shineladysue

(((Martha))), Losing a pet is so very painful. I will never forget the ones I have lost. Lost my last one about 9 years ago and haven't been able to bear going through that pain again. It is like losing a family member and I do understand.. Sooo sorry. Sue

Hey Jamie, Hope you are still celebrating at the Pub because I'm on my way. Such a wonderful thing to be celebrating.. 3 years is awesome. Looking forward to many more celebrations with you. You Rock, Jamie!!! Sue

They are so so precious, Val. Thank you so much for sharing. I can only imagine how proud you must be of them.. God Bless, Sue

(((Pat))), you are so adoptable and it seems there are quite a few doors open for you. When you find a good home and a solution to your problems, will you let me know? This being a widow SUCKS!!! Wish we had a forum for practical advice to widows and widowers. It has been very rough for me, as well. When Mike passed, my health needed attention, many things in my home were (and are) in need of repair and or replacing. I haven't worked in years and years . I still to this day have no income and am living on life insurance proceeds.. not that much left and I still owe for my mortgage, plus a mountain of charge card debt. Having to pay $500 a month for my health insurance (under Cobra) and it will run out in March of 2009. I am really beginning to like your idea . My best to you Pat. We have to keep praying and take it one day at a time. Luv ya, Sue

Thanks , Sharon, for starting this. My best Christmas gift was my engagement ring, from Mike, on Christmas eve of 1969. We married the following June 6, 1970 to be followed by nearly 36 years of a wonderful marriage. Sue

Seems so long ago, Randy, but here is my first post.. Posted: Wed Jun 30, 2004 7:50 pm Post subject: Thanks for having me!! Hello everyone, My husband is the one diagnosed with cancer , but I truly feel that we are both victims and it is "our battle". Yes, "battle", we will continue to fight it with mega doses of prayer, positive thoughts and every positive resource available to us. His battle began in April of 2001 with losing his right lung and is recurrent now , as of January 2004 diagnosis. It came back in the stump to the right lung, the lymph nodes and spread to the adrenal gland on the left side. I was referred here by Tess, who is a member of this group. Thank you Tess for reaching out and sharing your kind heart, your bravery and this group of compassionate people with us. She and I also belong to whyquit.com which is a smoking cessation site that is second to none. I am not sure what to say at this point, as I am the newbie here, but I can relate to your stories and my heart goes out to all of you. I look forward to sharing all the emotions, challenges, and results of our efforts with all of you. God Bless you all!!! Sue

Char, I am so very sorry you have lost your beautiful mom. Thank you for sharing your tribute to her. My prayers for strength to help you and your family through the days ahead. Sue

Teri, I'm crying with Debi. How beautiful, but I can't even imagine how I would have handled it if it had happened to me. It's so obvious that Bill loved you with all his heart and he wanted you to be carrying on traditions. There is no doubt but that he is with you Teri. Merry Christmas. Hugs, Sue

I'll never forget Frank and all that he gave of himself to us. I'll especially remember the times he wrote personal pm's to me to share with Mike. He wanted to encourage him to not give up. He told of the times that his doctors gave up on him and they were wrong. Frank was one in a million and a wonderful friend . Sue

Prayers on the way for tomorrow , Ken. Sue

I'm so very sorry for the loss of your precious Dad. Know that you are welcome to return here and be a part of us. We do understand. Sue

I'm so sorry you are hurting so much. I can understand because I was very close to my grandparents. It was so very hard to lose them. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have been close to their grandparents and perhaps that is the difference between you and some of your friends. I just know that when you care about someone who holds a special place in your heart and then they are taken away from you... it hurts. In time, the pain will become less intense, but most likely the memories will become more precious and help to give you comfort. God Bless. Sue

I agree with the others that CT scans should be done either every 3 months or every 6. My husband had his lung removed in 2001 and had a recurrence which was discovered when he was already a stage IV, 3 years later. He only had CT scans the first year and then chest xrays. The Xrays did not pick up on his recurrence on the bronchial stump nor his tumor on his adrenal gland . Sue

Thank you, Kasey . I will never forget Dean Carl. He was such an inspiration. Sue

Got room for one more at the bar? Definitely not ready, would hide or run. Sue

Hi, I'm Sue, I'm a 59 year old who has lived in Norfolk , Virginia , all my life. Married the guy next door ( literally around the corner) Michael (Mike) Shine in 1970 and shared a story book marriage until this horrible disease entered our lives in 2001 and finally took Mike away from me on March 2nd, 2006. I have two sons, Tommy, 35, who lives with his fiancee and Brian (nearly 27) who is currently living with me. My family, all live in my city. My Mom (nearly 79yrs old) was diagnosed with lung cancer in May 2007, has had wedge section surgery and currently shows no signs of cancer. I'm also going to have to try to find work, after not having worked in many many years.. Not sure what I will do. I'm kinda lost these days. Did I get carried away?... I so much appreciate this forum. Thank you , Rick, Katie and all the members for being here.

I'm sorry . My condolences to you and your family. Sue

Your post is a real gift. Thank you. I will try to adjust my attitude about the holidays. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas , Teri. Sue

10 YEARS IS WONDERFUL, DONNA G!!! You have always inspired me and I will always remember it was you who helped our dear, Kasey too. Count me in on this celebration. I'm here til the door hits me in the butt on the way out. Sue

I'm so very sorry for your loss. You and your family have my thoughts and prayers . Sue

Sloan, I am so very sorry. My prayers are with you and your family. Sue

Patti, Love your story. Can just imagine being there at that moment... So funny. Thanks for sharing . Sue

Instant Mashed Potatoes..

I will never forget Christmas Eve of 1980 when I brought my youngest son (born Dec 22nd) home from the hospital and my neighbors were carolling outside our living room window, singing Silent Night. So, ever since , I tear up every time I hear Silent Night. Mike always loved Ave Maria. Sue

(((Leslie))), I am so very sorry for your loss. Glad you could be with her . Sue