<p>No I cant imagine being without them. Two years ago I didnt have the schnauzers, but had my husbands bird dog. A sweet, but large and shedding, drooling creature. That dog is loved and spoiled these days, but the little one offer the most comfort. I rescued those two and now I can honestly say I dont know who rescued whom…</p>
<p>More bittersweet, my daughter and her long time boyfriend got engaged last night (same one that bought the townhouse) and I sure missed sharing it with my husband. He would have liked the future son in law, they are similiar in personality. They asked me to walk her down the aisle when the date is set. It never really set in till now, how much I will also grieve over what he will miss. Their challenges, and victories. Their marriages, grandchildren, etc. It isnt fair, but noone every told me it was, ****es me off all the same!</p>
<p>Congratulations on your daughter’s engagement and I understand how bittersweet it must feel. When my daughter was accepted at a top college some years ago, after the first rush of excitement, I burst into tears because my father, who had been gone almost 30 years, was the person I most wanted to tell.</p>
<p>It does point out, clear as day, that Life Goes On. Hopefully your D and her fiance will go on to have children and your husband will live on in them.</p>
<p>life isn’t fair – but cc parents are understanding and compassionate and if it makes you feel just a tiny bit better – go ahead and vent to us. meantime, congrats on daughter’s engagement. somehow i think her dad knows and is happy too.</p>
<p>My father in law once said that, when young people decide to marry, it is a compliment to their parents and a tribute to the marriages they observed at home.</p>
<p>Here’s to you and your husband, sistersunnie, and to the marriage that the two of you made. Your example gives your daughter the courage and confidence to take this big step.</p>
<p>But you’ve contributed to a couple of threads lately on different subjects. Yes, you’re exhausted, but I think you’re having moments when you’re back in the saddle of normalcy.</p>
<p>Like anything will ever be “normal” again. It will be a different “normal.”</p>
<p>Sending hugs through cyberspace. I’m following your story with prayers and admiration. You’re an inspiration. One day at a time is all anyone could expect of you…including yourself.</p>
<p>Sistersunnie, all the evidence that we are privileged to see indicate that you are actually doing quite well, “well” being a relative term here. It is tough, exhausting work, yet you persevere. There is a certain nobility there. You are still showing your daughters the way, and you have every reason to be proud of yourself.</p>
<p>one step forward and two steps back… yesterday I had to clean out the rest of his things from the care facility. It nearly killed me to handle his clothes and personal items. I cried harder in the course of two hours then I’ve cried in days. I had to go home, and pull the covers over my head (figuratively not literally). I leaked all day, cleaned manically and refused to answer the phone or door. I couldnt face anyone. How in the world does anyone recover from this? I will never be the same…</p>
<p>Oh, sistersunnie, what a difficult day. All the advice books and support groups telling you to expect to have setbacks don’t prepare you for the actual shock of a day like yesterday. I’m so sorry you had to go through that. I really admire your bravery for soldiering through these tough times.</p>
<p>If there is a bright side to yesterday, you can tick that chore off of the ‘things that suck but need to be done’ list. It’s good that it isn’t hanging over your head, anymore.</p>
<p>today isnt much better BUT tomorrow both girls are home from college for the summer. We have lots of work to finish together, Hospice stuff and a private memorial service (they havent been to the graveside yet). But we also have the summer together and we have needed the time. </p>
<p>I’m thinking that a beach weekend might brighten everyone’s spirits…</p>
<p>Actually the name has nothing to do with the sun. Long story goes back 25 years, I love sunflowers, the nick started as sunnie. THEN several years later I was at a Buffett Concert with a friend (who happens to be a Catholic Priest) and his sister. The person who got us the tickets came up during the concert (music being loud and corona flowing free) and friend introduced us as his sister and sunnie. Slightly intoxicated ticket broker heard differently. He said “I never thought I would be getting Jimmy Buffett tickets for a priest and two nuns”. From that day forth I became “sistersunnie” it stuck.</p>
<p>I was sorry to read about yesterday. Nobody would blame you if HAD really pulled the covers over your head for awhile - if only that would work.</p>
<p>I am hoping you do plan a girls time at the beach. With an engagement, it would be a sneak in some time together and possibly the start of a wonderful tradition.</p>