My mom died two weeks ago tonight. She was only 73 and we knew she had chronic atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat), but nobody (including, I am quite sure, my mom) thought it would result in sudden cardiac arrest and her dying in her sleep.
Obviously we were all completely unprepared, and my family members and many friends and colleagues have been lovely and supportive. Unfortunately, I couldn't stay in a bubble, and after a week I was back at work and some of my regular activities.
The transition has been very difficult. I have read that I have to ask for what I need, but I am at a loss as to how to express that while right now I like having some specific things to do, I'm not equipped to deal with extended interactions with casual chit-chat and joking around. Basically I want to say you can't act like everything is normal around me. If anyone has thoughts on a productive way to say that, I would love to hear them. Thanks.
