Abitlost

Glad to hear of your happiness LF!

December is my doozy month, too. This year feels different...not better, not worse...just different.

Hi Beryl, yes there are active members.

bump. I watch that video every year.

Yes, yes, yes. I think my NG and I pretty much feel the same way, and so it works well.

Hi RAM, It's such a tough time in so many ways, and fear lives in many. Sadly, our kids have already experienced worst-case scenario in the loss of a parent. Perhaps he is scared to lose you, too. That feeling could be paralyzing... abl

I can feel the love in that photo, Bunny. So beautiful.

Simon, I understand your fears. I went through a similar period, which never fully went away, but it does get bearable. Hang in there and trust in yourself. abl

My boyfriend of several years and I are presently socially distanced with our respective families but we are doing okay thanks in part to FaceTime. Anyone else in a similar boat?

I really feel for everyone currently in this thread. I've been in a committed relationship for several years, but we are presently socially distanced with our respective families. I imagine dating is nearly impossible at present, and that sucks.

Hi, abitlost here. I was widowed by brain cancer at age 41 with two young kids. 11+ years later, here we are in lockdown. I know we can get through this, because...well...we've been through much worse. I truly feel for the wids with young kids. It was helpful for us in those days to be able to go out into a lively world and socialize with people not in our grief circle. abl

I have witnessed divorced parents in competition; it's not only ugly to the new partner, but most importantly it's damaging to the kids. My estimation is that through the drama of it all what ends up happening is the kids often become masterful manipulators, mentally unstable, ill-adjusted, and/or prone to a life of their own drama. I think this is partly why people who get divorced are often products of a broken home themselves. JMO.

Hi S, I echo what PaulZ wrote. I'll add that you should initiate conversation about your sister-in-law, even if you think it makes your brother sad (he already is). Avoiding the topic to me felt alienating. Validate the emptiness. I wish you all a peaceful holiday full of happy memories, abl

Hi Hikermom, How is your daughter doing now? Did you find anything that was effective? I sure am struggling with my 16YO DS...mostly different issues than you described but I sure am worried about him.... abl