We have been having a rough week here at home. We lost our brother in law last Tuesday night. He had been diagnosed with cancer last November, and died at home late Tuesday night. Last night was the funeral service. While he was trying to get things in order for his family, his body gave out before he could complete things.

We also lost a dear friend, completely unexpectedly. she collapsed at home after saying "I feel dizzy." She died in her mother's arms. She was 31. Full of life, and always smiling and laughing and loving, she is being missed by all who knew her. Most everyone is in shock at the suddenness of her passing. Her service will be on Monday.

We have another friend, old as the hills, who is having some rough times. He recently had surgery to remove half a lung due to cancer, not that it has stopped him from smoking. He just cut back a lot. He has been unreachable lately after calling late Wednesday and speaking incoherently. We hope that his local family has things in hand with him. We tried to reach him by phone, which no one answers. No answer at his apt door, either.

All of this during the week that we were planning our surprise for my parents who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary yesterday. The five kids and all the grand-children have planned to send them to Hawaii. My sister lives there now, and we felt that they would enjoy the vacation, hopefully for Thanksgiving time, or maybe Christmas.

It's hard to be cheerful these days. But we're trying.

Thanks for your understanding. I have been reading the board now and then, but just haven't been able to concentrate much to reply. The phone rings a lot, coming and going, you know the drill.

These things have driven home the point that we need to get things in order, all our ducks in a row, so to speak. hard to concentrate on that, but we're trying.

-- Anonymous, July 28, 2001

Answers

(((((Mailman)))))) you take the time you need, we have a handle on the board.

Yes, when it rains, it pours....and the young woman that died unexpectedly, well, the Lord just needed her "home" for something special. Hang in there, and don't be hard on yourselves, either, you have had a very emotionally stressful week, and it is not done yet.

take care of yourself.

-- Anonymous, July 28, 2001

Yeah--what SAR said.

-- Anonymous, July 28, 2001

I'm sorry to hear about all those troubles. I hope that you can find some space in all the funeral preparations to take your wife somewhere quiet and just appreciate life for a little while.

Me, I sneak out and take in a comedy. That sounds horrible, but having buried my grandparents, parents, and step-parent within the last ten years, I know how stressful things can get, and some time away from funeral and estate problems makes it easier to deal with toxic inlaws, funeral directors who are out to make a high profit, and the other pests who appear when someone has passed on.

-- Anonymous, July 28, 2001

I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of people you love.

Maggie

-- Anonymous, July 28, 2001

Barefoot,

I cannot say it any more wonderful than SAR did. I shall keep you in my thoughts and prayers in the coming days. We care and are here for you if you need to do a little bitchin and moanin.

Sheeple

-- Anonymous, July 28, 2001

So many punches, one after another. That's a lot of death to have to deal with all at once. May you be able to find whatever peace, meaning and centering you need as you struggle to regain balance and perspective.

You'll be in our thoughts, dear. If you need to talk about it more, we're here.

-- Anonymous, July 28, 2001

You are all too kind. Thank you for the support.

-- Anonymous, July 28, 2001

"And this too shall pass.."

First time I heard that when I was a kid, I thought "yeah right.."

LAB YMO TYD

Actually, I still think it's bullshit...

-- Anonymous, July 28, 2001

Our 'old as the hills' friend called last night. He has been out with family a lot recently and that is why we haven't been able to reach him. He is okay.

One less to worry about. Thank you.

Had to cancel dinner for ma and pa. Pa says he doesn't feel good. I was looking forward to it. guess next Sunday will have to do...

My brother says he doesn't feel well either. Same cold from the kids, maybe? I'll find out more later after I wake up some.

-- Anonymous, July 29, 2001

Barefoot, I hope things are calmer next weekend and that you and your folks can enjoy the day.

-- Anonymous, July 29, 2001