Where Have I Been? Life Update: (Mom's death, dealing with empty nest, moving)

[@lorijust532]

Would love a tour of your tiny house and how your adjusting to living tiny.

[@brookecarlock]

I'm happy to share! Thank you for your input. ❤️

[@anacasaretto7065]

So happy you are back!😀 I would like to hear whatever you feel like sharing

[@leonalii1533]

So many losses... feel for you❤

[@brookecarlock]

Thank you... just taking it one day at a time! ❤️

[@lanelleroper7710]

I want to hear about all of it! I lost my son two years ago and my husband of 43 years in March. My three other kids are all grown so I am all alone right now just like you! That is why I want to hear about all of the stuff you’re going through right now. You help me so much and I just love your channel❤️. Praying for you always!

[@brookecarlock]

It's so important to feel like we are not alone in our grief, isn't it? I'm sorry for all of the things that you can relate to. Thank you so much for watching and commenting. ❤️

[@brookecarlock]

Hello everyone! What kind of videos would you like to see on my channel moving forward? Comment below! ❤

[@lesleymcglone3643]

I’m happy hearing about your ways to cope and how you deal with milestones and anniversaries.

[@dailybread300]

How did you know where to move to? Was it for the climate, a job, friends, or relatives ? I wouldn’t know where to go and if I’d miss where I’d been.

[@karencristobal4999]

I have never seen such a massive transformation in a persons life. Your body brain and mind must be in shock. Hugs.

[@brookecarlock]

That's an understatement, haha. Sometimes I just stop and wonder how I'm still going -- and I'm not really sure of the answer. I just take things one day at a time. ❤️

[@lokilover5897]

Thats exactly where I am. Alone, lost, empty. I sit and wonder~ HOW did I get here?? I spent my whole life giving and caring so much for people in my life, especially my boys. Then one day, I wake up and they are all gone. Losing my son shattered my world and my family. I am currently in the process of figuring out who I am now. I, too, like being by myself sometimes but then I realize that NO ONE cares what I do, where I am or what I think. While thats freeing~ it also hurts to my core. I went from being a cherished mom and wife, business owner and friend to a nobody in the blink of an eye. I sit and wonder WHY?? Why I’m here at 60 years old having to start completely over. Truthfully~ I feel cheated. I did NOT ‘reap what I sowed’. I gave and cared, loved with my whole heart and now have nothing to show for it. No one to share my remaining years with. Just this huge empty void in front of me. Some will say~ “you have an clean canvas to paint in any way that you want, be grateful and enjoy it.” They have clearly never lost a child! I dont want NEW people or a NEW life. I want my son back more than any words can convey. I am trying to see the ‘lesson’ I am supposed to be learning from this life altering nightmare to no avail. Rambling~ apparently its easy to do when you’re lost.😞. Just know Brooke that you are not alone. I so appreciate your openness and sharing. It lets me know I am not alone, either. Prayers for you and all of us on this long, horrific journey. May we all find peace and contentment somehow. 🙏🏻💜🙏🏻

[@brookecarlock]

Oh, this breaks my heart. I could've written it myself. The idea of the unfairness in not "reaping what we sowed," really hit home for me. It's so true -- we spent our whole lives caring for others, and it didn't matter. Please feel free to ramble anytime -- it might take me a few days to reply, but you are on my mind and I appreciate your comments. ❤️

[@laraesorenson517]

I lost my son 11+ years ago and still have not been able to go through all of his stuff. I would love to see your tiny house because I would like to get one. Thank you for everything you are doing. Also please list any books that would help with the grief.

[@brookecarlock]

These are wonderful suggestions. I'm so sorry for your loss and I appreciate your feedback. ❤️

[@whitneysmith6752]

Am sorry to hear that you now lost your mother as well. The choices you faced with her are very similar to what we faced with my dad who became so weak after a hip surgery he stopped being able to swallow. They wouldn’t give him a g-tube. They took him off IV and he was sent to hospice and passed less than 3 days later. He didn’t want to die. He wanted to eat but couldn’t. I know from hospice nurse julie (social media known) that people who are actively dying will stop eating and then the hydration isn’t what body needs it just starts shutting down. But seems like your mom like my dad didn’t want to give up. But their bodies failed them. My dad passed may 17. You are right ppl find grief channels when they are looking for inspiration and therapy. Your massive losses and that you keep going and try to have a good energy for life is VERY VERY inspiring. And you are a remarkable human being. ❤Remarkable. Your daughter was a gem and such a strong spirit. I never met her but I fee like I have. You have shared her beautifully.

[@brookecarlock]

Hospice Nurse Julie was a lifesaver during my mom's last days too. It was so helpful to know what to expect, but you're right -- it's heart-wrenching when you know they don't want to die and haven't really accepted it. I'm so sorry for the loss of your dad. Thank you for your sharing your kind words. ❤️

[@jennypiovesan1003]

You are amazing, and helping me so much, thankyou from a mum who lost her 37year old daughter in Aust. 😢

[@brookecarlock]

I'm so sorry about your daughter. Thank YOU for commenting and letting me know that my videos are helping even just a little. I appreciate it so much. Sending so many hugs. ❤️

[@LMaxson235]

I like this style of video, where you are just speaking from the heart. Your comments on this one hit very close to home. My husband died on 4/9 after just five days on hospice. My experience was so similar, I also found myself counting his breaths, until there were no more. I also have a huge house and it’s just me now. It’s so hard to know what to do as far as selling, where to go, etc. I’ve always heard not to make any decisions in the first year, so I am giving myself time to consider what to do next. Maybe you can speak to that-do you think you waited long enough to make changes, etc. Also, I love tiny houses and would love to hear more about your experiences with it.

[@brookecarlock]

These are great suggestions... Thank you. This was the first time I had ever experienced hospice and I feel for anyone who has to go through the process of watching a loved one die. I'm so sorry for your loss. ❤️

[@whitneysmith6752]

Would you ever consider being a foster mom? Seems like you have so much nurturing spirit and so many kids need love. Even in a tiny house you could temp foster. Did your son take the puppy? I don’t know if you like cats but they are such caring comforting beings. They just want to hang out and cuddle. I love tiny homes too. Would be totally happy in one some day !

[@brookecarlock]

Great questions!! I haven't ever considered being a foster mom! Do they allow single people to foster? It might be a great possibility in the future when I'm done teaching full-time. Yes, my son took the dog (WHEW!), and I do like cats but after living with pets (and cleaning up after them) my whole life, I'm taking a pet break, haha!

[@lissaszajnbrum]

I loved your video. I lost my son 1 year and 4 months ago and it is still so hard. I learn a lot from you and your experiences. You are such a strong and honest woman. I really respect that. Keep them coming!!!

[@brookecarlock]

Thank you so much for your kind words, and I'm so sorry about your son. We can do this... day by day. 💔

[@Ohio_Memory_Bears]

I have been thinking about you ❤ I will continue to pray for you and your family.

[@brookecarlock]

Thank you so much. ❤️

[@countrymom2023]

I would love to hear about your mom and your tiny house or anything that you want to share with us would be great ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗❤❤❤❤❤

[@brookecarlock]

Thank you so much. ❤️

[@loriharris6555]

Would love a tour! Also, just curious if you ever think about dating again?

[@sapphire6769]

Hi brook a pleasure to see you, wow you've been so busy! Wish i had your high function ways. I lost my dad April 12 so a week after your Mom. I love hearing anything from you, you're endearing and inspiring to those of us that are struggling i am only returning to work next month! Congrats on your new home and to keep moving forward when everything is so tough and raw 4 u x

[@brookecarlock]

Everyone deals with things on their own schedule! So many of the changes in my life are "forced" changes that I can't control. I'm so, so sorry to hear about your dad. Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words. Sending hugs. ❤

[@sapphire6769]

​@@brookecarlock just wanted to let you know im thinking of you, I'm so sorry about your mom. So much of what you said i relate too, remember forced or not you are managing to get alot done & thats something x

[@slsmith-xp2hq]

So good to see and hear from you! ❤

[@brookecarlock]

Thank you! I appreciate the support. ❤

[@amirahcle1680]

I Want To Hear More About The Tiny House, Especially After The Loss Of Libby 🤍

[@brookecarlock]

Done! My latest video includes a tour. ❤️

[@pattybridges5837]

Glad to see you're back, but also so glad you took the time for yourself! Many people do not realize how important that is! Id love to hear anything you share because it is always from the heart! This coming Monday, July 3 is my sons birthday, his second since he passed, then August is the 2nd year of his passing, so these next two months will be a struggle for our family. But we are taking the time to be together and make it through. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers during your transition! Thank you!

[@brookecarlock]

Thank you, Patty -- thinking of you at this difficult time of year and glad you have your family for support. ❤️

[@melissalamproe8640]

I think everything you share is wonderful. How you are coping now, what works for you what doesn’t. You are real and raw and that’s how more people need to be. I would love to see your tiny home. I’m about to be a single empty nester. A lot to figure out. It’s definitely scary and exciting. So sorry you lost your mother, you have gone through tremendous losses. ❤

[@brookecarlock]

Thank you so much! I do have a video on my channel where I do a tour of my tiny home! If you can't find it let me know and I'll try to drop a link. :)

[@heatherfling7820]

I am so so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and my heart hurts for you. I wished I could take away your pain. And yes, if you feel comfortable to share the rest of your story you can. Hugs 🫂 🫂♥️ your in my thoughts and in my heart 💜 I Love You 🌹🌹🌹

[@brookecarlock]

I appreciate your kind words. ❤️

[@kristineholcroft9163]

You should know you are an amazing person going through that and helping all of us you have been my strength your videos help but i hope your getting love and support back you need it to

[@brookecarlock]

Thank you, it helps me to share. I do make sure I get support as well. ❤️

[@lesleymcglone3643]

Hey girl welcome back ❤

[@brookecarlock]

Thank you!!! Good to be back. I appreciate you watching my rambles, haha!

[@ColleenCleland]

I’m in so much pain just looking at clothes she never even wore yet!…it’s the worst pain ever!…I love you gal!…your very strong!…it’s been a year now for me!…good lord your lost is great!…I have lost my whole family also…but at years apart!…this tops it all about my daughter though!…hang in darlin!…I love you!…I’m just sometimes ignoring my daughters pics on my iPad!…it seems not true!💔💔💔💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻🙏🙏🙏😘😘

[@brookecarlock]

The clothes and photos -- I totally get it. It took me SOOOOO long to do anything with my daughter's things, and it was only because I had to because I was moving. And there are definitely many days that I have trouble looking at any photos or reminders or I skim past grief stuff online. One day at a time, I suppose. Sending love!!!

[@OlafVantVeer-f3d]

Wow. You are strong. My mom died, my dad and brother had already died, I'm the only one left, I guess. But I can't bring myself to selling the house I grew up in. But keeping my apartment ánd the house is becoming untenable. If you can take the leap, maybe I could... I'm not a strong as you are though, mentally, that's for sure...

[@brookecarlock]

Everyone has different coping skills and takes different amounts of time to work through things. You've got this!! ❤️

[@OlafVantVeer-f3d]

@@brookecarlock Thank you so much!

[@heatherfling7820]

Share anything that you feel like.

[@brookecarlock]

Thank you!! ❤️

[@pattybridges5837]

What do your boys think of your tiny house? We will be empty nesters soon too. Talk about weird feelings..

[@brookecarlock]

They just think I'm going through a midlife crisis, haha.

[@marie2721]

What town

[@brookecarlock]

Keeping that under wraps for security purposes, but it's in Pennsylvania. 😉

[@sapphire6769]

What age was your mom brook,she looks like a nice kind lady 😢

[@brookecarlock]

She was 75. ❤️

[@sapphire6769]

@@brookecarlock 😔 dont want to be negative but cant believe how many losses you've suffered, this world can be so unjust drives me mad, well as you know im thinking of you. Did you ever get a p.o box address?( Btw I'm Rachael) blessing from ireland looking forward to seeing you soon 🇮🇪

[@brookecarlock]

She was 76. ❤️

[@brookecarlock]

Yes I did! PO Box 481, Elizabethtown, PA. 17022. ❤️

[@minadraganska3705]

Tell us everything you want - without thinking whether or not the audience will like it! You are interesting.

[@brookecarlock]

Haha, I still find it funny that people find me interesting, but thank you! ❤️

[@williamelmore9740]

When you lose your child for the rest of your life you have to figure out your new normal.

[@brookecarlock]

Absolutely. It never really feels "normal" again, I suppose, but hopefully we can learn to find SOME joy. ❤️