topic Re: Today Is A Bittersweet Day in Community Chat

Today Is A Bittersweet Day

Anonymous032819 — Thu, 17 Oct 2019 23:34:50 GMT

After work today, I swung by my dad's bank to close out his accounts.

It was bittersweet remembering all the times that I took him there, and sad knowing that I never will again.

They always took good care of my dad, and were kind to him.

I miss my dad so much!

Then I stopped by Sears, where I worked for 18 years.

They had a big banner that screamed "STORE CLOSING!", and next to it, a much smaller banner that said, "We're Hiring!"

I had to laugh at that.

I started working when I was about 19.

I started out as a janitor, and I actually liked that job.

I was left to my own devices, and as long as I got all my tasks done, they were happy.

I then got promoted to stock replenishment.

That was fun too.

Scanning what needed to be replaced, going in to the stock room and finding what was needed, and putting it out on the floor.

Then I got promoted to the sales floor.

When I left there 12 years ago, I was making a grand total of $9.25 an hour, and I was full-time.

I HATED having to push the Sears card.

It was a requirement, not a suggestion.

When I was left, I was so incredibly unhappy.

Even then, I and other employees could see that the CEO was running the company in to the ground.

It felt sad to see where I had spent so much of my young life, virtually empty.

Sears will always have a special place in my heart.

I'm sad to see it go.

It could have been so great, but Eddie (Lampbert) had to go ruin it all.

Anyway, that's my bittersweet day.

Re: Today Is A Bittersweet Day

eddyandme — Thu, 17 Oct 2019 23:42:37 GMT

Sorry for your loss.

It seems the older we get, with loved ones no longer with us and so many familiar things changing, it takes a toll. But new 'adventures' await - hope tomorrow will be a happier day!

Re: Today Is A Bittersweet Day

blackhole99 — Thu, 17 Oct 2019 23:43:40 GMT

Sounds like you are satisfied with the way you've lived your life so far, reminiscing is good for the soul, good luck in the future.

Re: Today Is A Bittersweet Day

spiderw — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 00:24:58 GMT

As life goes on we try to move forward and enjoy each day as it comes. However, we do remember those who passed, places we used to work at or visit often, all those acquaintances and friends who have passed through our lives. We tend to reminisce , be sentimental and think of the good old days even thought there were bad days also.

I relate to your post and understand. You will get through these times and make new memories, you will have peaceful days and think about your life with sadness but also with contentment for all the happy memories and they are there within your heart. We never forget those who have gone and we cherish the times we had together.

Re: Today Is A Bittersweet Day

cherry — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 00:37:41 GMT

It makes me sad too @Anonymous032819 . When my kids were small I used to get some of their clothes from sears. My daughter had the cutest dresses from their Winnie the Pooh line. They were like Polly Flinders with pinafores and smocking

If you bought Sears Best ,it was as good as any name brand appliance..Time marches on, and sometimes it marches right over our hearts

Happier days are coming @Anonymous032819 ..I promise

Re: Today Is A Bittersweet Day

dulwich — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 00:32:36 GMT

@Anonymous032819 It is good you have such nice memories of your Dad - also the good memories of your earlier employment. Cherish those as you go forward to new abd better things which I am sure await you in the future.

Re: Today Is A Bittersweet Day

NAES1 — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 00:42:51 GMT

"beautiful~~" I just read- I just signed on 10 minutes ago.

I felt that deep tug. I have one, too. I want to gather my thoughts. I am not here often as I was -even -3 months ago.

I treasure your story. I can, in many events within my life relate. Yes, a bittersweet day. I understand. I had to wait after the ....I miss my dad so much!

`` was 'my' pause until later

@Anonymous032819

NAES

Re: Today Is A Bittersweet Day

1Snickers — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 01:19:44 GMT

@Anonymous032819 I'm sorry about your Dad. Memories, good and bad return as others have said.
When I think of Sears I recall my Father visiting the nut counter and ordering strange fractions of a pound of cashews. I asked him why not 1/4 lb? He explained that the clerks aren't accustomed to other fractions and always give him more! (He was an engineer, so loved figures).
Sears was where I had my first job during the Christmas season. I worked in Ladies accessories selling hats and handbags wearing high heels. (I hated giving change because the registers didn't tell me I had to think).
All these memories are parts of our lives, some good, some bad. We are still learning.

Take care.

Re: Today Is A Bittersweet Day

pitdakota — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 02:43:45 GMT

I bet it was a bittersweet day, @Anonymous032819. There is something so final about closing a bank account of a parent after they have passed away. And you have many memories associated with Sears. I am sure both of these things just tugged at your heart. Hope you have a good evening and a better day tomorrow!

Re: Today Is A Bittersweet Day

Anonymous032819 — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 02:50:36 GMT

@pitdakota wrote:
I bet it was a bittersweet day, @Anonymous032819. There is something so final about closing a bank account of a parent after they have passed away. And you have many memories associated with Sears. I am sure both of these things just tugged at your heart. Hope you have a good evening and a better day tomorrow!

@pitdakota

You are so right, @pitdakota , it did feel so final.

It was just one more reminder that my dear, sweet daddy really is gone.

That, and my first birthday without him is coming up soon.

I can't help but to feel the loss.

Re: Today Is A Bittersweet Day

pitdakota — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 03:10:19 GMT

I so understand @Anonymous032819. That first birthday without a parent is a hard one. It is absolutely normal to feel that loss on all of the first big events or holidays you face after a love one is gone. Will send you advance cyber hugs in anticipation of that birthday coming up. But just know, it does get better. The loss never goes away, but it does get better. The acute pain and distress of grief does soften with time.

I lost my father now 7 years ago. Doesn't seem like it is that long in a way. I still miss him & think about him all of the time. And I will admit my first birthday after he passed was really difficult. No matter how old I was, he always made a big deal of my birthday. Every single year he would send a beautiful birthday card, even though we lived not 10 miles apart. And inside that card would be a piece of Juicy Fruit chewing gum (which had a special meaning) taped to the inside of the card. Not to mention that he made sure Mom scheduled my birthday dinner and he would have some kind of neat kind of celebration momento on the table for that dinner. I cried and cried on that first birthday without him. Now, that has become a very warm & special memory. So hang in there!

Re: Today Is A Bittersweet Day

cherry — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 09:16:33 GMT

@Anonymous032819 we will celebrate your birthday right here, if you don't want to feel alone. I will throw you a party ,and everyone will be welcome

It is up to you, of course...you might prefer to do something else, and that is fine

Re: Today Is A Bittersweet Day

jubilant — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 11:43:29 GMT

I understand. I lost my Dad 2 yrs. ago. I think of him often. I miss his hugs and his understanding. When I think of him I have to laugh because he was so funny. He made everyone laugh. When he asked me how I was....I always knew he really wanted to know. I never left to go home but that he didn't tell me he loved me. I feel for you. We have our memories and those we can hold dear.

As far as Sears.....I see so many of these stores once thriving where I worked, too. I am sorry to see them go.

Re: Today Is A Bittersweet Day

Twins Mom — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 11:48:50 GMT

Your words resonate with so many of us. Yes, so many things from past tug at our hearts daily.

Re: Today Is A Bittersweet Day

Twins Mom — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 11:55:03 GMT

Reading these posts more carefully brought a big memory of my dad to mind. Visited Sears tool department many times since dad a carpenter and valued his tools. Oh the choices and size of that store!

Re: Today Is A Bittersweet Day

Cakers3 — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 14:28:00 GMT

@Anonymous032819 I was the one who handled things when my father died.

I couldn't let go of his car, of all things. It was just a small Plymouth from the late '60s, not worth much. I kept it in our back yard.

I finally decided it was time and had it towed away. That had to be the worst-watching that car being towed away. I actually felt guilty-as though I was getting rid of him and his memory.

I don't live in my native state anymore, so I don't get to see places from childhood and jobs while in school or places I went with DS and/or DH.

But I remember.

I think you have a very healthy perspective; you remember happy times and you are mourning the loss of your father at the same time. Your focus is balanced.

I wish you well.

Re: Today Is A Bittersweet Day

JJsMom — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 14:31:36 GMT

(((hugs))) to you @Anonymous032819

Re: Today Is A Bittersweet Day

Shanus — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 16:15:40 GMT

@Anonymous032819 So sorry for the loss of your Dad. Losing a parent shocks us to see our own mortality and make the most of our time left here.

Our Sears store closed, too leaving a lot of memories of shopping for all major appliances, vacuum cleaners, etc. Oh well, it happens. Happy you have good memories to savor.

Re: Today Is A Bittersweet Day

Ketra — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 16:24:47 GMT

I’m sorry for your loss. It’s so hard to lose a parent. Keep his love close to you in your heart, Time will heal the pain and bring you close to him again.

Re: Today Is A Bittersweet Day

Witchy Woman — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 16:40:15 GMT

@Anonymous032819

I can certainly relate to all you have said, although I never worked at Sears or at retails. My father lived a few years after my mom, but the were not healthy years. When he died, my sis and I had to handle what few things remained. Closing accounts is always difficult.

Sears was a beloved store as I was growing up. It meant you had "arrived" when you could order something from them. At least in my little town it did. We were all poor, but didn't know it. Our parents worked, we had food and homes and....we got to order something special from Sears now and then. Life was good!

I still have their last catalog and cannot bring myself to throw it away. And, I am ruthless about throwing things away or donating them.

Think I'll take it down in the next few days and look at it.

Seeing Sears run down from poor management is sad.