Billye:

I am so sorry for your loss. I don't have family so to speak. They all distanced themselves from me when they heard about my son's behavior (as if you can catch Asperger's Disorder??). But people are people and I really do think family is so important.

I have my two aunts left. One is 82, and the other is 83. Thankfully they are both doing good. The one who is 83 has children who look after her, help her with the rent, take her places, and she's thriving. She plays poker, goes to monthly get togethers of the red hat ladies, but she's completely deaf. Doesn't seem to faze her. The other aunt is 82, alone like a dog is upstate New York, but I call her and she calls me (the other family members forgot all about her because she's an Aunt by marriage. I guess to some people that does not count.

I remember to tell her how much she means to me, and how I'm sorry how the rest of the family has treated her. She seems to really appreciate this when I told her.

So I really am sorry for your loss. Your aunt is now an angel and she's smiling down on you.

I hope you feel better soon.



Melody

I do know this kind of hurt! It's worse because you just can't go and help!

Two years ago my MIL died 2 days after I'd had cancer surgery and this winter my FIL died. I had to send my DH off alone to 'deal with things'. But, we know our limits and just hope others understand as well. We are with all in spirit at least. Doesn't make the whole thing any easier, does it? Sigh.

I'm so glad Cami is getting wise in a good way to things! It makes it easier for both of you for sure! That all is makiing her one very smart dog in my book!

Heaps of hugs to you, your DH and to your pups.... I truly wish it would be something far more useful. 's! - j

I'm so sorry to hear about your Aunt - and know you wish you could be at the services.... but being there long distance - just to listen - to send cheer up cards and calls etc.. it so helpful too - and I know with your grace that just being there for your cousin. even from afar, will be a huge comfort to her... and in the meantime - sending hugs

dear Billye. I am so sorry.

I am tearful as I write, as I, too, have an aunt I am very close to. She lives on the other side of the map! Yet, we are so very close in heart, soul and in spirit. I get very upset when I am increasingly ill and she needs surgery ...and I cannot make it across the states to be with her. I'd also be so heart-broken if I could not make it in the event of her passing.

To some degree, I can understand your deep pain and sorrow.

I am sure you and your aunt will always be close in spirit.

You often show tremendous concern and compassion for others. I am sure these traits are very comforting to your cousin, as well as to others, just as they are here to so many.

I, again, am so deeply sorry for your pain.
I am glad you were able to share about this and hope it is, somehow, helpful for others to walk along beside you during this very sad time.

I hope you do feel free to continue to share on this, if you feel you wish to do so?

With all that has gone on, I am also very concerned about your health status.
I know you know best as to how to attend to your own needs.

So glad you have pups to maybe help you to smile, in between the tears right now?

(Glad your pup has adjusted well. Mine is howling in her sleep... like a wolf...as I type.)

Please be very kind to yourself during this most difficult time.

With Deepest Sympathies~

I am so sorry for your loss and all the rest you are going through. I hope you are getting real time support too. It is key to not keep the feelings in. Many better thoughts your way

I'm sooo sorry, Billye. My heart aches for you.

I've decided I may have to get a papoose pack. This little dog makes every step I do. She just followed me from the utility room to the living room and is curled up on the rug beside me. I will be here only a few minutes and she will follow me back and curl up in her dog bed. She never gets more than a few steps from me. This dependency started out of the blue. I really don't know what to do to keep her from being so anxious. I've decided she is one of the little dogs "who love too much". Heaven help my husband if I have to be hospitalized for any reason.

I'm anxious for the rheumatologist visit this time. I suspect my sed rate is out of control again. My muscles hurt, my hand joints are hurting and I just generally feel bad. I know stress can do a lot to you but I did sleep well last night in spite of calls from family about the funeral service. My elbows are broken out in a rash too. My left knee is really giving me fits. The knee replacement on that side was messed up. There is an adhesion at the knee and veins break from micro trauma under the skin there. I cannot stretch that muscle. I've seen a vascular surgeon and the doctor who did the replacement. He says everything looks "fine" on the xray. The vascular surgeon does not agree with him. I can't cross my leg on that side due to the tightness. And I have a limp from it. I'm ready to go elsewhere for another opinion.

Billye