My Mother passed away this morning.

[No Gravy]

You know, luckily... I had within .5 ponts on my AirTran card to get a free one-way flight, and I purchased the credit for $39. So, my ticket cost me around $200 ---with 2 days notice. Delta ---who I was told still offered 'bereavement' flights... quoted me $1350 for a round-trip ticket. Thanks! but no thanks.. But, then did some research to find out about my AirTran credits and got a deal. I think bereavement flights are a thing of the past.

Awesome fare!

And yes, bereavement rates pretty much are a thing of the past. I worked in the travel industry until the mid 90's, and even back then they were being phased out, and/or we could usually find better "regular" fares for clients than under a bereavement fare, which has some really stupid paperwork requirements.

My dad's memorial was a week ago, 2 states away...and I couldn't afford to go. I would have gladly driven there, but I'd be surprised if my car would hold together long enough to get pass the state line.

My inability to be present at the memorial will, I'm sure, having lasting "family repercussions", long after my bankruptcy has come and gone.

I'm glad you're able to go, and that it sounds like you're looking forward to seeing your family

[rfassett]

I also offer my condolences, Frogge. Being the parent of an adopted child, I can speak first hand from the parent's side. I know that I can never understand my son's emotions as they center around the adoption issue. I just can't. I don't have, nor will I ever have, his perspective on the issue. I have always made certain that he understood that I love him more than life itself, but I can never show him the level of love that his birthmother showed that day when she placed him in my wife's arms when he was 5 months old.

As to your own Mother, I listened to a preacher not long ago that was talking about the part of the Bible that says that we are to honor our parents. It doesn't matter if they were good or bad parents, the Bible does not make that distinction. It tells us only that we are to honor our parents. Good, bad or indifferent, they are, in large part, who we are today. So you, Frogge, take the time now to honor your Mother. Enjoy the fellowship with friends and family. I lost my Mom some 25 years ago when she was all of 58 years old. I lost my Dad a couple of years ago and his and my relationship was estranged. In fact, other family members wondered if I would even show up at the funeral. It was good to renew some of the lost relationships. Enjoy your visits, even under these less than desirable conditions. I will pray for you.

[Frogge]

I also offer my condolences, Frogge. Being the parent of an adopted child, I can speak first hand from the parent's side. I know that I can never understand my son's emotions as they center around the adoption issue. I just can't. I don't have, nor will I ever have, his perspective on the issue. I have always made certain that he understood that I love him more than life itself, but I can never show him the level of love that his birthmother showed that day when she placed him in my wife's arms when he was 5 months old.

As to your own Mother, I listened to a preacher not long ago that was talking about the part of the Bible that says that we are to honor our parents. It doesn't matter if they were good or bad parents, the Bible does not make that distinction. It tells us only that we are to honor our parents. Good, bad or indifferent, they are, in large part, who we are today. So you, Frogge, take the time now to honor your Mother. Enjoy the fellowship with friends and family. I lost my Mom some 25 years ago when she was all of 58 years old. I lost my Dad a couple of years ago and his and my relationship was estranged. In fact, other family members wondered if I would even show up at the funeral. It was good to renew some of the lost relationships. Enjoy your visits, even under these less than desirable conditions. I will pray for you.

rfassett, this means the world to me and I appreciate your story more than you can imagine. I, too, was not expected at this funeral by many people, some of my own family. It is important for me that I make the effort to be there. Thank you so much.

[JRScott]

My condolences on the death of your mother.

[lrprn]

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother, F. Here's hoping you will laugh and cry with family and friends as you all recall happy memories of her and tell treasured family stories far into the night.

[Martha13]

Frogge, I am so sorry to hear about your loss and wish you the strength as you travel to deal with everything involved--your feelings, your family and friends, your struggle with it all. Know that we all care.

[soleprop]

frogge, everyone has said such wonderful things it is hard to add to the pile, but i would like to say this - which has given me comfort since my grandmother/soul mate passed on: be her eyes and ears, her hands and feet; enjoy everything twice as much and do so out of love for her.

[FLBK7]

I am so sorry for your loss, Frogge. My mom passed away almost 5 years ago and she, too, had been in a nursing home suffering from dementia and crippled from severe osteoarthritis. Her passing was not unexpected, but it was relatively painless and peaceful. We knew she had gone to a much better place and therefore turned her funeral into a celebration of her life.

My thoughts are with you and yours at this time.

[BROKENN]

Hang in there. I'm so sorry

[Mark80]

My condolences also Frogge!

I was adopted also, just thought I would toss that out there.

[bkrelief22]

I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. Losing a mother brings a void that only someone going through it can know. Mothers are so special to everyone. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Take whatever time you need to grieve. Even though she had been in the nursing home, it still is a process to go through. Remember the wonderful memories you have and celebrate her life and yours.

Blessings,
bk22

[Cali]

Sorry to hear of your loss. I am sure she is in a much happier place looking over you now.

I lost my dad when I was 12 and my mum passed 11 years ago. Both were at young ages.

[justplaintired]

Frogge, I am sorry for your loss. I feel like I have missed so much lately. Please accept my condolences.

jpt

[layla17]

Sorry to hear of your loss. I wish you well and I hope your family and friends can comfort you in this difficult time.

[Frogge]

I can't give this feeling justice, but I'll try.

I swear I feel like I've been on the ultimate emotional rollercoaster of a lifetime the past few months. If I don't collapse from the ride, I might come out of this with lessons learned and a better outlook on life..?

I had no idea what to expect when my siblings wanted to have a 'meeting' over the weekend after my mother's funeral. The service and days surrounding were very emotional, of course, we had 100's of folks show up, a lot of whom I hadn't seen since I was a small child. All very warm, caring and offering condolences and kind words.

I knew my parents (my father, more specifically) had worked and saved all of their lives, and since both of them had required such intensive care in their last years (my mother for 9 years), I was grateful to know that they were cared for during their times of need, just as planned. What I was not prepared for was the amount they left behind. I've been sobbing for days. Long story short and without going into too much detail, my share of the inheritance is more than enough to pay the outstanding debt that was crushing us.

Call it whatever you like, but I can't ignore the fact that my mother passed away 3 weeks before I was planning to file bankruptcy. I feel truly blessed, grateful, shocked, sad, everything you can imagine. I miss my parents and love them immeasurably for such an incredible gift.

I wish you all the best and thank you so much for the wonderful advice and kind words. This forum is wonderful and a real life saver to a lot of people. My parents would be proud of the way I went about this problem in my life -- and all of you should be proud as well, that you know how to approach your BUSINESS decision by exploring your options and realizing you are not failures, and you are not alone.

Frogge