Sabbatical
My mother died Monday night. She was 74.
Earlier this week, I began writing a memorial for her. I know I haven't talked much about Mom here at Get Rich Slowly, but she probably played the biggest role in molding me into the person I am today. After writing 2500 words, I realized I have a lot to process. And maybe Get Rich Slowly isn't the place to publish a tribute to her. I don't know.
![[My mother when she was probably 15 years old]](https://www.getrichslowly.org/wp-content/uploads/mom-bw.webp "My mother when she was probably 15 years old")
In any event, I'm taking some time off.
For the next few weeks, I'll be dealing with the logistics of Mom's memorial service and her estate. And while I'm taking time away from Get Rich Slowly to handle these things, it feels like a good opportunity to tackle a few big projects I've been putting off — including the “de-design” of this blog.
My plan is to take a three-month sabbatical. I may indeed publish a bit here and there — and I'll regularly update the “Spare Change” section on the front page and send the GRS Insider email newsletter — but my intention right now is to step away from Get Rich Slowly until the end of the year.
I'll be back on 01 January 2023.
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There are 37 comments to "Sabbatical".
My condolences on the loss of your mother, JD. See you next year.
So sorry JD. If putting thoughts to paper to share here helps you, do it. If not, you don’t owe us anything so let whatever helps you heal the most guide the decision if I can humbly offer advice.
So sorry to hear about your mom. Tough year for you. Best wishes to you.
So sorry to to hear about your mother. From the perspective of a random internet commenter, you’ve had a YEAR. I’m glad you’re focusing on the right things. We’ll be here when you return. Take care of yourself.
I am so sad for your loss. It’s hard to lose a parent. I hope your sabbatical gives you what you need to start anew in January. Happy holidays!
Very sorry for your loss, JD. Be well.
That went so quickly. I am so sorry. My heart aches for you. Best wishes to you and all your family. Take care.
Sorry for your loss. Process, grieve what was and what could have been. Hugs from Idaho.
I am very sorry for your loss.
Sorry for your loss. Been a rough year. Enjoy your time off and take care of yourself.
Condolences JD. The Sabbatical is a good idea and will let you focus on what is more important.
Oh J.D. I’m sorry for your loss. You’ve had such a difficult year. I hope your sabbatical gives you time to reflect and get stuff done too.
Sorry for your loss. Take the time you need, we’ll be here when you return.
Sorry for your loss. Take what time you need to sort things out and to grieve. You’ve had a difficult year.
So sorry for your loss JD. My thoughts & prayers are with you. Hope the time off helps you heal.
So sorry for your loss. Please take care
Losing mom is the very worst. I’m so sorry, J.D. — we’re thinking of you, and hope the memories bring peace and comfort.
It feels like that happened very fast, and I’m merely an outsider! You’ve had quite the year. Take care of yourself and take all the time you need to do it. We’ll be here when you’re ready. Sending you warm and healing thoughts.
I’m so sorry for your loss, J.D. Warm regards to you and your family.
So sorry to hear that JD. Take care! Thanks for letting us know what’s happened – my thoughts are with you.
JD, take the time off, you will need it. The holidays are coming and you will be reminded of the freshness of your loss. I look forward to your return in 2023.
J.D. I am very sorry to see this post. My sympathies to you and your family in the loss of your mom. I will offer you up in my prayers in the coming days and months as I think of you and GRS. I have been a faithful reader since 2008 and will still be here when you return. Godspeed.
Sorry for your loss. It’s good that you can take some time off. Best wishes.
Sorry for your loss, JD. Thanks for opening your world to us so we can learn from your experiences, and doing so humbly and with vulnerability, making it all the more tangible and valuable. Thanks also to your mom for helping shape who you are – everything we create contains the compounded efforts of our parents, grandparents, and all those before us.
I am so very sorry for your loss.
JD, my condolences to you and your family. Wishing you peace and good health and we’ll see you in the New Year!
I’m so sorry for your terrible loss. Whenever you wrote about your mother it was with deep love and devotion. What a year it has been for you….Taking a sabbatical is a very healthy and wise decision. Remember to get enough sleep. Sleep is the only relief we get from grief, so sleep 10 hours a day if you want to and don’t apologize for it. See you soon.
So strange. I just wrote to my Kim (who is out of town) that I feel so beat down. I don’t feel depressed or anything, but just completely drained. I’m super tired no matter how much I sleep. No other signs of sickness or anything like that. Just tired. (Oh, and I’m not cleaning up after myself. The house is a mess. I have no motivation to clean it.) And then I come over here to find this comment. So, yeah. Maybe I need more sleep. It’s not even six o’clock here, and I’m thinking of crawling into bed to just start over tomorrow.
Update. Just googled some stuff. Turns out what I’m experiencing are classic (and normal) symptoms of grief. I would not have guessed that.
Grief is the most exhausting thing ever. So yeah. Crawl in bed and get some rest, my friend.
Don’t forget that you’ve had two major losses in relatively quick succession, with Duane. Please take care of yourself.
Very sorry for your loss(es), JD. Take time to heal.
I’m very sorry for your loss, JD. You are right to take a sabbatical and make time to grieve. All my best.
I never ever post here (and my finances are a gd mess lol) but I couldn’t help but tell you how loving and thoughtful and touching today’s newsletter is, and this post, too. That’s a lovely photo of your mom. Take good care — I’m very, very sorry for your loss.
Hugs, friend. We’re never really ready, even if (as in both our cases) we knew this was coming soon.
I’m sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. Being in the same generation as her reminds about the seasons of life as we age. Please just take a deep breath each morning as you work through all the emotions and the challenges in the next couple months. I look forward to hearing from you again in the new year. Warmest Regards.
So sorry for your loss.
Holidays are hard when family’s gone. I hope you have a peaceful day, J.D.