It’s been three months since Sadie died. I can say with certainty that time appears to move particularly slowly when you’re actually paying attention.
I have a job now, with Stuart’s company doing something I have little interest and absolutely no experience in. The two redeeming qualities of the position are of course a second income and also the fact that it gets me out of bed each morning (the whole point to begin with).
At the very least my commute, via the River Thames, offers a slice of calm and dignified beauty each morning.
It’s all I can do not to throw my hands up at times when the trivial nature of what I am doing compared to the gargantuan grief I am hiding become too blindingly obvious to ignore. And yet I don’t, somehow.
Somehow I keep going. Perhaps because I hope she’s watching, and I do still want her to be proud of her mother.





16 comments
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July 1, 2008 at 2:31 am
L.L.Bean
I can’t help but think that from heaven this day comes a little note that says
p.s.
I Love You…
She sees your sad eyes during your commute these days… and hopes that sometime in the future, the puppet strings she holds in her hands from heaven can coax the teeniest of smiles as you remember the fuzzy softness of her head, innocent eyes and delightful smile.
July 1, 2008 at 7:26 am
Connie
No doubt she is very proud of you. As you of her. She is definitely watching over you until you meet again.
July 1, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Dynamita
She is surely very happy that you are trying to distract yourself with some work. Hopefully you will soon start to feel comfortable again.
By the way, St Katherine’s Docks is a beautiful place!! There is an AMAZING little italian restaurant near there (on Wapping High St.) called Il Bordello if you ever feel like a huge plate of comforting pasta.
I hope you feel better soon.
July 1, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Annie
She is proud of you, just as you should be of yourself.
July 2, 2008 at 2:06 am
Beth
that last sentence you wrote brought tears to my eyes. without a doubt you should know that sadie is proud of you. so very proud. i continue to think of you as each day passes, and hope that in the mist of all of this you will know that you are loved.
July 2, 2008 at 7:23 am
Nancy
How could she not be proud? You are so strong. I think of you often, and wish you healing.
July 2, 2008 at 11:44 pm
Kelly
I still pray for you.
Sadie is safe, and of course, proud.
July 3, 2008 at 12:09 am
Maria
Would you tell us more about your sweet Sadie? Your favorite moments, her mannerisms? So that we may know who you are missing. So that we may know her.
I am so sorry you lost her. I don’t even know you but I know the enormity of what you have lost and I am so sorry.
July 3, 2008 at 1:10 am
Jenn
Sadie will always be proud you are her mother. Keeping you close in prayer and thought. -J
July 3, 2008 at 4:04 am
Brandee
And she would be proud,as all who read struggles are too.
July 3, 2008 at 5:59 pm
W. Lotus
I may not know what to say, but I think of you often and hope…I don’t know for what. That you’ll feel better? How can anyone feel better in that situation? So I don’t know what I’m hoping for, except it involves you not hurting so much.
July 3, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Kathy
Jen, of course she is proud of you … as I am. I am so proud of you. If I could just twitch my nose and take your pain from you I would. Just know that you are in my thoughts constantly … as I pray that you can carry on, and in some way get happiness back in your lives little by little. I love you so much my little girl.
July 4, 2008 at 8:06 am
EWiller
She is proud – you have kept going, when it might have seemed easier not to. I am astounded by your strength and determination despite the enormity of your grief.
What W. Lotus said – ditto. Ditto.
July 4, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Jen K.
I check your blog every week or so. I still cry everytime I read your posts. Sadie was a beautiful little girl, she will never truly leave you, because she is now in your heart. I pray that every day will get a little better for you and your husband.
July 7, 2008 at 9:29 pm
Jaime
Always thinking of you guys, and always here if you need us. Love you…J.
July 8, 2008 at 7:13 am
dagmara
you do what you have to do Jen. and you are doing it..
i’m glad to hear that you are doing …something….and introducing normacy in your life is very smart. we are missing you and thinking about you always,….. glad to see that you wrote again.