<p>I also recall that CrabbyLady is Jewish. She and her girls are probably sitting Shiva. (I hope that I spelled this correctly.) Depending on the observancy level they may be in official mourning for seven days. If they are Conservative/Orthodox no one will be online to check messages. I hope that when CrabbyLady returns she understands that we all are in mourning with her.</p>
<p>I am so sorry CrabbyLady, it’s beyond words. Been thinking of you today.</p>
<p>He sounded like a wonderful man. Hugs to you and the girls.</p>
<p>I just read this thread today. I am so so sorry for your terrible loss. I can’t imagine what you must be going through. Your husband sounded like such a wonderful man, too … with his help with the children in that area. They have lost an advocate, I can see that. Again, my condolances.</p>
<p>zebes</p>
<p>I also just checked in today. Such terrible news. Yes, as far as i know the family is Jewish. The Shiva period is likely to be three days at least, but even then it may be some time before she gets back to this Board due to mourning in general and having o cope with this sudden and totally senseless loss.</p>
<p>crabbylady, when you check back in, I hope the collective warmth and compassion here is a help to you in some small way. My mother was widowed at about your time of life (she was 48 - my dad was 51), and it was very hard for her to find women her own age who could relate to what she was feeling. Friends and family were supportive and caring, of course, but she wanted to feel that she wasn’t going through this completely unanticipated crisis alone. After several months, she joined a widowed persons support group that made a huge difference in her life.</p>
<p>Hospice of Anchorage has assembled a list of a number of grief support groups in the area - some faith-based, some not. When the time is right, you may find some valuable help there. Take care.</p>
<p>[Hospice</a> of Anchorage](<a href=“http://www.hospiceofanchorage.org/Bereavement.htm]Hospice”>http://www.hospiceofanchorage.org/Bereavement.htm)</p>
<p>It is exceptionally kind of this community of posters to mention Jewish mourning customs. Jewish law says to mourn at home for seven days; modernists avail themselves of three. </p>
<p>Within those days, family does whatever gives them comfort and support, including reading if they wish. Not going to work, but rather staying close to home to receive condolences from others who choose to visit, is the main idea. As well, there can be evening prayer services in the home for every night the family observes “shiva” (the Hebrew word for “seven”).</p>
<p>crabbylady,
I hope you are okay today. I’m praying for you and your girls and your extended family and friends.</p>
<p>Crabbylady, am so sorry to learn of the loss of your wonderful husband. My heart goes out to you and your daughters.</p>
<p>I took the time today to read some of the articles and I want to say how wonderful that you got to be married to such a giving man. So few get that opportunity. The work of this brilliant, selfless man is a wonderful legacy for you and your daughters.</p>
<p>Dear Paying3Tuitions:</p>
<p>Thank you so much for your clarification of Shiva. I am a reform Jew so I am very sensitive to my lack of knowledge about more observant customs. (No, I am not being sarcastic in ANY way). I was truly concerned that some writers would be upset/miffed that CrabbyLady didn’t respond. I think that this forum is magnificent in the way we embrace one another. </p>
<p>Again, my deepest condolences.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>I think that even if she weren’t sitting Shiva, none of us would mind that she hadn’t responded. Our condolences and support will be here for her when she’s ready to read them.</p>
<p>We’re here if/whenever you need us, CL.</p>
<p>I’m sure that any of us who lost a loved one–especially so suddenly and senselessly-- would be numb, furious, and so many other things. I can’t imagine that anyone who has posted on this thread expects any response until & unless CL feels up to it, and we all recognize that it can take a very long time. We are all just wishing the family the best and want them to know that we support them at this very tough and bleak time.</p>
<p>I wish I could send you peace, Crabbylady.
I hope you can find a spot of joy with your daughters today.
I hope you get some comfort from the good wishes that are being sent to you from all over the world. </p>
<p>Like the others said before me, we are not expecting a response. This thread is for CL and her daughters-- to get whatever comfort they can from it.</p>
<p>Crabbylady- woke up thinking of you and your daughters this morning. Hope you are getting comfort from those around you during shiva, and know your cc family is here with all our prayers.</p>
<p>The articles on her husband are such a tribute to a beautiful soul, while there may be no words or comfort right now, hopefully knowing how loved, treasured and appreciated he was will give you some peace.</p>
<p>Ditto HImom’s post. In fact, the word furious came to my mind after reading the article as well. All fatal accidents are tragedies, but when they happen because of drunk driving, I can’t help but feel such anger.</p>
<p>My deepest sympathy. He was clearly a wonderful man. </p>
<p>I was shut out posting on CC for a day and a bit due to some technical snafu, and feeling very impotent reading about this but unable to contribute even a condolence, as little good as that might do.</p>
<p>Thinking about you tonight, crabbylady.</p>
<p>I’m also thinking of you, crabbylady. My deepest condolences, again.</p>
<p>I am so very, very sorry for your loss.</p>