Hello again and an apology

Just wanted to say hello again to all the wonderful innkeepers out here that have graciously offered this newbie aspiring so much start-up advice on our future bed and breakfast.
I want to apologize for my abrupt departure and nine-month absence. Though there is never a good excuse for discourteous behavior, I would like to at least offer an explanation.
I lost my Mom (my best friend) shortly before leaving this forum and thought I could just stay busy, keep my mind off the loss and get our bed and breakfast open by last spring. (I learned the grieving process can't be skipped or hurried.) Add to that some health issues, some family issues and a civil suit with a contractor and...I guess I just became overwhelmed and kind of withdrew from my activities and my relationships. The longer I stayed in my reclusive state, the more ashamed of my behavior I became which in turn, encouraged even more reclusion. What a vicious cycle! I am (finally) reaching out and asking for understanding and hopefully forgiveness. I've got my Christmas music playing and my house decorated, I put on a Christmas party last week for my neglected friends, and have another one coming up this Saturday evening for my neglected extended family. To my Innspired family-- I just want to say, I'm sorry for acting like an unappreciative taker and ask if you will allow me back into your fold.
It's been nine months since I was last on Innspiring. I have made exactly zero progress in the process of getting the B&B open since then. But my chin is back up and I am ready to put my aspiring hat back on, and get this puppy open for business. My new goal -- Springtime, 2017.
Wishing everyone a Merry and prosperous Christmas season! Thanks for listening.
Aspiring Martha

Merry Christmas, Martha. So sorry about your Mom. And welcome back!

So sorry about your Mom. You need no apology (at least not with me) as we all have stuff happen that gets in the way of some things we want. Sometimes it even gets in the way of things we don't want.
Wishing you well as you get back on track with your B & B. We knew there were reasons for the absence - you were not AWOL.

Welcome back and Merry Christmas! No apologies needed. Sorry for your loss and glad you have found your way back. Best wishes for a better new year

You owe us no apology, but I say thank you for thinking of us in a caring way. God bless you this Christmas, cherish the memories and make some new ones to draw from.

So sorry to hear about your mom. Both of my parents died within a year and it hit me like a freight train this month. We're all but shut down right now so I can cope.
You can't rush the slogging along looking for daylight and finding mostly clouds. It'll come when it's time.

So sorry to hear of your loss Martha. Lost my mom recently and even though I thought I was fine, I haven't felt like participating either. Just lurking and reading and sympathizing with all.
2017 is just around the corner and hopefully a fresh start for all of us. Meet you on the other side

Nice to see you here. I'm very sorry about your mom.
Set goals, adjust as necessary.
I hope you have a peaceful holiday season.

So sorry to hear about your Mom. Many of us have been in your shoes and like you, I had to learn that I was not made of steal.
I still have my moments , 8 yrs since Mom, 4 since Dad, and I must have my alone time.
Best wishes as you carry on, I am sure your Mom is smiling down on you as you proceed.

What a compassionate and empathetic group and encouraging group this is! Thank you so much for all the kind words.
For those of you who are also suffering from the loss of your beloved parent or parents, you have my heartfelt sympathy. The holidays are the most wonderful-terrible time of year...wonderful to be surrounded with our friends and loved ones -- and terrible to see the empty chair or missing favorite casserole or even that special ornament that reminds us of those we have lost.
This is a special bunch indeed. Thank you for letting me be part of it.

Don't worry about us - we are always here! Plus if you are like me 9 months passes in a sort of blur before you even know it happened. Several on here have been in the same situation recently so believe me as a group we all understand as well as or better than most.
Remember to take care of yourself and as times goes by you will remember only the sunny things which is what matters.

Aspiring Martha said:

What a compassionate and empathetic group and encouraging group this is! Thank you so much for all the kind words.
For those of you who are also suffering from the loss of your beloved parent or parents, you have my heartfelt sympathy. The holidays are the most wonderful-terrible time of year...wonderful to be surrounded with our friends and loved ones -- and terrible to see the empty chair or missing favorite casserole or even that special ornament that reminds us of those we have lost.
This is a special bunch indeed. Thank you for letting me be part of it..

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Aspiring Martha said:

What a compassionate and empathetic group and encouraging group this is! Thank you so much for all the kind words.
For those of you who are also suffering from the loss of your beloved parent or parents, you have my heartfelt sympathy. The holidays are the most wonderful-terrible time of year...wonderful to be surrounded with our friends and loved ones -- and terrible to see the empty chair or missing favorite casserole or even that special ornament that reminds us of those we have lost.
This is a special bunch indeed. Thank you for letting me be part of it.

Click to expand...

Bringing it full circle to innkeeping, this is a time you may or may not choose to be open for guests. Many who go away at Christmas do so to leave the sadness behind without being reminded every moment of the day. Of course you can't escape that, so we always wonder how much to decorate and how Christmassy an inn should go.
Some guests are visiting relatives, others are escaping relatives, and yet others are just trying to find a quiet soft place to be. Just to survive it.
My heart is with everyone here who has lost a loved one, or is detached from a loved one. May the God of all comfort give a bear hug and capture all tears in his gentle hands.

I'm glad to see you are back and sorry to hear about your loss. I don't know what you are going through so I'm sending hugs and prayers.

No apology needed. Welcome back and know that many of us struggle with our losses, especially at this time of year. The important thing to to pick yourself up and move forward, even if you feel you are crawling along.