I haven't written my Mom's obituary and it's been 7 weeks. Am I terrible?

Condolences for the loss of your mother.

Sometimes the easy things to do turn out to be the hardest. There is no time frame for publishing an obituary. Since she gave you an outline, just flesh it out a little and then sit on it for a day or two and look at it again. You may decide to rework it.

As far as the financial dealings, that could probably be done easiest with a written "to do" list for you to focus on and be able to check off one by one. Pull a credit report so that you have a good idea of any accounts that you might not be aware of. Be sure you have some certified copies of her death certificate on hand.

As you are going through her papers, look for anything that might be needed to file her final income tax return. Don't worry about going through her personal effects just yet, give yourself time to grieve.

Meds and counseling will help you overcome the paralysis. Hugs.

Thank you all for the responses - makes me feel much better about delaying the obit, which again, I know she wanted me to write, but she wanted it to be extremely simple, which is hard for me to do. I will try to get it done in the next week though. I did make a little headway today on her finances (just need to close accts., call all the financial institutions, pay bills, etc.) -- it's all just so overwhelming with the extreme grief I am feeling. I can't even begin to go through her personal things. I cry many times a day and can't manage to do anything. Going to get some counseling soon.

No you are not in any way terrible you are still grieving and when you feel able you will do it however long it takes. Take your time. as far as the finaces are concerned if there is tax return to be filedfor last year I am afraid you will need to do that before the deadline. But again a little at a time especially if it is complicated. If it's too much for you take it to a tax preparer. Hope you feel stronger soon.

Friends will understand. Don't be so tough on yourself. It's fine to do it now. I don't even know you, but understand it completely.

no your not terrible . terrible is using your jacket to snuff out a motorcycle carb fire while bystanders use theirs to put out your wifes pantleg fire . i have more stories of what terrible is than harlequin has soft p**n paperbacks .

I doubt there is any type of etiquette that says there is a certain time frame that one has to write an obituary. Don't worry about it. I have seen obituaries that were 6 months after the fact.

She wanted one published and told me what to write, I just haven't done it yet because I'm too emotional. She was not in touch with her old friends, so they don't know. It's something I know I have to do, just wondering if doing it 2 months late is horrible, or acceptable.

Not everyone has an obituary. Your Mom's relatives and friends have already known she has passed on [sorry for your loss], so is there a need to let strangers know about it, too? Just a thought.