Best,

Corinne Gibson

Hey Jennifer, it's good to hear from you.  I think you're right, it's going to take awhile and everyone grieves differently. I can't imagine how I would have felt at your age.  I'm 53 (older than your mom was) and I know I was devastated when my mom passed away. I actually went into shock the first copule of months.  She had me when she was only 17 (almost 18), so I always took it for granted that we would be in the nursing home together because there wasn't that big of difference in our ages. ha!  I guess I was in denial or something because I never imagined I'd be without her in life.   I'm so sorry Thanksgiving was so bad for you.  It is an awful time, but it's something you have to go through to get better.  I think the first holidays are the pits.  Try to surround yourself with close friends when you can.  If you're like me, you prefer to be alone because you're so sad, but whenever I did go out with a friend I usually felt better--One day at a time.  My mom passed away in August of 2011, so I'm doing a bit better now.  However, I had to read a bunch of books on grief and life after death to come to terms with the grief.  It's funny, but I got so into the Long Island Medium and I have to say she helped me the most because I really do feel like they're always with us in spirit.  (and I typically don't believe in that sort of thing--who knew?!  Take care for now!  Remember, we're always here if you need someone to talk too

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Hi Jennifer,

Thank-you for befriending me.  I'm not sure if I ever got back with you.  I quit visiting this site for awhile because I was out of town so much.  You know, your mom was a lot like my mom-- so gorgeous and vibrant!  My mom was like that right up until the time she passed away. Oh, she got really sick a few years before she passed away, but she always stayed as fiesty as ever.  I wouldn't worry so much about your family.  I think it's just going to be a little crazy for awhile.  I lost my mom a little over a year ago and my family acted up too.  I think it's such an emotional, stressful time that people just act out their feelings in hurtful, crazy ways.  They sort of settle down after awhile.  Their worlds have crashed because someone very special is no longer there.  At least mine did.  It also bugged me that no one wanted to talk about my mom much after she died.  It was like they were afraid too or something and I really needed to talk about it.  It's like I told Brette, I really feel for you all most because you're only in your 20's and that's a time when I got the closest to my mom and needed her most.  It really breaks my heart.  However, I also think it makes you a strong and better person and you'll meet someone special and have a family of your very own one day and your mom will always be right there with you in your heart!  I know my mom does....Anyway, take care and thank-you for sharing your mom with us!  Much love and peace to you, your friend Tammy     

Hi Jennifer, the pics of your mom are beautiful! I don;t know if I mentioned but my mom too had Pancreatic Cancer.

Hey, three months before my mom passed away on April 07, 2012 I found out the man I called dad for my 20 years of life, wasn't my real dad. Out of 4 kids, I am the only one with a different dad. What made it worse was my biological father committed suicide in 2009. For three months I didn't talk to my mother, the day I went to go see her and say sorry, she collapses in front of me before I can say anything. She was in ICU for 3 days and the doctor said she was brain dead, we let her go in the 7th. My dad and I stayed in the room as they took her off life support....I wish to this day I didn't stay in that room! My last memory of my mom is her dying. I have trouble remembering any other memory other than that day. I feel all alone and miss her so much.

I am doing fairly well for the  situation. Thanks for asking, I hope everything  is going well with you and your new home and all I can really say is stay strong. And I am always here whenever you want to talk, vent or chat.

Jennifer,

What a beautiful picture of you and your mother. If you dont mind me asking, How old are you? You Look so young!  I am with you in this struggle and know exactly how you feel. I hope that you have a wonderful day.