Hi everyone!
I wanted to pop in and give you a little update about why my blog and social media channels have been a little silent as of late.
Almost 3 weeks ago, my Grammie Pat passed away from cancer. We were anticipating it, but of course any loss is hard. The past 2 weeks we’ve been cleaning her home, donating things, and getting her death in order – of course, with the pandemic it is hard since we could not have a traditional service, so everything was kind of at a stand-still for awhile there.
Then unfortunately, last week my uncle took his own life abruptly, leaving our family to pick up the pieces of an unexpected suicide. Needless to say, May 2020 was a very traumatizing month for us all. It felt like it lasted an entire decade. I even said to my parents, “gee, in January I turned 29 and I was really looking forward to my 30s. It’s too bad I’m now 40 in the span of a month.”
And of course, I cannot stay silent on the current happenings in the country right now. I always strive to keep this a positive place without interference from politics or religion, and that will continue – but I do believe the current situation in the Black community is a humanity issue and I am trying to listen and educate myself so I can be a better ally.
The world is hard and cruel enough as it is on top of a pandemic and what is happening in the Black community. I think the bare minimum we can do – every single one of us – is to spread kindness. Listen to people when they speak. Educate ourselves on how to do better. Help out when we can. We’re all dealing with crazy things in our personal lives on top of the world’s events and right now it can be difficult to understand, or confusing, or frustrating – I get it. But like I said, the bare minimum we can do is show and spread kindness.
I’ll be back to my regularly-scheduled posting here soon, but in the meantime I wanted to share a few resources for you in case anyone needs them.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
Open Path Collective – a great resource for people who need therapy but cannot afford the financial burden; open to anyone of any race, religion, gender.
Stay safe out there, and remember to be kind.
xo, Hayley
Lynn Reynolds says
I hope June is kinder to you. Bless you dear.
thedomesticrebel says
Thank you so much, Lynn!
Rae says
My deepest condolences for your losses. Sometimes we ask why is this all happening, though we know it is all part of a greater plan… stay strong and remember you have those of us who are sympathetic to your crazy life right now.
I look forward to your return…
Hugs,
Rae
thedomesticrebel says
Thanks for your kind comment, Rae. I’ll be back! <3
April B McBride says
My condolences. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
thedomesticrebel says
Thanks so much, April!
Lisa F. says
Sending hugs and prayers of comfort to you and your family.💖💖💖 And to this nation because we need it now more than ever.
thedomesticrebel says
Thanks very much, Lisa!
Melanie says
So sorry got your losses
thedomesticrebel says
Thanks a bunch, Melanie!
Melanie says
So sorry for your losses
Amanda says
My heart goes out to you, Hayley, you sweet, bright, creative brimming-with-joy ethereal spirit that I have frequented via the internet over the years. There are no words that can quell the pain–both physically and mentally–that you must be going through with all of the stress from what you have been through–and that is aside from the external pandemonium that is raging across our society that is placing us all in a state of shock. I know you only from the color you bring to my life when I drop in on your blog and read of your travels, creative baking endeavours, and personal accomplishments and honest shortcomings that you admit to the rest of us. I would give you a hug if I could…and maybe by the time you actually are 40 years old (which I am nearing) you will still be radiating that light that brims from your blog/internet presence. I wish you peace. Peace of mind, body, and in any other aspect of your life. Frankly, I wish that for the whole world right now. Thank you also for the mental health links. (…and this is probably far too personal, but please feel free to contact me to shed some pent-up tears.)
Dee Palmer says
This Aussie se nds her warm regards..hope summer is a better season for yoy
Andrea says
So sorry for your losses, Hayley. Hang in there.
Emily says
I’m so sorry to hear about your losses Hayley, what an incredibly difficult time. Sending you and your family love – I’ll be thinking of you! I’ve admired your blog for years – you have beautiful, creative desserts and more importantly, are a genuine, wonderful person. Thank you for being with us, and my thoughts are with your family!
Geri Rosa-Brown says
May you and your family find peace and comfort
in the days to come.
With deepest sympathy
Geri
Julie Daniel says
terribly sorry to hear all this. your fans will patiently wait for your return. deep breaths.
Della M Jenkins says
I am so sorry for the loss of your Grammie 7 your Uncle. Death is hard on everyone regardless of how close we are to them. I hope & pray tat everything will turn out o.k, It will take time to get over all of the trama. Don’t push yourself. God Bless you & your family.
J says
So sorry for your losses Hayley and your family! I’ll pray that everyone stays strong and you will get through this!
Stay safe and be well in these uncertain times!
Jen says
Sending my condolences — I’ve been reading your blog for a very long time, and always appreciate your authenticity and in this post as well, humanity.
Caroline says
Oh, I am so sorry to hear about your Grammie. My children had a Grammie (my Mom). I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Be safe and take care of yourself during this difficult time. And, yes, we all need to spread more kindness, Love and understanding.
Erin says
I’m so sorry for your losses. Sending peace and healing your way <3