CJF

My son recently left for college and for the most part it's going well but today an issue came up and I'm having a hard time dealing with it on my own. This is one of those times I really need my husband here to discuss it with. There's nobody as emotionally invested in a kid as their parents which makes me feel very alone when issues come up. I guess this part doesn't get easier as time passes.

This is me. I read almost everyday, but seldom post anymore for this exact reason.

This is something I still struggle with. I met a few friends on here who are local but we only get together a few times a year. All of my friends I've known a long time are married and are never available to do anything. My kids are out of the house now and I'm ready to start doing things but I wish it was easier to meet new friends. I'm curious to hear how others respond.

This time of the year always gets me too - Thursday would be our 26th anniversary. This weekend is my son's birthday and he is away at college now so that makes it a little harder as well. Feeling the loneliness.

Hi LB, I remember you also from ywbb. It's 6 1/2 years for me now and I still check in from time to time to read but don't post very often. I am also guilty of typing a response and then deleting it - thinking what I have to say may not be of help to anyone. I am glad to hear you are doing well. Things really do get better as hard as that was to believe in the early days!

I have no words of wisdom but can totally relate. I haven't quite figured out what to do with the rest of my life. I so get it.

Nothing beats sitting on the beach!! Walking the dog early in the morning when everyone's sleeping or evening when the suns going down?

I agree. YWBB and then this site has been a lifesaver for me as well! My husband died February 2011 and I still check in several times a week just to read and keep up with others. In those early years when nobody in my real life had a clue how to relate to me - just reading and posting here got me thru, and now, 6 years later, when i have bad days, I come here and it still helps.

After hearing so many people talk about this show, I watched the first 3 episodes (have a lot of catching up to do) and cried thru all of them!! I feel the same - I think its a love/hate thing with this show!!!

I feel like this constantly. Even when I try hard to be positive, there is always this thought shadowing over me. Always anticipating the next bad thing....not sure how to get beyond that but you aren't alone in feeling that way.

Thanks all for the advice. He thought about it over night and decided to include both of us.

My son is on homecoming court. During halftime they announce the kids and announce their parents names. I feel like we should include his dad and say son of C and the late R. He doesn't feel comfortable doing that. Anyone ever had a similar situation? Advice? I am fine with just my name but not sure it's the right thing to do.

Mrs. Dan - I get the same feeling in fall. What would have been our 25th anniversary is approaching and his 50th birthday is right after that. Funny how just the feel of a certain time of year can trigger us. ((HUGS))

I am so very sorry and will keep you all in my prayers.

I am very sorry for the loss of your mom. Sending prayers.

Sending prayers for your family.

My triggers are when I hear of other couples going away on vacations or just doing things together. It's hard not to think "that should have been us". The other thing that triggers me is when I think of the friends who have disappeared and how difficult it is now to make new ones or how to keep the ones that are still around from disappearing also. That sounds pathetic but I find it's true.

I feel the same way about pics of me. I have dark circles and look like I am worn down. No sparkle either. I often wonder is that how others see me as well, or am I just too hard on myself.

I'm so sorry for the loss of your mom.

Ill pray for her.

In another week it will be five years. How is that possible? I've survived five years without him and in the beginning I wondered how in the world I would do it. How would the kids do it? We did and we are all doing amazingly well. Life is different, for sure, but in both good and bad ways. My marriage wasn't always good. In fact I spent most of my early days reading the posts on addiction/alcoholism and those posts helped me tremendously. Now, I still check in several times a week to read but I don't post much any more. I feel a connection to so many on here whose stories I've followed. My kids were 12 and 18 five years ago. Today my son is a junior in high school, is doing well and starting to research colleges, and my daughter graduated college and is now engaged and moving into her own home next week! They've come a long way and so have I. I haven't dated because I wanted to work on myself first. I felt I was damaged from everything we had been through. I am now starting to consider it, but I know I will be okay and happy whether I am alone for the rest of my life or whether I find somebody. I wish that for everyone here. To find peace in whatever the future has in store for them.

I am sorry about your cat - we recently had to put our dog down. We had her for ten years and we all considered her a link to my husband. It was difficult to let go of that connection, but the kids actually handled it better than I expected. Good luck with the decisions you have to make.

So sorry for the loss of your nephew. ((Hugs))

Thinking of you. (((Hugs))).

Congratulations to you both! So happy for you!!