trying2breathe

CBB So sorry that you're dealing with more than anybody should have to - big big hugs to you.

As a former OCD-type, losing focus after DH died was extremely frustrating - not just dealing with grief but also the feeling of not being capable at times of accomplishing anything. It was hard to come to terms with the fact that some days maybe absolutely nothing would get done. As 3 years approaches, I'm realizing that there's little in my life that's essential - things can slide. What would previously make me crazy trying to accomplish, now isn't on my radar. I think what it comes down to is that I just don't give a s**t. Donna - you'll be as productive as you want to be. It's great to have lists and a plan, and I imagine that you'll get much done with this.

:'( :'( Sorry for your loss, so hard to lose another piece of what we had with our loved ones. My dog passed away suddenly last summer, DH and I picked her out of a litter of puppies when she was 4 months old, trained her, loved her, she was his best buddy. So hard. Hugs to you ~

"Lately my one pillow seems to be getting a lot of cuddling action. This morning I woke up to it spooning me. " Virgo I think you should give that pillow a name! ^^

Sad commentary on romance today - didn't realize that the youngsters were complaining about this too. Did social media mostly contribute to this? Ugh, just ugh.

The good thing about counseling is that it's all about you - in my opinion there's no right or wrong way to go about it. Depending on your therapist, he/she will give you some guidance. Enjoy your beach holiday!

Ugh - hope that this is resolved for you soon! Just what you needed I'm sure, to deal with tax problems!

I too can relate. My grief pales in comparison to what I feel with my kids' pain. Generally it seems that they're doing okay, but there are times when everything crashes in again. Big hugs ~

Baby's vaccines are anxiety provoking for any parent, going through this alone doubly so. So sorry that you're facing this by yourself, know that you're not alone. Big big hugs to you - let us know how it goes.

Everything went well, DD was home before curfew! She and her friends went party hopping and happily stayed out of trouble. Relieved!

Such sad news, Maureen. So sorry for your loss.

Thanks all for the responses, I appreciate the feedback as I feel so alone on this. I'm going with a curfew compromise - I'll be picking her up at 1:00, and I have expectation of no use of alcohol or other substance. I'm nervous and hoping that all goes well tonight.

I'm tempted to give a midnight curfew, or pick her up right after prom. An early curfew seems too restrictive though. I don't know of any planned post-prom events, and believe that parents are staying out of organizing anything. True that she can get into trouble any night, prom night I think presents extra challenges as many high school parties are being planned. I wish I could be more free-range, DD's social life is super important to her and she's been trying to find her way with this new group of kids. Ughhh - no easy answers.

So glad to hear this great news, BH2 - prayers for her continuing recovery. Thank you for sharing the wonderful update!

My daughter is 17, we're relatively new to this area and I don't know the other kids well or the parents. There are no set plans on where the kids will go after prom, from what I understand the kids can hop from party to party. As much as I don't agree, alcohol at teen parties here unfortunately is a given. DD is a good kid but swayed by a crowd, I'm afraid that she'll get caught up in some trouble.

My daughter, junior in high school, is attending her school prom this Saturday night. She's going as a single with friends, some coupled and others not. Prom ends at 11:00, she is asking to stay out until 2:00 a.m. for after parties. Yikes! My initial reaction is absolutely not. I've let her know that I will pick her up wherever she is, but that 2:00 is too late. I am worried about alcohol, possible drug use and teenage shenanigans, etc. at the after parties. Does anybody have experience with this? What is a reasonable curfew for prom night?

Prayers for your niece that all goes well

CW You have a lot on your plate, I can see the frustration of trying to keep all of that going. My life churns along for the most part without a lot of problems, but I too feel overwhelmed on days when challenges happen and a well-laid out plan no longer works. On those days when everything seems to be crashing down, can you let some things slide? Maybe your son misses swim lessons for a few weeks, or delay starting them for a little while. You mention not wanting to bother your family, but given your situation right now can you ask them or a friend to help with your son's transportation to appointments? Is a neighborhood teenager available in the meantime to help with childcare? Do you have grocery store delivery where you are? You sound organized, detailing all of this out may not be giving you any new ideas. Widowhood is so hard - know that this too shall pass. I hope that life will get back to a normal routine again soon for you.

Pissed that a Facebook friend for the past week has continuously detailed grief about her 86 y/o Dad's passing - 86 frickin' years old. Uggh, give me a break

Great to have good news so far, SVS - hope wearing the monitor isn't too uncomfortable for him. Big (((hugs))) and prayers, thinking of you

Tatiana What a lovely thing to do in making a birth announcement. SVS has wise words to follow your heart, there are no rules in this. The only thing that I can offer is to think of your daughter's perspective of the announcement in the future. The proper way to sign is however you feel is the best way. Big (((hugs)))

:D Great news, SB - congratulations!

:'( :'( Big hugs, SVS

So sorry that you're dealing with this, Trying. It isn't fair, and to do it alone so much more difficult. (((hugs)))

No words, SVS - continued hope and prayers that this isn't as significant as it sounds. It's times like these that I wish that I lived close, could give real time support and a real hug.