A friend of mine lost her husband unexpectedly; she taught me a great deal about grief. I had always thought of it as a rather linear process, like a graph with a nice straight downward angle. I thought that given enough time, it would just lessen and lessen. Well, given enough time it does lessen, but the process isn't simple. My friend would have weeks go by where she thought she was "getting over it", then she would suddenly be right back at square one.
There is no right or wrong way to greave and no schedule to adhere to.
Peace,
MamaLiz

skully & teenah,
your board buds are here for you always. consider us e-friends with plenty of shoulders to lean on when you need it. some of us cannot sympathize with your hurt but we can offer support. so sorry for your losses.
gay

Here are some words that came to me at 3am one night, 2 years ago as I fell asleep on the floor studying for an anatomy exam. Little did I know that 200 miles away, at that very moment, my Aunt was having her worst moment while her body succumbed to bladder cancer (she had previously survived an Aortic Aneurism). I wrote many poems while half asleep that night. Here is one that I emailed to her but she never saw (I know it was felt though):
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To a beautiful, wonderful, caring person. I am thinking of you every moment of the day and hoping that everything will go your way. When the mortal body becomes weak and frail, the mind itself in time sets sail. Adrift amongst the thoughts of life, the waves of pain, turmoil, and strife. Alas, the call of a distant song, perhaps motivation to move you along. The path to take only time will tell, so lead with your heart as your vessel is hailed. Where you'll end up no body knows, but where ever it is I pray you won't oppose. Your strength and courage will have gotten you through a porthole of pain and torture so cruel, that when you arrive you can be thankful to feel a world full of peacefulness and all free of fear. We are all with you in thought and prayer. Love always, with especially deep encouragement. Be strong. I love you.

Sarah
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My Uncle had the opportunity to tell my Aunt that if she was holding on for him, it was ok for her to let go that he would be ok....As hard as that was for him,that is what she needed to hear...shortly thereafter she let go.

Wow..... That's all I can say, is Wow...... this is sure a phenominal group of people. I'm so glad I know you, and that I found this board two years ago. What a support system.
Teenah and Skully.... I'm am so sorry that you're having to deal with this. My heart aches for both of you and all of you that are dealing with this.... Blessings all around. MAJOR HUGS!!!! Debbie

I've been battling my health these last few months and every once in a while, I focus on something else other than myself. I extend my sincere sympathies to all of you who have lost loved ones. I have lost both parents - my Mother died at 53 years old and Dad died at 83. Even as an adult, I feel like an orphan. It's hard during the Holidays. I can't even imagine losing a child. I hold on to memories and relive and retell stories in order to keep my parents memory alive.

I agree, this board has become more than just a great place to talk about AC, it's become a wonderful support board! Thank you all.