Andrea B.

Dearest Carleen, First I want to send you a big hug. Second, I know no words can make your pain better, only time manages to tape over the wounds. My mom was my best friend, our connection was powerful. I remember when I lost her that I prayed for God to take me too, because I couldn't bear to go on without her. I barely ate, I isolated myself. I was so angry at God, because how could he do this to my mom (make her suffer and not get to cherish the rest of her life). I still have no answers to that. But slowly as the days went by, the tears were replaced by smiles. The heartbreaking memories were replaced with happy ones. I realized in my heart my mom would want me to live to not wallow in sadness. I don't know how I even faced the days, I just did. I look at photos of myself and I used to be vibrant and happy. I now seem to have a worn and distant look. This is from losing my mom. I remember no words made it better. But knowing people loved me and cared helped ease the wounds. You have so many people who care. Please know you aren't alone. You are in my thoughts. Love, Andrea

It is the same one I used for my mom's memorial. I have sinced shared it with many friends. I find it comforting.

Dearest Carleen, My heart is broken for you. I know no words can comfort you. I wish I could take it all away for you. Please know I am sending you my love, care and hugs. I am truly truly sorry. I thought of you each so often, because I could feel your love through your words. I wish I could do more.

Carleen, I am so sorry you and Keith have to go through this. Life seems so unfair at times. I wish I could wipe away your pain. I continue to keep you and Keith in my prayers. I am sending you a hug and please know you are never alone.

Carleen, my heart goes out to you and your family. I am keeping your uncle and aunt in my prayers. Hugs to you

Hi Laurel, I am so sorry you have to walk this path. My mom passed away in April 2004. I lived in Seattle (go back and visit often now) and am now in Leavenworth, WA. But I would be happy to be support for you. Send me a Private Message anytime. Take care of yourself, Andrea B.

Congratulations, Don! Glad to hear everyone is doing well. What a special blessing.

How exciting! What a special blessing, congratulations to you and your family.

Dear Andrea, Please add my prayers to the list. I have been thinking of you. Hugs to you.

Congratulations, grandma! As my mom used to say you can't hold them or spoil them enough.

Congratulations, Joan! Nothing like a new baby to bring a lot of joy. Enjoy!!

Our new daughter, Addison Marie, arrived on April 19. All went smoothly and I can't help but think my mom was watching over us, as she does everyday. My avatar is a new photo of her and big sister, Isadora. Thank you to all for the well wishes!

Sending my prayers and thoughts to you both, as well as hugs. Thinking of you.

Big big thank you Rick for all you do! It is greatly appreciated.

Hugs to you Berisa. It is coming up on the two year mark of my beloved mom's passing and I can't believe it. Your dad feels your love and sorrow. He continues to watch over you so that you are never ever alone. Peace and comfort to you.

Kasey, I am so very sorry to hear the news. I will keep Tracy and her family in my prayers.

Sending prayers for charlie to feel better soon and to come home.

Carleen, Sorry to be posting so late. Congratulations on the 3 years. I remember when I joined almost 3 years ago and saw the beautiful photo of you and Keith. The love came from the picture and your words about Keith. I continue to feel that love you both share in your updates. I pray you have many more years and that the IVF is a success. In the meantime, I know that you and Keith treasure each day and make it the most. Hugs to you.

Andrea, I must say you did a fabulous job on the cookbooks! I was actually just sampling a recipe out of my copy and told my husband how much I love the book, because they are "real" recipes that are easy and delicious! Also, my background is public relations (8 years spent in high tech and other industries), so if I can help let me know.

Thank you all so very much for your prayers and good thoughts. It means more than you can know. My mother in law went in and had a lung xray and then a dissected (not sure if I am saying that right) xray. Two doctors said all is clear. They found a small "spot", but said it was the shadow of a membrane. The radiologist looked it over too and said it was clear. So, they have her on antibiotics and steroids to clear what they think is a sinus infection. I am remaining positive that this is the problem and all is okay. Again thank you from the bottom of my heart for keeping her in your prayers.

Dear Karen, I want you to know you and Faith are in my thoughts. I remember how my mom could make me feel better too with a simple card. Hugs to you.

I wanted to ask that you keep my mother in law in your prayers. She has been having a bit of a dry cough and some shortness of breath. She had a CT scan of her sinuses and throat, nothing showed up. They think it is possibly asthma. They are sending her in for a lung scan tomorrow, followed by an appointment with a pulmonologist later this week. I am praying it is asthma.

My mom had quit 10 years prior to her diagnosis, but it took her numerous attempts. She said it was always something she had to do for her, when the timing was right. She struggled with it for well over a year, but eventually she said it got to be where even the smell of smoke made her nauseous. I too have read/heard the addiction to nicotine is stronger than the addiction to heroine.

Nat, I don't have any answers, but wanted you to know I will keep your friend's mom in my thoughts. Big hug to you.

She is beautiful! Thanks for sharing.