shirleyb

OH (((((PAT))))) Oh sweetie, like Don I have no real advise for you. I know I have been there too. The last three months before Randy died will always be in my mind. The first year was so filled with those memories of all we had been through the previous year. It seemed each day brough a new "anniversary". Just another painful reminder of what I lost when he died. I am so sorry you are hurting so...it is heartbreaking and there is no way around it. We each go through this in our own way as you well know. Somehow we find our path and just walk it. I pray that there will come a day when you have peaceful memories. Ones that can make you smile without hurt. You and your family are in my prayers. I know how much Brian fills your soul. Much love. Shirleyb

Don, I so understand what you are going through. It hurts to admit you are "single". For me it hit me hardest when I would be out and see couples. Knowing that Randy was gone and I was "alone". It was no longer Randy and Shirley....it was Shirley. It hurts. No getting around that. You are in my prayers. Shirleyb

Andrea, Your life is never dull. It seems there is always something happening in your family. I am glad to hear that it probably is Lipoma. That is good news. The hard part about it is once the sucker decideds it is going to grow, they tend to grow fast. I am glad you are being proactive in getting it out. Why wait if you don't have to. Let's get r done. Take care. You are in my prayers. Shirleyb

Andrea, I am so looking forward to this next cookbook. Thank you and all of those working on this with you. What a tremendous contribution. Shirleyb

Cindi, What a lovely friend you have!!! I am so happy for you that you have someone who cares about you so much, This is such a blessing for you. Just get the pub open as soon as possible. Shirleyb

Shellie, I too am very sorry that your sisters cancer has come back. I hope that she has a good doctor that she trusts that will work towards getting her cancer free. You all have my prayers and hopes for a great outcome. sb

Jim's passing is another one that I hated to see. I am so sorry for his wife and children. It is such a sad time. May God be with you and may you find comfort and peace. Praying for us all. Shirleyb

Don and family, I am saddened to see that Lucie has passed. I know your hearts are heavy. When I read that she had died, the image of her riding on the wings of eagles came into my head and I saw her as an angel. May the good Lord give you comfort and peace at this time in your lives. I know you will miss her terribly, but she will always, always be with you in your hearts. Praying for us all, Love, Shirleyb

Lori and family, I am so sorry for your mother's passing. There are no words to express the saddness this brings. You were always there for her and so devoted to her every need. May you find peace and comfort from prayers said. (Hugs) Shirleyb

Hard to believe that it has been 1095 days since I last saw Randy alive. 1095 days since I held his hand last. So much has happened since then, yet I can still remember very clearly what happened that day. I will always remember him. He had such a good sense of humor, a twinkle in his eyes, and such a love of life. Yet still what still amazes me is how life has gone on. Time has softened the pain of losing him but there will always be pain I think. My life has changed in so many ways. I have gone from the depths of despair to finding many joys in my life. But I will always have my memories of my life with Randy. I look back to the what he went through the last month of his life and I would not wish that on anyone. All the pain, all the worry, all the stress of trying to find a cure that wasn't to be. But Randy is now at peace and for that I am thankful. Donna G....tell the girls I still hold them dear to my heart for all you all did for Randy. You all made his last days the best they could be. You made it easier for him and for that I am thankful from the bottom of my heart. YOu are all angles to me. Thank you. Prayers for all of us. Shirleyb

((Peggy)) I can relate to what you are going through. The first week of August will always be a hard one for me too. Randy passed on August 6th. My birthday is August 8th, his birthday is August 10th, and I buried him on August 11th. There are lots of good memories from past birthday's but I also have the memories of what he went through in his last days. It is hard to celebrate under the circumstances. Keep to your plan. Much love and many prayers. Shirleyb

Terrie, I have to agree with Ry. Don't jump to conclusions before you have all the facts. Take a deep breath. Sorry you are so upset right now. Shirleyb

Gail, I am sorry about your dad. I know how hard it is to lose your father. Hugs, Shirley

Karen, I am glad you got to spend time with your family over the weekend. Special days are sometimes overwhelming when you are by yourself for them. It is good that you and Faith are staying busy. It does not surprise me that she remembers Dave and your mother. I know my grandson still talks about his Papa. Take care. It is good to see you here every so often. Glad you are still around. Shirley

Sue, I am sorry this has been such a hard day for you. I know what you mean though. Take care of yourself and be good to yourself. Shirley

I love the cook books. But as others have already asked, are you sure you are up to it? I know I would love to have some more of them. Thanks for asking and let me know if I can help in any way. Shirleyb

Lori, Wow.....your plate is full. One bite at a time. One day at a time. I am glad your mother is doing better. You are in my prayers. ditto on Becky's note. Love Shirley

Ann, It would be nice to hear from the rest of the caregivers/family members that have not posted for a while. I often wonder how they are doing. There are too many to name but I still often wonder how they are doing. It is encouraging to see when they do post though. By the way, I am still around here, have gotten onto chat a couple of times, which is nice to do to touch base with so many at one time. Looking forward to seeing who else posts on this.

Peggy, I think this is a very true guide line to grieving. I know for myself, I have hit the last stage and have made many changes in my life including get remarried. It takes time. Not everyone is going to go through their grief in the same time frame but I think it is a good example of what the average is. I still think of Randy often and the kids and I talk about him still. We probably always will. There are memories that only we have of him and we share those memories at different times. It still hurts at times when we talk about different things that happen, but then it hurts at times when I talk about my father who passed 16 years ago. Bottom line is we survive and we do go on with our lives. I know I have come to apprieciate every day that I have because I know it can change in a heartbeat. Thanks for posting this and THANK YOU FOR TALKING!!!!! Shirley

Carleen, There are no words to express the profound sadness that Keith's passing causes. To lose your best friend, lover, soul mate I found is so devastating that words cannot describe the emptiness and pain you are feeling right now. My heart breaks for you. Keep your faith. Come back when you can for the support you will undoubtly need in the weeks and months to come. Many of us here have been where you are now, and somehow we survive and you will too. One step at a time. One day at a time. And sometimes one breath at a time. Much love and many warm hugs. You have been and will continue to be in my prayers. Shirleyb

When Randy had his heart attack and I was asked if I wanted them to keep working on him to try to bring him back and I said no. He had been through too much already. It about killed me.

Tina and family, I am so very saddened to hear about Charlie. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. shirleyb

Malou, Ditto on what everyone else has said. Now to add to the story. I too had the same symptons you are having only as time has gone by, mine have continued to get worse. Didn't think much of it. Knew it was stress. Well when my brother in law passed away back in Jan, I ended up having a mild heart attack because of the stress. So into the doctor I go and since have had numerous tests. Well, I got the results about two weeks ago. Because of the stress, I have a form or heart failure THAT CAN BE TREATED WITH MEDICATION! This was brought on by stress! The stress involved with my husband getting sick and then passing away, losing my mother a year ago on the 9th, and then my brother in laws passing was just too much. Stress can do all sorts of crazy things to you. YOU MUST TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF if you want to be any good to anyone else. So make your appointment, let us know when it is, and we will all be cheering for you to get good results. Remember to take care of you too. Praying for us all. Shirley

Kasey, I am so sorry to hear this news. My prayers for Tracy and the rest of the family at this very difficult time. May God guide the surgeons hands and fill all of you with His love. Praying for us all. Shirley

When you buy new shoes and find them just a tad bit too tight, you can stretch them out by filling a water proof, sealable bag with water about half way, putting it in the shoes and then freezing them over night. The expansion of the ice will stretch the shoes just alittle but enough to make them comfortable to wear. I will fill a water bottle about half way, then lay it on it's side in the freezer overnight. Then in the morning I can add enough water to fill the bottle and I have ice water for several hours this way.