Gabzmom

Congrats on your son's nomination! Wishing him the best.

Oh, I am so sorry for your son and your loss. He has a compassionate heart and yes, it really does suck that he has to live with having lost his mom. Hugs to you both. ETA: I also meant to add that he's also lucky to have a dad that takes his grief into consideration and takes him to visit his mom's grave.

Thank you for sharing. It is so very deep and yes, "our sorrow is inseparable from our joy."

Peace and hugs, Bear.

BTT - anyone out there? 8)

Hugs, Rob. Happy birthday to Michelle.

Hugs, Rob. Happy birthday to Michelle.

I think the part that has me particularly bothered and offended is that a supervisor would speak in such a manner to his employee, an 18 year old young lady. How inappropriate of him. He demonstrates a lack of maturity and a lack of class. With that said, continue to hold your head high.

I don't know. My daughter is/was very close to her dad. They had a very special relationship and I do no wish to remove his pictures. Additionally there is this one big thing - the flag that draped his casket is folded in a case with some medals, pins, dog tags. It sits on top of our piano. I suppose I could re-create what I jokingly called DH's "me wall" with his trophy's plaques, etc. A lot of his plaques sit leaning against a wall. Looking to gift some of these to his brothers. However, my daughter has voiced and interest in her keeping them. To add to that, we are leaving this month for a few days to visit in-laws and to attend his induction into his high school Athletic Hall of Fame. If there is a plaque or award, my daughter will accept with her grandfather. She will likely take this home. I still have my wedding pic on my dresser and quite a few pics of DH with daughter. I never liked my photo being taken.

The seasons have a big effect on me. Our rainy falls and the loss of leaves in the trees leaves me feeling down until holiday lights are put up.

I don't know that I have any words of wisdom. I participated in a parent group while our children processed their grief in their own groups. Often I found myself reeling from the stories and grieving with others. I wish you the best and I am sure your BIL appreciates your support. Remember to be kind to yourself. You are still in your own grief journey. Hugs - I am sorry for your loss.

Sending you hugs. I am so sorry.

First - congratulations. You have worked hard for this and are so very deserving! Second, it really is hard to be "everything" in a world that has gotten increasingly busier. You aren't alone in this. I am just now thinking - hey, I have a handle. And interestingly, I have come to realize that my forgetfulness these days may not just be a result of overload. It might have to do with that darn anti-anxiety pill I take at night. It helps me sleep but I am so groggy in the morning. So back to the doctor to figure things out. In the meantime, please breathe and who cares if the house is a mess? I am embarrassed to invite people over. How can I not stay on top of things? There are only two of us and two dogs. So breathe. Hugs. And you will be fabulous! ETA: You already are fabulous.

So very good to see you!

What a lovely, shared moment!

Ah! In reading you post, I realized I did the same last year. Had the exterior painted. Then out of no where, I lost patience and had my downstairs carpet ripped out and put in new floors to match existing hardwoods. Done! If I wasn't worn out, I'd put sprinklers in the lawn... ETA: This came after two years of being muddled and indecisive about everything.

Great photos! Congratulations!

Sorry, it's been crazy in my world. Here's a link on what I found. https://claiready.wordpress.com/2014/03/15/david-and-goliath-by-malcolm-gladwell-book-group-discussion-questions/

9/11 has always triggered strong emotions for me even before the death of dh. However, this time it feels a bit softer. I think, perhaps it's because I had gone to the 9/11 memorial earlier this year and that visit was so scathingly raw for me.

Sounds great. I have been reading and skipped ahead a little to read Chapter 5, which I found very interesting. I found some discussion questions online. Maybe we can start there?

My husband has a ton of awards, ribbons, plaques from both military service and he. He held the school record for the mile for over 25 years. A friend suggested I ask parents, brothers if they want anything. Then my daughter spoke up and said she wanted most of it. So here I sit with a huge run worth of plaques.

PJ! I have wondered about how you are doing. Your news is great to hear! Wishing you the best as you move forward!

I am so sorry! I have been to a couple as far as friends. But a few weeks ago, my cousin passed. It brought back all kinds of emotions: fear, anxiety, waves of grief. He and I were no longer close but his death triggered grief and sadness for the loss of my husband. The difference this time around is that I let myself feel the sadness. I am sorry you are hurting but I do think you will be able to offer your BIL perspective and even guidance. Peace.

I decided to try out the kindle. I have it and am ready to go!

I attended this get together in Seattle. I think there were 9 of us? It was my second as I attended a lunch in Manhattan. I really enjoyed meeting others who share our unfortunate circumstance.