Nick C

If the question is can someone have stage 4 lung cancer and appear and feel perfectly fine. The answer is yes. I don't know how long my mother's cancer was stage 4, but per doctors it was possible some of the brain mets were there over a year or longer.

I am sorry for your tears, but I am proud of your son too. Sounds like a great kid.

Little Declan, the son of a classmate of mine from 4th grade right through high school, can use some prayers. He was diagnosed with leukemia, and seems like he'll respond well to treatment. But if you have 10 seconds to offer a prayer for his complete healing, and ease of his treatment, that would be awesome. Thanks.

Pretty normal. I am not a good sleeper when things stress me out. But through mom's dx and treatment I actually slept fine. However I was still drained. I've always felt emotions burn more calories than the treadmill. This is a good place to get some emotions on the table and can reenergize and encourage.

Wishing for easier days for you. I've said it before, you always seem to have a pretty full plate.

Hi Sheri. I am certainly someone who understands. So please don't feel alone. Re: widows and the board. I'm not going to invalidate the way you feel at all. Because I don't walk in your shoes (I think they would be too small). However, I know I've often felt bad I can't support some of the widows the way many of them have been able to comfort me (because they have been children of parnets). I do think widow/widower grief is way different than child of a deceased parent grief, at least that is how it appears (not in a good way or a bad way, just different). That said, (and Sheri correct me if I am out of line, but I don't think I am) I don't think Sheri is saying widows here "have it easy" or can move on and intend to to a new spouse, or that they are reaping benefits. I think those commnets were specific to her observation of her father's wife. However, you may feel that you don't see the same support around children of pareents as you do of widows here. I just think things ebb and flow and right now (I am sorry for this) it just seems like a lot of widows and widowers around lately than children of parents...When I first got here, it mostly seemed like grieving kids with the widows in the minority. which I think just happens to be what it is. I hope I said stuff that makes sense. I'm here and so is everyone else only wanting to be a comfort.

Wishing you the easiest of days tomorrow. I miss her too.

Dr. Cyril McGinnis was my therapist after I lost Mom. He helped me understand my anger, my sadness. Helped me see that I haven't lost Mom, because I know what she'd say or do, because she is part of me. Dr. McGinnins passed away this week. I just got word. He was a good man. He got me. His words have been typed here as comfort for others through me. He touched more lives than he was aware of until now. God bless you Dr McGinnis.

I'm so very sorry.

I very much undersstand the "life is good but..."

You have a lot of grace. I know that year mark is a hard one.

These are awesome pics

thanks for sharing this.

I'm so sorry, so sad to read.

What a wonderful way to talk to someone who has experienced this type of loss. What was he like...

I am so sorry. The pictures you have will be dominated by the times that weren't sad, unfortunately it takes time.

My mother's birthday is Oct 2, I have had one without her, and it stunk. But I did what she and I loved to do, which was garden. I wish she were here to do it with me, but that is something that makes me feel closer and connected to her. If there was something your mom loved that you love to do too. Maybe do that. Yes, it won't be the same without her. But maybe it'll draw you just a bit more connected. Thanksgiving almost exactly the same as Katie. Hard the first year, actually a little harder the second. Christmas, the first Christmas, I did it because Mom would have killed me if I didn't and it was hard. THis year was easier, but I still missed her intensely.

Always smiley...how perfect

That is the Mrs. Keri And the eyes. if they stay big and blue, that is 100% my mom.

me too

91st!!!! Wow, doesn't look 91 at all!!!!

I am so sorry. We will be here.

I am sorry I am just seeing this now. Sharon, I am so sorry.