darla

Barb, You are certainly dealing with a lot. I admire your strength and attitude. I can see why you can’t get here often, but know that we are all here ready & willing to lend an ear when you need us. Even if it is just to vent a bit.

Heather, I can’t add much to all of the great advice the others have already given, so I just want you to know that I am thinking of you and your sister & hoping for the best.

Love & Hugs to All,
Darla

Hi All,

Joyce, the skunk thing sounds like more excitement than I would wish on anyone! A diversion I guess, but a messy one that you could have done without. I hope Flash is back to normal and getting over the trauma of it all!

Janet, I like you have a lot of mixed feelings about going places & getting away, both good & bad. I have done a few little things on my own. Gone for coffee or breakfast, but it is very hard, as I see all these couples my age and wonder why I am here alone & what is the point. We did everything together. It is hard to imagine going away alone and doing everything for yourself, so much of it was done by our husbands and shared with them. Even shopping alone is sometimes difficult. I guess none of us paid much attention before, but now it seems like all you see is the older couples enjoying the life you used to have & now have lost. This is strange, but simple. Yesterday I went out to an orchard & bought some fresh cider and then to a farmer’s market where I purchased a beautiful bouqet of flowers (and a piece of baklava ). Also a trip to the beautician for a cut & color. It filled the day and gave me a small lift atleast for a moment or two.

I am glad that your winter is coming to an end. That did seem to be the hardest time of the year for me. With the short days & cold and snow. Atleast snow is one thing you can be glad you don’t have to deal with! Our summer here has not been too great. The past few days have finally warmed up, but now it is almost over. I am hoping it may last a bit into the Fall since it started so late.

Pauline, I hope things are going OK in Rome.

Everyone take care. I am thinking of all of you.

Love to All,
Darla

Dear Pauline,

I know exactly how you are feeling. Right now with the shop & all the health issues with my parents it really isn’t easy for me to get away, but even so, going places we have been is really not so comforting. It is sad & lonely and as you said, everyone seems to have someone. Unfortunately, staying home in bed is not the answer either. I too wonder if life will ever be worth living again, but we can only hope that in time it will become a bit easier. All we can do is keep busy & keep trying our best to get by.

Lots of Love & Hugs,
Darla

Hi All,

I hope everyone is doing OK. I think of all of you & how things are going for everyone. It is such a hard time for all of us, isn’t it? I am struggling with the memories of the last weeks before Jim passed on. I too am just trying to get by one day at a time. I try to keep busy and to remember the good times we had, but all the rest keeps pushing in.

Janet, how are things going for your sister? It is so hard to have to face all of these things along with dealing with the grief of having lost our life partner and no longer having them here to lean on for strength, comfort & support.

Atleast we have this site and all the wonderful people here to share our thoughts and feelings with. Knowing there are others out there sharing our pain & sorrow that truely understand what we are all going through is comforting.

Everyone take care & keep on trying to get by as best you can. For now that is about all we can do.

Love & Hugs,
Darla

Hi,

I really don’t have much to add as Marion has said it all so well, but I do want to thank you for sharing your story and welcome you to the site. I too am very greatful to those of you that created it & everyone here that contributes so much to keep it going.

Darla

Marilyn,

I know just how you feel. I am the same age as you and it will be one year for me next month. We were togther 45 years and married almost 42. I just can’t see myself every being with anyone but Jim. I miss him more every day. Some days it feels like it all just happened and other days it seems like I have been alone for so long. It is a sad & lonely life. I do try to keep busy, but that doesn’t always work. He is always on my mind.

I am thinking of you & all the others here who have lost their loved ones to this horrible disease. We all know what it is like and how it feels. I think that the strength & support we can give to each other is invaluable. Together we can get through this one day at a time.

With Love & Hugs,
Darla

Dear Deb,

You & your family have my deepest sympathy. Try to take comfort in knowing that your Dad is no longer in pain or suffering from this awful disease. He is now at peace. He will always be with you in your heart & memories. I will keep you & your family in my thoughts & prayers during this sad & trying time.

Love & Hugs,
Darla

Dear Nancy,

I am so sorry for your loss. You were so lucky to have atleast had that last month to spend together. We often hear that life is too short, but no one ever believes anything like this will happen to them. I too wish I could have back the moments I was too busy doing other things. I can only hope that others will take your message to heart.

Love & Hugs,

Darla