THIS HAS BEEN A TOUGH WEEK.Last week, late Thursday, my sister informed me my aunt Claire had died. She'd been battling dementia and had a myriad of health issues for years. Of course I was still saddened and in shock.
The very next day, late Friday night, my mom, also tragically passed away. Only hours after my aunt (my mom's sister) had died.
I was crushed. How cruel. I sobbed and buried my head into my pillow and cried and cried and cried. I'm sobbing.
We buried my aunt Claire on Sunday and are planning a memorial for my mom sometime in the next few weeks.
I am still in shock. During the past few years mom has battled and survived some serious health issues but she was a fighter and would no doubt persevere. She cheated death and this episode would be no different--I had no doubt she'd survive.
I came back home to help her and take care of her and felt she was bulletproof --and why not? She was always there for me; comforted me when I was down; defended me when I needed help no matter what the circumstances. She was my rock and best friend.
Mom raised me; my father was pretty much never around so it was mom and my brother (who passed too young in 2000) and my two sisters and brother-in-law. Small family.
I write with a heavy heart and am still profoundly sad over this tragedy in my life; it's so cruel but it's inevitable and mom would have told me to get on with my own life and move forward. Even though I feel empty and broken.
This column is the beginning of that endeavor.
I want to again, THANK YOU ALL who have sent kind words; supportive and otherwise. Your words have made this a lot more bearable but I am still shaking and asking "why now?" It's so darn painful and depressing. I will try to carry on. But it is a difficult time.
415 Media will resume Monday with Bay Area TV/Radio news and commentary, God willing.
In the meantime, mom, Mrs. Anne Landau, I love you and miss you. RIP.
And you too, my aunt Claire Lerch.
Rich Lieberman
incredibly sorry for your losses. this is such a shitty part of life... it is always a shock to the system when a parent dies, no matter how old you are when it happens. be well. prayers for all.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you and yours Rich. I hope you can get through this difficult time and bounce back soon.
ReplyDeleteI bet those fine ladies will be watching over you for eternity.
Keep strong.
Stay strong Rich. You need to keep the blog going to report the truth and keep these news directors on their toes!!!
ReplyDeleteYour Mother’s memories will live with you forever, therefore she will always be with you. Remember her strength to get you through this time of sorrow. You are in my thoughts Rich.
ReplyDeleteRich, I'm fairly new at visiting your blog, but I know what you're going through. My mom was a lot like yours. Nothing could keep her down, even dealing for 20 years with only 20% vision out the side of one eye (zero in the other eye) due to macular degeneration. It will be ten years in May since she passed over into a better situation.
ReplyDeleteI bought my sister out and am living in what has been our family home since 1960. There is an 8x10 photo of my mom in younger days, preparing what appears to be a dessert service, and it's prominently displayed on a shelf in our breakfast room. This was her kitchen.
The house is currently in contract, and a new family will be moving in from the same neighborhood my parents lived in when they bought this place. The cycle is ready to repeat itself. I've decided to offer to leave my mom's large set of 1936 Sears china behind if the new lady of the house would like to have it. Countless meals have been served on it with pride and joy, and I feel it should live on with a young family who will continue its legacy here.
Your mom will live on in ways similar to this, and you'll feel happy about it just like I do, once you get past this double whammy. It's clear that your mom and your aunt had a spiritual connection that couldn't be broken. They remain together now just as they did during their time here, and I hope that is comforting to think about.
It is said that whenever you close your eyes & think of a loved one who has passed, you are re-united. You will find both your Mom & Aunt visiting & guiding you in your dreams.
ReplyDeleteSorry for your double loss, Rich. I lost my mother o42 plus years ago. There is, without question, a hole in your heart that will take time to recover. Cherish her memory and remember she was the most important person in your life and be thankful that you had her for as long as you did.
ReplyDeletePrayers for you and your family Mr. Lieberman. Take all the time you need. The double whammy of cruel fate (as we see it) is a lot to take on.
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry to hear you lost your Mom and Aunt tragically and so close together. Just know they are together now and watching over you. Sending prayers and love to you at this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteCondolences to you Rich.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss Rich....
ReplyDeleteLosing a parent is one of the hardest things we have to go through. I've lost both. It's been years and I still miss them every day. Lean on your friends and family. Best wishes.
ReplyDeleteTake as much time as you need, Rich. Re: the blog, 415 Nation can wait until you're ready. Take care of yourself, and we're truly sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteI'm not going to offer you my thoughts and prayers....because it's a "throwaway" phrase which doesn't really say anything--much less mean anything.
ReplyDeleteWHat I will say...is that you have a "family" of sorts via this blog...and we grieve your loss, Rich.
You're a good dude. Stay strong...take some time to grieve...and then come back even stronger--knowing that you are your mom's son, and she would want you to be strong.
Take your time. I miss you but can wait.
ReplyDeleteGodspeed to your Mother and Aunt, Rich. That was a very eloquent piece that you wrote. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteMy sincere condolences
ReplyDeleteSorry for your losses, Rich.
ReplyDeleteWhen someone passes away and we have a heavy heart, it just tells you how much they mean to you and just how much you love them. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteHugs and prayers for you.
ReplyDeleteThe best thing i can say is enjoy your life what ever time u have left �� the time u have..We all r compassion 4 u but do not 4get 2 live...best wishes...Michael
ReplyDeleteOh my Rich. I am so sorry to hear this news. Death sucks, no matter what or who. I pray strength and peace for you (and your family) as you walk this grief journey. Losing a family member is never easy, but life will go on and you will get through this. We're here to help in whatever way we can.
ReplyDeleteMy mom would say to me, "I believe in you sweetie!" Very kind. She was born in Chidlren's Hospital in SF in 1917, I was born there in 1947, my brother there in 1950, my sister there in 1951. Have lived in Concord since 1977, since we can not afford Ess Eff. My mom passed in 1985. Rich, I am sorry about your mum.
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry for your losses. Lost my dad 3 years ago. Know what you are going through. Take all the time you need
ReplyDeleteI’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve never met you but from visiting this blog, you seem like a friend to me. You’re in my prayers. Take your time getting back to the grind. We all understand.
ReplyDeleteSad you had a double hit. They are in no more pain an watching you. I lost my mom when I was 14, and still miss her many decades later. Thoughts and prayers to you and family. Might want to check on some grief groups - they helped me.
ReplyDeleteYou are now an orphan, as are we all whose parents have died. It's a major life change because typically no one can ever love you as much as a parent. It's part of why getting old is not for sissies. No grief group or psychobabble has any value. You will adjust to your new normal in your own way. You will never forget her.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear of your losses. My two aunts died within months of each other it was so sad. Sending warm swishes to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteRich, very sorry to hear of your mom's and aunt's passing. She was a great mother to you and you were a good son.
ReplyDeleteDouble heartsick. I was unaware that you were dealing with a double loss from my NW corner in Livermore. Continued thoughts and prayers and whatever other meditative healing methods you use.
ReplyDeleteAs far as your return-to-normal 415 Media column on Monday, besides Ama Daetz's return to the Circle7 airwaves, I really can't think of a second positive Bay Media story for you to post. Need the rest of your followers to help with this, even though for obvious reasons, it will never even out the pain.
By returning to your blog the Friday before St Patrick's Day, you have already taking a big step forward in life. Keep walking on, Rich. And always be aware of the support here.
Very sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteMy condolences.
ReplyDeleteMy deepest condolences to you, Rich. Losing your mother and aunt so close to one another is a sorrow unimaginable. While I miss the blog, take your time returning to your insightful posts.
ReplyDeleteRich, I read your stuff all the time. Many a time you put into words what I'm screaming at the TV. Being from Jersey, its refreshing to hear the truth without fluff. Please accept my condolences. Family losses suck and are painful.
ReplyDeleteMy condolences. No matter how old or young one is when a parent dies, it is always hard. Try to remember the good times the two of you shared.
ReplyDeleteI feel very sorry for you for your mom and aunt. Take care, Rich.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry, Rich. : < Words are inadequate.
ReplyDeleteRich, we don't know each other personally, but I've enjoyed your blog since the implosion at KGO Radio. I'm so sorry about the loss of your mother and of your aunt. Please accept my condolences.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I don't know you personally, but feel like you are a part of the family, because I have read and kept up with the blog. Please know that I am so sorry to hear about these passings. Please accept my condolences.
ReplyDeleteRich, I am so sorry for the passing of your Mom and Aunt. I lost my Mom 3 years ago, it's been such a hard 3 years for me. What I've come to realize is that I am a product of my Mom, and she lives within my heart. I'm not going to tell you it gets easier overtime, because it doesn't, but what has happened to me is I remember all of the wonderful times we've had.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you Rich.
Oh man, what a huge blow. My condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. I will keep you and your family in my prayers during this time.
ReplyDeleteStill thinking about you.
ReplyDeleteVery sorry to hear about your loss, Rich. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. One day at a time....
ReplyDeleteRich, just catching up after a few weeks. Terribly sorry to hear about your mom. I'm sending you my deepest condolences. Today my dad would have been 90 years old if he hadn't passed away nearly 30 years ago. I'm always so happy when any child gets to know that their parent had a really good long life and you definitely sounded like you had a great relationship with her. I'm sure you'll keep her forever in your heart and memories.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry. My condolences.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear this.
ReplyDelete