Thank you for your responses and support; it’s been difficult.

Everybody,

I want to thank everyone who sent messages of support through the blog, Twitter, Facebook, email…I still haven’t been able to get what was said/sent as the first couple of days after someone dies are busy, but my aunt and I are incredibly grateful for everyone who’s reached out.

My mother and I in 2014. Mom hated having her picture taken, so there aren’t many images of her left.

Some of the next couple of days will be catching up, but the last few days have been incredibly busy, so please don’t be upset if you haven’t gotten an immediate reply.

In addition to handling the funerary details (mom will be cremated, in Taylor of all places), the aunt and I have been navigating a sea of phone calls made to doctors/insurance/financial companies/etc., and the clean-up company came to clean the mom’s room where she passed, and…

48 hours ago, mom died. 72 hours ago, she was very alive and very sick. A week ago, I was coming home from Traverse City. And now mom’s room is barren of personal details and cleaned down to the sub-floor. Both my aunt and I have had long cries realizing the finality of the fact that mom isn’t just going to come home or sneak out of her room in the night. She managed to wander off while we weren’t looking one last time.

We also take great solace in the belief that my mother and my father are reunited. My dad died in 1992 at only 44 years of age, and they spent 27 years apart. My mother and father really adored each other in love and friendship, and I would like to believe that they are no longer apart.

I’m not sure when I’m going to get back to blogging yet. We’re still navigating the maze that is placing a loved one’s affairs in order, never mind grieving the loss of a mother and sister. I can’t really say how long things will take because we have so many pathways to navigate.

Because mom is being cremated, we’re going to have a small memorial and eventually send her off the pier in Grand Marais, but those are long-term plans. Right now it’s about getting her affairs in order. That’s a gargantuan task for such a small little lady.

Mom (Mary Catherine) was happiest in Grand Marais. Here she is on the beach, in traditional Irish Beach Garb (ha), smoking a cigarette and drinking a beer.

I can only say that I miss hockey and I miss interacting with you in a hockey-covering capacity, and again, I am incredibly grateful for your support during an incredibly difficult time–and losing a parent for the second time is just as hard as the first time, that’s for sure.

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George Malik

My name is George Malik, and I'm the Malik Report's editor/blogger/poster. I have been blogging about the Red Wings since 2006, and have worked with MLive and Kukla's Korner. Thank you for reading!

13 thoughts on “Thank you for your responses and support; it’s been difficult.”

  2. Peace be with you George. Losing a loved one is heart wrenching. I lost my dad in April, a huge Wings fan. You take care of yourself, forget us for a little while, we’ll survive. But don’t forget to get back to what you love, it will help you greatly. PM me if you need anything, even if it’s just an ear to listen.

  3. Take your time, George. Grieving and healing is your time, and you have to take care of yourself first and foremost.

    You don’t owe us a thing, bro. Be safe, be well, and above all else, just let yourself *be.*

  4. Very sorry to hear this, GM. For the many years I have read your stuff, you have always spoken of your mom briefly but in such kind ways. Your strong relationship with her was evident and admirable, even inspiring. Prayers for your family.

  6. George, we used to talk a bit on line some years ago on Cootieville (I think it was there) and I think also on the Detroit News Wings page. I have followed you for some time and enjoy your view of the Wings and the things you share each season about the upcoming prospects. I am pretty home bound myself so your blog has always been a great place for me to visit. We never have met, but still one gets an affinity for a person they read a lot and you no doubt have a feel for those of us who follow you. And just being human we can relate to each other. Best wishes George, and very sorry to hear your Mom is gone. Be well.

  7. George. You are my favorite when it comes to reading Red Wings related stuff (other than maybe Max Bultman cuz The Athletic also rules). You have my deepest condolences regarding your mom. My mother and I are not close, so I couldn’t put myself in your shoes. But the fact you took such good care of her in her final years is extremely admirable. I can’t wait til you can commit to blogging and giving your excellent coverage again, but take as long as you need. Grieving is a part of the healing process. You are a good man and good things will come to you soon.

  8. Been thinking about you the last few days, hoping you are doing well as possible. Hang in there my friend.

    Call me if you need anything. Anytime

  9. One of the hard things about growing older, is the passing of the people you’ve loved. George, your mom may not be coming back to her house, but, she did go home to a better place with your dad. Please take care of yourself and your Aunt.
    Sincerely,
    Kate

  10. Hang in there, George.

    Please accept my condolences.

    Lots of people appreciate your coverage of our favorite team.

    More importantly, it’s clear from what you’ve written in past months and earlier how devoted your were to your mom.
    There’s nothing more important than that.
    I lost my my own earlier this year.What helps at least a little, other than all the good memories and deep gratitude I feel, is knowing that she didn’t doubt my love and appreciation for her when it mattered most.

    You’ve put your family first. You’ll never regret the time you spent with her and how much you helped.

  11. Well, crap. I’m a crying mess now. George, my prayers are with you. As others have said, I look forward to reading from you again; BUT… that does not really matter. That is not important at all. Hopefully you can find a kind of release by getting back into it. But, honestly, if you never get to that place where you are ready to do it again, I understand. Make sure you take care of yourself.

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