[Virginia Therese]

I have not been active at the forum for quite a while, now. There was a time when I visited every day...sometimes multiple times a day if even to catch up on what was happening in all your lives. I believe the last time that I wrote was probably last May when I lost my 26-year-old granddaughter to a horrendous auto accident. I have been focused on my daughter who still grieves terribly. Then, on Janurary 5th, I lost my older daughter to breast cancer. She was 56 years old with everything to live for...two wonderful grown children...two grandchildren with another on the way...exactly as she had hoped her life would evolve.

...and so, my life has been filled with sadness which I feel accounts for the fact that I haven't been here for a while. This does NOT mean that I have not thought about all of you...wondering just how all of you are doing. You may or may not remember...I do NOT have PD but am the care partner to one who does have PD. Doreen is really doing well considering she's had PD for approximately 12 years...and I'm so grateful for this. She has just recently asked me to write an article about PD "awareness" She knows how passionate I am about this...the "non-awareness"of many...if not most people. I intend to start drafting the article very soon which Doreen would like me to send to several newspapers. Not only will this give me some respite from the sadness that I have been experiencing, but also, it will allow me to express my thoughts in a way that I hope will bring the attention and awareness of PD that I have long felt is so urgently needed.

You may ask why I chose to share my sadness with all of you...simply because I know the compassion and caring of the people here...and that somehow gives me comfort.

Blessings to all...
Therese

[Diann]

Therese-

I would have responded sooner to your post...but it has taken me ages to reregister since I got a new computer.

Although I haven't posted here forever, I have read the posts every day--and always enjoyed reading your contributions to this message board!

I can't imagine the loss you must feel. My heart goes out to you--losing a child goes against all that is natural. I hope someday you are able to find some peace while savoring loving memories.

Your friend-
Diann

[Virginia Therese]

Diann...for you very comforting and caring message in response to my post about having recently lost my older daughter to breast cancer. As you said...this is the normal order of the life cycle. The trauma and sadness of having lost my granddaughter this past May and now, the recent death of my older daughter has taken its toll on me, but, with the passage of time, I hope there will be some healing, although I do not expect the hole in my heart to ever completely heal...there will always be a scar.

Thank you again, Diann, for your kindness.

Therese

[Virginia Therese]

...correction...it is NOT the normal order of the life cycle. I should have re-read my post more carefully...just wanted to make this correction...

Therese

[AnnT2]

Therese -
The tragedies in your family are almost too much to bear, I am sure. I don't know what I would do to survive life if I lost one of my children. How cruel and wonderful life is. On the one hand you had the joy of knowing and loving your daughter and granddaughter , and on the other hand you have the unthinkable situation of losing them. You are sad, and you have every right to be. I can only tell you how sorry I am that these things happened.

The only positive I can give you is that your granddaughter had a grandmother who unconditionally loved her. The bond between the two of you probably served as something for her to hang on to when other things were not going great in her life. As for your daughter, she probably felt some comfort in knowing that you, being the compassionate person you are, would serve as a person her children could lean on. These are the worst of times for you, without a doubt, but eventually, with time, you may be able to remember them without this incredible sadness.

Ann

[olsen]

Dear Therese, My heart goes out to you; I am saddened to hear of your losses. Your lack of bitterness is remarkable. I pray for you to find Peace.
Madelyn

[Virginia Therese]

...to all of you who responded to my post with your caring, compassion and love...Diann, Ann, Madelyn...exactly my reason for sharing with you initially...I knew this was a place where I could bear my heart and soul...a place where I have seen/read over and over again the kindness expressed whenever others have been experiencing the heartaches and often unbearable difficulties in their lives. It still amazes me that those of you who are so terribly affected and afflicted with PD seem to be able to put yourselves last and have such a great willingness and capacity to reach out to those in need. Your messages have given me a much-needed strength and courage to "move on"and to live with the beautiful memories of those I've lost. I must continue to emphasize how very fortunate I am to have had the gift and blessing of my granddaughter (Lindsay) and my daughter (Karen). I choose to be grateful rather than to be bitter. I believe that a grateful heart will bring me peace and comfort as I move toward a healing of my heart...a healing, though, that will always have its scar.

Thank you all, again, for your kind and gentle messages.

Therese

[jeanb]

Therese,

You have received more hardships than one person should bear. To lose first your granddaughter and then your daughter - I can't imagine your pain.

Please accept my heartfelt sympathy.

Jean

[Virginia Therese]

Jean...for your comforting words. I'm not certain that those of you who have responded to my post really understand how much I appreciate your compassion and caring. Please just know that I do...so much.


Therese