stand4hope

OH MY GOSH!!! It just split that tree to pieces. I can imagine how grateful you all are, though, that that's all it hit! Glad everybody is ok! Lots of firewood for next winter, huh? Great pictures! Love, Peggy

Dear Tina, Ditto every word that Sue said (except the time has been a bit longer). I could never come up with any better words than she did, especially "blind sided by the oppressive grief", with the emphasis on "blind sided". I have gone for long periods of time and been just fine - I mean, really, just fine - going to work, making plans, doing things, etc. So, when Sue used that word "blind sided", that's exactly what she meant. I also think that these episodes are on different levels. Just watch out for them and be prepared for it to hit and have someone to talk to lined up ahead of time, and actually ask them if you can call them if it gets rough. I got that advice from my counselor, so I asked my brother, my sister and a couple of good friends. You are also going to have a lot of paperwork. How much depends on what you and Charlie did ahead of time, and what you have as far as life insurance, health insurance, assets, liabilities, debts, etc. It can be overwhelming, so if you need a financial adviser or attorney, find good ones. It's worth a little extra money for good advice. I've heard it said frequently that it's best to not make any major decisions for about a year, unless you have to, of course. You have my email and phone number, so don't hesitate for one second to send me an email or call if I can help with anything. If I don't have an answer for the financial stuff, I can probably get an answer pretty quickly. I will never have an answer for the grieving stuff, but I sure do have big shoulders, a big heart, and a LOT of understanding. You are in my prayers, my friend. Love, Peggy

DEFINITELY Garage door opener!

Well, sure, he said it, Linda, and you will remember it for the rest of your life! A couple of hours before my husband died, I was crying and crying and holding his hand and telling him how sorry I was, how much I loved him, how ok I would be, etc., etc., and I think it was when I said, "I love you" that he squeezed my hand. I said, "Oh, God, he squeezed my hand!" The nurse was shocked because he was so heavily sedated! About 20 minutes after he died, this incredibly wonderful nurse, took hold of my shoulders, got right in my face, and said, "Don't you ever forget that he heard you and he squeezed your hand." I am so grateful to her for doing that because, frankly, I was so distraught at the time, so much was happening so fast, and there were so many doctors and nurses and so much activity in the room, that I don't know if I would have remembered it later. Like Missy said, it happens, even when all medical reasons say it couldn't have happened. Linda, he definitely said it, and he definitely meant it! I love you, too! Peggy

I am so sorry to read of your loss, Shanna. Our mommies are always so special to us, and it's incredibly hard to lose them. May God bless you with His love and comfort! Love and hugs, Peggy

Wow, Bruce! That picture is awesome. Is that your yard? Love, Peggy

Ok, I'm the oddball here. No! I don't think everything is cancer. I sure do know I could get cancer, but I don't think every ache and pain could be cancer. If I did, and with as many aches and pains as I have, I would be in the doctor's office every day and would have to have every inch of my body scanned twice a week. LOL! I did wonder a month or so ago, though. I had a very bad pain in my left armpit, but there was no swelling or anything I could feel. It was really hard to get to sleep at night it hurt so bad. I slept with a heating pad tucked in my armpit which really didn't help much, and took a lot of ibuprofen, which did help. After 3 weeks, I finally went to the doctor. It was a little better by then, but I decided I'd better get it checked anyway. He said it was right over a rib and he thought I had a cracked rib! It's more better now! Love and hugs to all you paranoid people! Peggy

I sure do understand, Larry. It is hard to stay, but hard to leave, too. I pray that God blesses you over and over again. You know, your "bride" still lives in your heart, and she will always be there. I think that's kind of what is meant by our "spirit". Our spirit is who we are, who we touch, who we affect and how we affect them now and forever. Your bride still lives. Love and hugs, Peggy P. S. You'll be back!

Thank you so much everyone. I feeling better. I actually had to go to a visitation last night at the same funeral home, same room and same setup where Don was. I so much didn't want to go, but the family was there for me when Don died, so I put on a smile, and some lipstick , took a deep breath, and walked in. Anyway, it was very hard and I didn't get through it without tears, but I did get through it. It felt selfish to shed those tears in there because they weren't tears for the elderly gentleman in the coffin - they were tears for my own grief. Right after, I drove down the road to the cemetery. Don's monument looked so pretty with the red, white and blue flowers on top of it and beside it, and it just was so very peaceful, and I just felt a little better. I then came home and went to "chat" here at LCSC, and that helped a lot, too. So, I am better, God heard your prayers and I think I'm back in the groove of life. That was the longest "spell" so far; it lasted for well over a week. I hope I don't have very many spells like that. When it takes over, you feel like you're in some kind of a dark pit and there doesn't seem to be a single reason to want to come out of that pit. You don't want to be there, but you don't want to leave, either. I guess I just gave the description of depression with that, huh? Anyway, thank you, and I love you all! Peggy

WOW! That's all I can say is Wow!

He was quite a guy, wasn't he!!! I know how much he will be missed by all, Tina, and my prayers are with you and your family. So sad for you all . . . . . . Love, Peggy

I didn't know whether to put this in Grieving or Sprituality/Inspiration/Prayer because it's both, so, moderators, it's certianly ok to move it if you think it belongs in grieving. I don't know if it's reality time for me, or what the heck is going on, but I've been having a very hard time, especially since the weather started getting nice. It was just such an active time around here in the spring. Don was non-stop from the first crack of daylight, if not earlier, until past dark from the beginning of spring to the end of fall. I just miss him so much I can hardly stand it. I ache, I hurt, I cry, and I can't believe this is forever. We were married so young, I always told everyone I was born married. After 38 years, I can't even remember life without him. He was my life, and this is forever, and I'm hurting. So..... it's me, oh Lord, standing in the need of prayer: It's me, it's me, it's me, oh Lord Standing in the need of prayer It's me, it's me, it's me, oh Lord Standing in the need of prayer I know I'll be ok, but I sure could use an extra boost from a few prayers to get me out of this slump. Thank you, and love to all! Peggy

I already posted, but I just wanted to say good night, Tina, and I LOVE YOU! Love, Peggy

Hi Tracy, I feel like I know you already because of Kasey. Her love for you has come through her posts loud and clear. I, too, am sorry you have this diagnosis, and I'm sure you and your kids and all your family are upset and scared. I don't know how old your children are, but our son was 26 when my husband was diagnosed. Since you are only 39, your kids are probably a lot younger than our son. He was extremely angry - exceedingly angry, and it took him a very long time to get better, so be patient with the kids - it might take quite a while. I think unless we are old, gray, feeble, wobbly, and very wrinkled, our kids never even consider the fact that we (parents) could get a life-threatening disease. For that reason, it kicks them hard. You have a lot of support here, Tracy, and so much information and helpful advice that you will just be overwhelmed with the love and caring. Hang in there, hon, we (and especially your Aunt Kasey) will take good care of you. Love and hugs, Peggy

I spent 30 min. Friday night in a little shelter spot Don built in our crawl space. He cut a hole with a trap door in one of our closets with three little steps down, and put in about an 8' x 8' floor out of plywood. I've got a couple of flashlights down there, water and a BIG STICK. I hate it down there - it's creepy and dark with spiders, and maybe snakes and racoons! Don also put in a light which is ok as long as the power stays on. Afterward, Don's brother called to check on me and told me to also keep a can of peanuts down there but I might have to share them with the racoon. I said, no way, that's what the BIG STICK is for - that racoon is going to be DEAD!! The tornado missed me about about a mile. Phew!! Love, Peggy

Oh, Tina, I am reduced to tears and am a mushy mess. I am so incredibly sorry. I didn't expect to see this today. It seems as though Charlie would always rebound - no matter what. After the rebound this weekend, I just figured he would keep going for a while. Doggone it! I am just so sorry . . . heartbroken! I'm glad I got to talk to you on the phone last week and I will call you after you've had some time to get things taken care of. My prayers and love are with you and your family at this time. And, Rachel, I know you are active on this site, too, and I want you to especially know how sorry I am and I know how hard this is for someone your age. May God bless you with His comfort. Love, Peggy

YES! AMEN!

Thank you, Maryanne, for asking about Teri, and thank you Don and Lucie for calling her and giving us an update. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about Teri and wonder how she's doing. Teri, if you're reading this, or if anyone is reading it to you, please know that I am truly hugging you and praying that you will soon be well. I sure miss you and your posts. Love, Peggy

Dear Adela, I hope you can get the marker fixed, too. I think it will bother you forever unless you get it fixed, regardless of the cost. I've been reading your posts, Adela, and I know how sad and heartbroken you are. I don't have any magic words to make it better - if I did, I would use them on myself, too. I CLING to the words of others who are farther along with this than you and me. They say it really does get better with time. If I didn't have those words of hope, I just don't know how I could cope at all. I pray that you will cling to those words and treat them as a promise - it will get better. Love and hugs, Peggy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CINDI!!! ROCK THE NIGHT AWAY! Love, Peggy

Oh, Lori, I don't know if "this is it", but I do know this is scary and I can tell you are stressed to the max. One of the hardest things for me during my various family members' illnesses was when they couldn't talk to me. Hang in there as best you can and do a lot of deep breathing and relax your shoulders. You can't stay tense if you relax your shoulders and keep them relaxed. Whether this is it or not, she needs to be comfortable. My prayer is for comfort and calm during this crisis for your mom, for you, and for all your family and your mom's friends. Lori, did you and your mom ever sing songs together, especially silly songs? If so, sing them to her and don't worry what anybody nearby thinks. My mom always loved the song, "Do Lord, oh do Lord, oh do you remember me? Oh, Lordie, do Lord, oh do Lord, oh do you remember me? ....." She would sing that and clap her hands and be so happy. When she was very ill and not talking or responding, we would sing that - cheerfully - and many times she would move her head to the beat or tap her fingers on the bed. At one time when mom was in the hospital, my sister and brother and me were all three singing it and two nurses and the cleaning lady came in and sang with us, clapping their hands and everything! It was really cool to see mom respond a little. Try it! If she responds even a little, you will feel a lot better. Love, Peggy

WHAT A GUY! ...and WHAT A GOD! Thank you, Lord! ...and HAPPY EASTER TO THE MYNATT FAMILY! ENJOY!!!!! Love, Peggy

Thank you, Jackie. I needed that!!!!!! Love, Peggy

Dear Randy, Happy Easter to you, too, Randy! I had one of those sad days yesterday, too. So many events, holidays, firsts to get through - they just keep coming. Hang in there, Randy. Tina's poem spoke to me, as do these wonderful words: HE IS RISEN! Love, Peggy

Thank you, Pat. It's so sad to know people so full of life, love and living . . . and then they are gone. Doug was certainly one of those people. He will be missed. If any of Doug's family or friends are reading this, I pray for God's comfort to be an every day presence in your lives. Love, Peggy