jennybug

My oldest turned 18 in October (4 years ago) and her benefits were paid until June the following year (when she graduated high school). After that, my son's benefit amount did not change, He has since (2 years ago) graduated and has aged out. Maybe this is something new about the amount increasing if an older sibling stops receiving the benefit.

I'm speechless, just can't even imagine what our Kate and her family are going through. I remember Kate from back in the day. My heart is so heavy right now.

I had memory quilts made for my son and daughter, and they're amazing. I have to say, though, that my daughter was 10 at the time and was so upset that I had Dad's clothes cut up. She's 22 now and treasures it.

I'm so saddened and sorry for your loss.

11 years later and it looks like Father's Day has turned into another Mother's Day for me. I got a "MOM, You're the Best " Dunkin Donuts gift card from my kids. It's the little things...they get it!

So happy for all of you!

So happy for you, Maureen. I haven't checked in here for a few months...and your post jumped right out at me! Great news

I just got goosebumps reading about the wedding. So, so happy for all of you...congratulations!

I have no words...this is so, so sad.

Aww...such a great post to wake up to. Wishing the best for all of you!!

So, so happy for all of you!

My daughter turned 18 in October of her senior year. From October to until graduation in June, the payments went directly into her account. My son's payment stayed the same. He is a senior now and his birthday is in November. His payments from November until graduation in June will go directly into his account.

I have no words...my heart breaks for all of you :'(

Finding Nemo is one of our favorite movies...Finding Dory is on our "to do" list. It's one of the few movies my kids (17 year old son and 19 year old daughter) agree on going to with me!

Wow...just noticed my original reply to this post last month. It's over nine years for me (and I said eight)...widda brain still (sometimes)!

I hope to meet Shirley sometime. My kids both tell me that I have full conversations with people I don't even know. Sometimes it's just those few extra minutes of conversation with someone that make such a difference in our lives!

To this day (8 years later) it just doesn't feel right having my picture taken with my daughter and son. For years when I looked at the pictures, I just looked blank. My smiles come naturally now, but I had to force the smile in the earlier years.

It's just over nine years for me. At the time of Michael's passing, the kids were 8 and 10. My long term goal was to just get them through high school. My daughter is now in her first year of college, and my son is a junior in high school. So, I totally understand. It seemed like it would take forever to reach the goal, but it's almost here so I need to set another goal.

There was a time when I never thought I wouldn't cry at a picture of Michael. Fast forward nine years and I can say I smile and laugh at a lot at his pictures! His sister just passed away and I've been going through pictures for her memorial service. The tears I'm shedding now are for her.

So sorry Mel...here's a BIG HUG for you.

So, so exciting...happy wishes for both of you!!

Glad to "see" you...I've been thinking about you and hope things are going well for you!

I was just thinking about you two yesterday...what a nice surprise to see this! Though we've never "met" (I don't post much...but am trying to be a little more active these days!), I remember your story. So happy for you!

I've been thinking about you...hope your move went well and you are settling in.

It's over eight years for me, too. It wasn't until about the fourth year that I really started to live the reality of this new life and it felt normal. I actually have to count back to 2007 to remember how long ago Michael died...I never thought that would happen. So time does move on, we adjust to a new normal...but we never forget. I still think about Michael every day and the kids talk about him all the time...I love that!