Robin Marshalls Arts: Voice and Paint

Very Vocal - Very Creative - Artistically WILD!

YOU were in this thread- and I Adore you, no matter What!

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This is an unedited thread that was posted and responded to yesterday. I’m repeating it for 2 reasons:

1. We went from talking about Trump and voicing strong opinions amongst each other, like about 80 comments deep – to Radio programming, in the same thread! LOL! It just shows that our common thread in life will always be our core!

2.The most important thing is that no matter Who is in office or how they got there it should never affect our friendship.Thank you for being You.

Robin Marshall

23 hrs ·

Trump- a man of many words that are Repeated. TWICE, every time, as if we’re idiots and didn’t get it the First time.

Stu Picker Like Him,

Robin Marshall I was Horrified by his press conf. yesterday. Sounded like a thug on the street. This is not me bashing Trump because Hillary didn’t win: this is just a matter of FACT.

Stu Picker Its his same Useless Babble that he always does and still said nothing

Robin Marshall Zactly.

Bob Stephenson Useless babble and saying nothing? So maybe he’s becoming a politician after all….🙂

Samy Salerno i said the same (crap) gutter man- also declared him a dictator from day one. funny. he may still work miracles and do a great job. but this is so low class ignorant non presidential behavior

Robin Marshall Samy Salerno Agreed.

Samy Salerno great minds great women lol

Robin Marshall 86 comments later, I’m headed to bed!

Mike Tyler The press needs to get in order and not speak till they are asked to and I would like to see the press be sued every time they distort the truth till they are out of business or they are telling the truth. News has become entertainment for their own audience and they just say what ever they wish.

Steve Hillebrand Then FOX news would have been out of business in a week.

Bill Horton As long as we can sue politicians and prosecute them until we can put their lying asses in jail. Politics has become entertainment for their own audiences and they can just say whatever they wish, the truth be damned.

Mike Tyler Hell yes starting with Hillary and get them all

Bill Horton including Mr Entertainment himself, DT?

Jeanette L. Rosen Don’t you get it in reality politicians do not serve prison time. Look at what’s his name Weiner? He got a hand slap and is back in the running!! UGH! Can you imagine a Trumps personal phone book and photograph album!!

Robin Marshall Jeanette L. Rosen ewwwe…!

Jeanette L. Rosen Please explain to me how did he get elected as our President? I mean besides the voting duh, my mind is still on what the F….? Good Luck my friends, it doesn’t look pretty and I think it’s going to get ugly. Thank you,

Jeanette& Mercedes Benz

Robin Marshall Jeanette L. Rosen Calm before the storm.

Alan Seltzer He’s right, we are idiots. He got elected.

Robin Marshall Desperate people, Desperate times. Very sad, that a teeny piece of me Wants to see him succeed for the greater good- but the rational part just can’t grasp it.

Eddie Mann It’s an old sales trick. He truly thinks were his clients.

Robert Oefinger Cause your to use to the political carp we have always been fed. He’s a straight shooter

Mike Tyler Lets make a deal everyone that wants to keep Obama Care sign a contract to stay with it no matter what they do, everyone else is free to pick their health coverage

Phil Micari https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXUgLqsdZvI

Goodfellas Jimmy Two Times

YOUTUBE.COM

Cleveland Wheeler brain stall stretches.

Robin Marshall Yes, agreed-Mike Tyler and Bob Macay but look at who we have for a President?? Mr. Entertainment, himself!

Richard Lewis True. He’s not a politician, and that’s the point! He’s a real person. We don’t want, “business as usual!” Give him a chance.

Jeanette L. Rosen What world do you live in?

Robin Marshall I just wish his grammar was that of a politician’s or at least someone who speaks eloquently! I’d have an easier time believing an idea he spits out.

Richard Lewis Well, I can’t argue with that. But, I’d rather have results, than someone that just speaks well, and accomplishes nothing.

Robin Marshall Yes agreed, but it Helps me inside my own head to hear it come out right!

Jeanette L. Rosen Robin, just watching him open his mouth makes me want to gag and change the channel which I do.

Robin Marshall Cleveland Wheeler were you serious that he’s got someone on his cabinet named Robin Marshall or did I miss a joke??

Mike Tyler Yes but we need someone who can stop people who wish to kill us instead of a President who bows to them and sends them cash in the night so they can buy more weapons against us

Robin Marshall AGREED – but we’ve gone to the “Extreme Extreme,” … as Trump would say.

Stewart Mcmurry Give Peace a chance Robin Marshall

Robin Marshall Piece of Mind, is what I’d Rather!

Jeanette L. Rosen No piece of mind with someone who is going to run our country with the ultimate answer to any problem he faces is “You’re fired “. You know it’s going to happen. Sad, but true.

David Hoeffel That’s a fantastic comment…fantastic comment.

Robin Marshall Hahahaha!

Mike Chimeri Van Jones used repetition in his speeches. And let’s not forget the human megaphone method that Occupy protesters use(d).

Dana Puopolo Here’s a reality check:

http://www.forwardprogressives.com/theres-one-simple…/

There’s One Simple Reason Why It’s Pointless to Try to Reason with a Trump…

FORWARDPROGRESSIVES.COM|BY ALLEN CLIFTON

Jay Philpott Just like Jimmy Two Times in “Goodfellas”, except his line would be:

“I’m gonna shut down the papers
…shut down the papers”

Robin Marshall Phil Micari sent the link above!! LOL!

Jay Philpott Oh, I saw the link, but had to Trumpify the line!

Robin Marshall Terrible! That’s like my pet peeve- saying to someone “Does that make sense?” I HATE that! Like… “NO. It’s over my head.”

Dan Kelley He thinks if he says it twice, it can’t be a lie.

Robin Marshall Sadly… I think you’re Right!

Robin Marshall Dana Puopolo that article is outstanding, and certainly hits the target! Here’s One paragraph for anyone interested in Why it’s Impossible to Reason with Trump or his followers: If he lies, they’ll reject any source that debunks him. If he contradicts himself, they’ll make excuses for his contradiction. If he sells them something completely ridiculous (such as asking the taxpayers to pay for his wall, claiming Mexico will “pay for it later”), they’ll blindly believe that ridiculous scam without thinking twice.

Don Tandler The blind adoration is something we haven’t seen in this country. You know where we HAVE seen it before. Yeah.

Dana Puopolo Oh I know, and THAT’s what scares the shit out of me, because unlike THAT time there are thousands and thousands of nukes in the world – compared with only two then.

Robin Marshall Scary scary

Jeanette L. Rosen The one thing that I remember is if it wasn’t for daddy Bush who started one the first unnecessary war he did keep his young Bush in some matters to back off on certain matters like oil. Why do you think they both hid behind their walls and never show their faces unless they have too. I’m not trying to get off the point into some other subject. Trumpets have no say or control over what their daddy says or does!!

Joe Labbe You know a good vocal crutch when you hear one. Be thankful his isn’t, “ahhhhhhhhhhhhh”.

Robin Marshall I can’t Stand the way he says INDUSTRY.

Jerryl Bell I think he’s convinced himself he’s telling the truth and so he wants to convince others he is by repeating himself. That’s usually the attribute of a con artist The only person he’s fooling is himself.

Steve Hillebrand he is incapable of telling the truth. He just tweeted that the Director of National Intelligence James Clapper called him to denounce the “False accusations”. Clapper said he never made the call and never had the conversation. Does he think that no one will check? He’s a national disgrace.

Jerryl Bell ….and that’s one of the reasons he can’t deal with the media. The camera and recorder is on him

Steve Hillebrand exactly, they call him out on his lies.

Chris West Twice?? More like 3 times.

Don Tandler You are very brave to “come out”, Robin. Thank you.

Joel Salkowitz His supporters ARE idiots. They need to hear things 3 or 4 times before it begins to register.

Robin Marshall Amen.

Jeanette L. Rosen Very True, True, True

Robin Marshall Don Tandler, I’m not coming out. I’m calling a spade a spade. I wasn’t thrilled with Hillary either, but in my eyes she was unfortunately the lesser of two evils. SMH

Jeanette L. Rosen Robin, you are so right!! The logical vote would have been Hillary. I get chills now knowing that nincompoop has the availability to push a red button because he didn’t get the response he wanted. So his answer would be, “You’re Fired” literally! He would of course have his family safe in a bunker where ever they put the President. Scary?? Iknow!XO,Jeanette&Mercedes Rosen

Sandra Lajiness Frankhouse Can you hear me now?

Susan Shenkman Stein Trump is bad and Pence is worse.

Cecelia Noble Damn I hate that!

Robin Marshall Jeanette L. Rosen, Well… maybe not his 2 sons? He’d need them to keep his business running!

Jeanette L. Rosen His fingers are going to be in every single dealing of his TRUMP going on and on. If you don’t remember what he said at one of the debates about being smarter then the government on how not to pay taxes. That you have to be smarter. I’m sure I didn’t h…See More

Jeanette L. Rosen Wow! My post disappeared? Oh, well it might show up somewhere else. It had a lot to do with where is his tax returns? I thought we the Americans have the right to see them before he is made our President? Have I missed some Things?

Jeanette L. Rosen Good night, my last two replys have disappeared?

Michael R Butler Robin, I am sorry you are out of touch with Americans. Many brands have this problem. They get wrapped up and just can not see the forest for the trees. I would recommend drying out. You may be suffering from wet brain. If you stop drinking your brain should partially heal. Praying for you.

Robin Marshall Jeanette L. Rosen your posts are right there within the thread. No one is monitoring my Fb. I’d never take anything down either.

Robin Marshall MICHAEL- what’s Really scary is I don’t know who the hell you ARE and you’re on My Thread, and I’m Not a Brand!

Jerry Robert Mason Must not be a bad idea Robin cause Radio has done it?

Robin Marshall “It’s 10 before 10; 9:50…” always believed that radio jargon was crap along with saying your name twice in the same break! Horrible, Jerry Robert Mason!

Jerry Robert Mason But Robin it’s Selling, just like seeing your Name & Likeness here and everywhere it’s posted…

Robin Marshall I Want to understand what you’re saying but I’m not following.

Jerry Robert Mason Just ask George John’s…

Jerry Robert Mason Call it Program Speak, (PD) as I have been one before…

Robin Marshall As have I, …George Johns?? George is only interested in one thing. Not politics! LOL!

Jerry Robert Mason Robin I Respect your Opinion and I served in the military and will protect your Opinions to my death. I Like the fact that you Care about this Country, I may not always agree with you however and that’s what makes this a better place to live for all of us…

Robin Marshall Jerry Robert Mason right there with you on that one.

George Johns I do think of other things Robin during the “20 minute time out.”

Robin Marshall George Johns and Jerry Robert Mason, See?? I was Almost Right about George!

Robin Marshall Robert Oefinger, it’s one thing to be a straight shooter, it’s another thing to be a Leader. I want Both. I just don’t think he’s got the leadership quality.

Jerry Robert Mason Well said Robin but I am willing to give him a chance as I did with Pres. Obama.

Robin Marshall I’d Never do anything to heed someone’s ability to do their job. Time will tell. I’d love to be shown that my inner feelings are wrong. And yes! I too, gave Obama, not only a Chance, I Voted for him!

Jerry Robert Mason Love It and You! Thanks For You Babe!

Danny Wright Kleven Robin your tha bomb

Robin Marshall Thank you!!

George Johns Robin, I look at politicians only as potential morning show candidates but the thing that Trump did better than most morning shows was to get people talking about him. The way it works is great morning shows about the city that they live in and the folks who live in that city in turn talk about them.

Robin Marshall You mean like Real Programming?? Like maybe introducing Fresh Ideas- Edgy-Compelling things to remember? JAYNE??

Robin Marshall Jesus, I want to Like my own Post!

George Johns Real programming has always worked Robin and so has gimmicks. (promotions) When you put them both together they are unbeatable. Unfortunately. the powers that be aren’t into winning they are only into cutting costs which allows them with their million dollar salaries to survive another year.

Robin Marshall Ohhh boy do I Get That. I’ve got a new program that’s itching to come out. I just don’t know how- even working where I Do!!

George Johns You know my weird brain Robin, imagine how many I’ve got festering. 🙂

Robin Marshall Absolutely! Mine’s already at demo completion, song list (talk show, minimal songs) and clock!

George Johns Mike McVay used to be into that kinda thing but he’s gone low profile as late.

Robin Marshall We shall see…

Skip Edwards Wait…wait. You’re all fired!

Robin Marshall That’s a Trump-ism as well as every radio broadcast company in the USA! Actually EVERY company has been downsizing, for the most part.

 Jeff Davis No, I think three times. No, wait, that was the movie “Candyman”.

Robin Marshall Somehow… all being in radio – we went from Trump to Programming! THERE’S a Shock?? LOL!

Robin Marshall I hope you all don’t mind, but I’m going to copy this thread and blog it. It just shows so much character amongst us, that I don’t want it to be forgotten. Every opinion here, Mattered.

Girlfriends In Trouble

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Dallas, Tx  8-13-2014 Gotta' Keep smilin'! Gotta’ Keep smilin’!
 
Best wishes for my Girlfriend today. She beat breast cancer 12 years ago, .. I saw her speak the week after I had been diagnosed, while I was attending a seminar in San Diego called The Secret Knock. While there, I never told a soul that I had been diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer and had postponed my surgery so that I could still attend this event! I was there pushing my book, “The Diary of a Sugar Mom. Don’t Tell the Kids.” 
After hearing her speak about what she’d been through, I decided I was going to talk about it BEFORE I went through it, while I went through it, and After- if there WAS an after!  I then realized this was more about being a Sugar Mom! A word I made up, right then and there! A woman who can think for herself, speak eloquently, want to continue to learn on a daily basis, takes good care of herself at our age, takes Time for herself and understands that SHE Matters too! A Sugar Mom is “a woman who lives a life less Ordinary!”
This woman, Susan… may not know it, but she’s at the top of the Sugar Mom List! She’s doing what it takes to make it right for HER, and her attitude is outstandingly Positive! 
This was my way of egging her on, to start writing a blog Before the big event and to continue sharing with us, just what she’s about to go through.
 
XO
Robin

And how is my girlfriend Susan Santsche doing tonight? She’s been on my mind.

 

 

 

 

 

 

    • Robin Marshall I am happy to hear this, since you were my first inspiration after hearing you speak at Greg S. Reid‘s Secret Knock! I knew I was sick, but kept quiet while wondering how you had the guts to Talk about it. I just followed your lead, but backwards! I talked before, during and after I was sick! Now? It’s your turn. You should talk about this “anticipation.” It’s a hell of a story. XO
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      Susan Santsche The anticipation and the way people do not know how to respond to you is the interesting dynamic!! And the dynamic in how some people or some in your medical community have an issue when you are just being pro-active ..My ob gyn called me and told me…See More
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      Robin Marshall Agreed. That’s why I shot my mouth off- and why I suggest you keep doing the same, sistah’.
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      Susan Santsche Ok Need to get to blogging!!
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      Robin Marshall My second three month checkup is next month- and I’m going to make sure that all friends that followed along with me, during this horrific time- including YOU- STAY with me, for better or worse. The love you feel from your friends can make all the difference in the world. 
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      Susan Santsche Its the Better …Celebrate YOU Every Day ! :}
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      Robin Marshall And You. Very proud to know you. And- Thank you for giving me the courage to Open My Mouth! I feel MUCH BETTER!!! Lol! Women need to talk to each other and encourage each other to be proactive when their health is in consideration, right?

       

      Please direct…See More

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      Susan Santsche I am honored to know I did @ and Have gotten to be a part of your amazing Journey ! Thanks Greg Greg S. Reid Secret Knock to unite 2 powerful women fighting for the Change we need in our Health Care!
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      Robin Marshall I know, it started with You. I heard you- and I’ve saved a few lives because I was “ballsy” enough to write about it. I feel Good about it even though I don’t know the end of my story! You will feel GREAT talking about it because you already know You started the chain! Let me know if you hit a low point. You can dictate and I can Edit. ?
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      Robin Marshall Get some Sleep!!!
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      Susan Santsche Be careful to say edit ..Have you read my emails ..LOL
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      Robin Marshall YES! You need an editor!!!!!! Hahahaha! We can’t always Say what we Feel- Exactly? 
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From Video Shoots to the Waiting Room

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robin shirtJuly whatever! I don't wantto know… Dallas, Tx 201

Amazingly, last night we spent hours shooting video tape for a project I'm involved in, and to be fair, no, I haven't mentioned anything to you yet because I'm sort of living a quarterly life! I say this while today I'm sitting in the waiting room of my oncologists office. I sit and give new meaning to the words "waiting room!" As we're all aware, I'm not the most patient patient!

I figure, if I make it out alive this first quarter and they change my status to living a bi- monthly life instead…then I'll spill the beans on the video stream! Just know that there were a lot of clothes taken off and put on, a shadow box, lots of laughter and heels! Wow! That would make a great book title! "A Shadowbox, Laughter and Heels!" Oh My!

I'm sitting here being what I think is Entertaining, but please understand I'm truly scared to death. In fact I couldn't believe my blood pressure was 100 over 60 because I thought I was having a heart attack just from the anxiety of not knowing the outcome!

So, at least we know I can handle pressure, laugh and be entertaining while I'm a nervous wreck- but the favor I ask of You is to cross your fingers and if you were blessed with long toes, cross them too! I could use a stroke of luck! And of Course, this Doctor, my dear friend, saves me for last because I'm her favorite patient! So? I Wait!!!

 

She Goes, and She Comes.

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DFW June 10th, 2015     
Two Endings
 I find that the only time I’ve got available to write lately is while I’m flying from city  to city.
 
9 days to go…I’m down to the wire now. My three-month check-up is on the 19th of June. I know this will sound crazy, but sometimes I feel as if I’m self-sabotaging.For example, not eating, resting, drinking enough water. I just don’t want “Cancer” to have the right to screw up this next blood test; I’d rather take the blame myself! As warped as that sounds, it still allows me to have some sense of control!
So much has happened,… I don’t even know how to pretend that “everything’s OK,” anymore. When you’ve been sick, healed, really gotten a lot better, enjoyed life and then are faced with a reality check like this one coming up… it’s a tough pill to swallow.
 
Within these last three months, looking back…
 
I had my final chemo session.
I made several trips back and forth to see my mom while she was in the hospital.
I made several trips to SC to spend time with my kids.
I took my family to Disney World! I was afraid, “what if there’s not another chance?”
All the while working full-time from a multitude of homemade, nationally sounding studios.
My corporate office and studio closed down, forcing my staff to a relocation to our separate homes, for now.
 
My mom passed away…. No words.
 
I’ve been moving into a new house nearby, slowly… car load by car load with a red mustang with the top down. Something out of a modern day “Beverly HillBilly’s” episode.
The movers finally showed up last Saturday for the stuff I couldn’t fit into my car! They unloaded all by 3:30 am during torrential downpours!
I left the next day for my youngest’s HS graduation, which is the beginning of her life- one which I was so thrilled to have a part in, and worked from yet another SC home studio, in between dogs barking and a friggin’ bird that wouldn’t stop chirping!
A week later, I’m now on the plane heading home.
After a grueling work week, I walked into a house filled with boxes and no sense of order whatsoever.
I’ve spent from that night after my flight landed, until the next evening unpacking, searching for things I’d forgotten I had, …and then putting them away.
I talked to 25 plants in my courtyard, bargaining with them; “I’ll stay home if you’ll come back to life? I promise I won’t neglect you anymore? Just GROW God damn it?”
 
I’ve made this house into a home.
 
I walk around from room to room wondering what my mom would’ve thought about ‘this and that’… sorry that she’ll never see this part of my life.
 
I’ve found the answer to my age-old question: “Do we Ever stop being the child?” No. Even after they die, we’re still wishing for their praise. We take nuggets of “atta girls”  from others, and make them bigger than they really are because we know we’ll never get that parental praise again. We milk whatever we can get until we finally realize we’re acting ridiculously.
 
I’m still trying to find it within me to mourn properly. I don’t know what’s wrong with me! I’ve still not mourned properly for my Dad- and that was 4 years ago. How long can we hold things in until the dam breaks?
 
I’m so tired.
I have also made an appointment at MD Anderson,…. just in case. They have new technology and studies that deal with Ovarian Cancer. I’m seeing the head of the department, and I argued over the fact that it might take 2-3 days for the completion of the tests! Who have I become? It all goes back to self-sabotaging. I should be grateful that she’s seeing me – at all, -and yet I put up a wall. 
My mom would call it a “phase, or a stage” that I’m going through. Can someone tell me- When do those things END?
 
I guess it’s been a huge life lesson, to not take anyone or anything for granted. Even while I’m feeling great, … I was feeling great the last time too… and had no knowledge of what was battling inside my body? So why should I feel contented This time around?
“Twists and turns build character,” as my mom would’ve said… but, as my dad would’ve said, “You need a strong set of “sea legs” too.” Well? I have enough character to last a FULL lifetime, and my sea legs are stronger than anyone else’s I know. Gimme’ a ship that’s rockin’ and I’ll throw in the air guitar! BTW I play 11,000 air guitars, so you ‘d never tire of my style. :-).
 
While in such a hurry to pack before I left – I thought about unpacking and taking  my time when I returned, … really? Who am I kidding! I’m the ‘Type A’ woman who wants what she wants when she wants it; even if it Kills her! And I don’t mind doing it myself! Although- there was this gigundous (sp?) mirror that arrived. It was the first thing in this house that I admitted defeat on; “NO Robin, you can NOT hang a 6 foot 75 lb mirror by yourself!” At least I listened?
 
Each box that I unpacked contained a piece of my life while  throwing out the baggage that no longer matters.
 
That’s what Life is all about. Taking our time, holding on to what matters and throwing out the tumult; and by all means- taking risks! That risk will make or break your life! How intense to know that we CAN make a difference!
Thank you for following along, and feel free to make comments, I’ve finally figured out how to Answer! Hahaha!
 
In spite of the 3 mont h check up I’ve got all kinds of things going on….
 
I’m about to make you “silly up” and laugh like an idiot! No, this is not my day job… but our nights are going to take on a new life!! Does the idea of conversing with a blow-up doll spike your interest? “WHOA! What he said to me??? I should have slapped him! But? He’s full of hot air anyway! ;-” (It’s called foreshadowing.)
 
Look forward to hearing from me whether good news or bad, because I’m just not the type who can stand by and watch things happen. We’ll be laughing together all the way to the end, or there by the grace of God, a new beginning!
Glasses raised to June 19th! Cross everything ya’ got! I could use it!
 
Much love,
 
Robin

Losing Your Mom, 101.

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Dallas, Tx May 14th, 2015
 
My Mom taught me to say "please and thank you."     
 
She did a good job because I'm saying it to you. "Thank you all for your support." 
Mother DaughterDay
 
It's certainly been a rocky day. 
After being gone for 10 days while working from a closet sized studio with barking dogs, but they were under the same roof with all my kids that I miss so much… so I dealt with it… and then – coming home to my blessed bed last night, getting "the call" at 6am saying, "you're mom just passed away," … I'd like to fill those of you in, on what happens next, if ever you find yourself in that situation. If you are the only next of kin, the spotlight is on You, so you don't have time for grieving. You must:
 
1. Forget about unpacking your 10 days worth of clothes while thinking you'll need to pack again in a day.
 
2. You'll need closure, you make calls to the institution your parent had been staying in- over and over again, because you're in shock- and there's always one more thing you forgot to ask!
"How did it happen? Was she sleeping? Was it something I asked you to do that may have been the catalyst for her death? Did she feel anything? How long can I leave her there, legally speaking?"
 
3. You'll try to find the will to find her will. What did she want? Burial? Cremation?
 
4. You'll realize there is no will, there's only a way. YOUR way. You need to choose, and you Do. 
 
5. Call a list of funeral homes and do comparison shopping. OMG it's true. One place charges $5K for cremation and 2-two hour visitation blocks, while another charges half of that and gives you the joint for the whole day! The thought process is borderline insanity; "if they give it all for half-price it can't be the best place? Right?" So you keep calling other establishments until you realize it's a racket more often than not. 
 
6. You find the right place because the stranger on the other end of the phone makes you feel like "they GET you!" They offer empathy, not sympathy. There's a remarkable difference between the two, while going through this madness.  You pay to have your parent made into ashes or filled with formaldehyde. 
 
7. You pick your time slot for people to come see each other in a funeral parlor, who more than likely haven't seen You in 30+ years! The conversations prematurely start playing in your head; "My goodness! You got OLD!" How many times I kicked myself today just knowing I'd say the wrong thing most of the time, in that 3 hour window. 
 
8. You make phone calls from your parents hand written phone book to the same people you've already had those imaginary conversations with! Who in their right mind would choose a funeral home with a name they can't pronounce? Me. I had to keep looking at the website to phonetically read it on every phone call. 
 
9. It would be nice if you and your family could make it to this shebang, so you need to book flights to get there! In my case I needed to book 6 people in 3 different states. I have trouble booking my Own flights (an ADD issue) let alone close to a basketball team? To coordinate everyone's flight to try and arrive and depart at the same time makes you forget about your lost parent in a hurry. In fact, you wind up talking to yourself the more frustrated you become: "you died on purpose, didn't you – Just to put me through all of this aggravation! Admit it, Mom!"
 
10. Damn it? I just realized I forgot to book a van!
 
11. Gone is the phrase "room," … You now need to book a "Wing" of a hotel to house everyone. 
 
12. You must find their significant other! This should have been written as #1, but it Was the first thing I tried to do but I  couldn't find him, all day! I kept calling and calling… This man has lived with her for what feels like a zillion years, and when he finally DID call, saying he was on his way to see her I had to tell him to turn around, she wasn't there anymore.  THAT went over well?
 
13. You'll be almost ready for bed after this day of hell when you'll remember: "Shit! I forgot to write her obituary!" This is not your blog-type writing; this is structure. You must pull from your days of learning cursive and coming home to show your mom, and hoping she'll be proud of your work!…. And then it all starts to sink in. 
 
14. The Facebook 'dings' you've been hearing all day, …you decide that it might be a good way to unwind and so you go and face the music. "I'm so sorry for your loss,"… "Please accept my condolences," and you realize if your friends are talking about this… then it must be true. You've really lost your mom, and it's not just in a parking lot filled with cars; you've lost her, for good. 
 
15. You feel that weight on your chest and in your heart. If you're a Type-A kinda' person you now understand that, "No, we can't fix everything. No, even with our capes and pixie dust, we can't bring her back. 
 
16. You'll feel like we're six again. We wonder when we'll Ever grow up. The old radio joke is no longer funny as we say it, because it's not about "not being able to grow up if you're in the radio industry because ya' can't do Both- it's about the fact we've spent our whole lives seeking praise from our parents, and now we know, … no one will ever tell us again, "how Proud they are of us!"
 
Were on our own. 
 
Finally I went upstairs at the end of the night and saw that I've still not unpacked from that 10 day trip, and decided to look for a different suitcase instead, but I heard my mom's voice,
"Robin? Do you think those clothes are gonna' unpack themselves? Didn't I teach you to always look back at the room you were just in, and make sure it looks exactly the same when you leave it?"
 
And then you hear the words inside your head, escape your lips, "but Mom…??"
 

 

In memory of my mom, Elayne.

Love to you all,

Robin