Naomi Judd passed away yesterday from Mental Illness

The how doesnt matter, nor should it be asked. Her daughters and family are grieving and trying to deal with the loss. It was just before she and her daughter Wynonna were to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. They decided to go forward with it and honor their mother's legacy. Putting on a brave public face must have been extremely difficult, for sure. I know they're feeling the let down today. I know from experience that the ones left behind feel like they have failed. 

Mental illness is something Naomi has been dealing with and talking about publicly for many years. It's tragic that she did finally succumb, but the comfort is in knowing that she is released of her suffering here on earth. She was gifted in many ways and will be remembered lovingly. 

April 15

Besides being tax day, April 15th has a devastating connotation for our family being as the day that Andrew's Spirit left this Earth.

Today was my day off and I spent the day decorating cookies ironically for a friend's memorial celebration that we are planning in a week from today. I didn't even get dressed today. I stayed in my PJs all day, kind of rare and indulgent. It's been 13 years, and over the years on this day I've gotten together with my daughters, I've usually called Bill, but today I just stayed home and didn't call anyone. 

I did text the girls kind of an informal message but we didn't talk. I don't think it means we miss Andrew any less or whatever, I just think it means we are not wallowing in the pain so much and moving on with our lives. 

Andrew certainly isn't out of our minds, especially when I have to do voice reports dealing with suicides, mental illness, and so forth. Or I remember something funny Andrew did or said or one of the grandkids reminds me of him in some way. He is always with us.

I think I'll call Bill tomorrow, but today, it was just for me to be lost in my thoughts.