WE ARE SORRY about your loss 💛

[Saturday 10/24/26 6:06am ET]

👋 Saturday is here guys. Tomorrow marks another end of a week.

A week some of us "flew" through while others "struggled" sometimes.

But WE MADE IT!!!

➡️[*** How are YOU doing TODAY/TONIGHT? Any NEWS to share?

Me, slept again last night & Mister 🐈 is here in HIS SPOT in my bed. NO plans for today, just "surviving" my friends. I am in until my "usual" Kroger (groceries) on Monday, a 9am COVID vaccine appt there on Tuesday. My last one was in January. Flu shot was last month. Then I am done for 2026. I HATE "needles" but NEED to do my part to stay "healthy" for my daugher & Mister 🐈. Received my Weekly Video Call from her YESTERDAY. These help with her being in Florida, me in Virginia.

Luv to all the humans & furbabies. 🐶🐶🐶🐶🐈🐈🐈🐈

Nicole 🤗💛

@mc6844 , @monique1112 , @l124289r , @MichelleC103656 , @MarianS446683 , @Xheved , @HighDesertLolly , @MkK700720 , @PaulW643687 , @DenaAria , @SheilaR696461 , @LisaFM , @s385111s , @j580959d , @CeciliaM384861 , @KaiW972655 , @SuannS376570 , @Locabell , @MaryY478742 , @BarneyL32954 , @thespina

Contributor ⭐⭐⭐

Hey Nicole. No big plans for this Saturday. I am catching up on the chores that I didn't get done or have time for during the week, like laundry and cleaning. I like to get most everything done on Saturdays, so that I can rest on Sunday. That is what my parents always did. Sunday was for doing something fun and rest. Mom would take a nap. My Dad would go to my brother Mike's house to watch football or golf. Yes, it would be great if more people would get their vaccines. We have always kept up with ours. They are so important. That is so nice that you and your daughter have your weekly video call. My sisters used to try to call our parents at least once a week and send cards and letters. Luv and hugs to you and Mister. 🙂🤗🐈‍⬛🐈🐱😸😻😺

[Saturday 10/24/26 12:19pm ET]

Lol Michelle @MichelleC103656 , I had to MOVE Mister's 🐈 dishes out of kitchen AGAIN. Yes, stepped on his tail AGAIN. I had moved it out when I had "nearly" fallen with the cast on my ankle last year/this year. I had moved it back so I could SEE "if" he was eating & drinking water while SICK. Poor guy yelled. Felt SO BAD. I did "try" to workaround him. 😞 I believe AARP has "removed" members ability to post pictures THIS WEEK. Error message says to check link. Hmmm, there is NO link. Anyway, NOT surprised. Taking all the FUN out of using this site as usual. On the other hand, maybe a "temporary" glitch - but doubt it. Thank goodness we got our furbabies loaded. Also Cecilia @CeciliaM384861 . I have to take trash to dumpster tonight & mailbox. Hopefully Ms. Nancy is INSIDE her apt. Sometimes she is out bothering people late on her sidewalk. Luv to you, Jim & your crew. Nicole 🤗💛🐈🐈🐈🐈

Members Helping Members 🤗💛

WE share our journeys towards creating a life without someone we lost.

WE answer "questions" - we understand the Grieving Process. So ask away!

WE care about you & will "support" you ALWAYS.

Grief & Loss Team!

[Friday 10/23/26 6:15pm ET]

PARTY TIME - Sue @SuannS376570 , Cecilia @CeciliaM384861 & Michelle @MichelleC103656 stopped by TODAY!!! 👍💃🎉🙃 And I APPRECIATE the kudos.

🌛🌜 Sunset for me here in Virginia at 6:32pm ET. Lol, I have been in Mister's CAT House ALL DAY. 😂 Bet he will let me out when he sees "wet" food in his 2nd dish. NOT alot, just enough to let him know I still luv him, but WE are on a BUDGET. Now IF he gets a JOB, he can have "wet" 24/7. Hope we all rest tonight. This is my 2nd day of NO NAPS & I tell you, it has been a VERY LONG day. But I will sleep better tonight. 👍

Luv to ALL the humans & furbabies. 🐶🐶🐶🐶🐈🐈🐈🐈

Nicole 💛🤗

Contributor ⭐⭐⭐

The grandkids and I are always telling Stewie and Nova to get jobs. Bristol is too old, and Goldie is too young. So,they are exempt. 🙂🙃🤗🤭😻😸😺🐈‍⬛🐈🐈‍⬛

[Friday 10/23/26 6:58pm ET]

Michelle @MichelleC103656 , Mister 🐈 came up when I was "outside" asking Roz (who was leaving) about the bulk 30-can BOX of Walmart brand. Said it is $26. When I multiplied 31 cans × 57 cents, it was $17 and some change. What is going on? Lol, so I am sticking to "individual" cans. 👍

[Friday 10/23/26 4:20pm ET]

🕯 Develop a ROUTINE & and stick to it!!!
Your day-to-day activities will feel different after a loss, and they’ll continue to evolve as time goes on.

For some people, it’s business as usual—get up, go to work, and repeat.

Others start out small, like making the bed each morning and remembering to make breakfast.

It’s not important what your routine looks like, just try your best to have one.

Grief has a way of rocking our sense of safety, but routine creates stability, which often codes as safety.

[Friday 10/23/26 10:12am ET]

Dear Kai @KaiW972655 , I am "thinking" about YOU!!!

How are you doing TODAY/TONIGHT?

Luv,

Nicole 🤗🤗🤗 (Grief Forum)

[Friday 10/23/26 11:56am ET]

Dear Monique @monique1112 , I am "thinking" about YOU!!!

How are you doing TODAY/TONIGHT?

Luv,

Nicole 🤗🤗🤗 (Grief Forum)

[Friday 10/23/26 8:44am ET]

👥️ WE ARE FAMILY!!!

Pull up a chair whenever you need an ear to "listen" to you or someone to "chat" with. We CARE about YOU and your loss dear friend. We ALWAYS "respond" to ALL posts.

Grief & Loss Team 🤗

CeciliaM384861

Good morning everyone! I hope we all feel save and loved. I also hope that each of us is able to get out of bed and live life the best we can. Happy Friday everyone.

Cecilia

Thank you SO MUCH dear Cecilia @CeciliaM384861 !!! Yes, staying out of my bed so I can "sleep" tonight. The NO naps rule (new) worked yesterday. I actually slept last night. SO GRATEFUL!!! Finally found out from the Kroger Pharmacy just now after FIGHTING with the AI that "answers" their phone = new COVID vaccine is here. Lol, was ready to yank the "annoying" AI through my cell. At age 68, "missing" when humans ANSWERED phones. Anyway, had COVID vaccine in January. Flu for age 65+ in September. When I was there for flu, the very NICE Kroger Pharmacist told me a NEW COVID vaccine should be arriving soon. Now to make an appointment "online". Yes, they do "walk ins" but I ALWAYS "schedule". Hate waiting in LONG LINES for anything these days. SO GOOD to hear from you my friend. Luv, Nicole 💛🤗

[Friday 10/23/26 8:35am ET]

🕯 Some Practical TIPS for Dealing With Grief!!!

While everyone grieves differently, there are some practical STEPS you can take to help yourself or a loved one dealing with loss. It may help to:

(1) Write a LETTER to your deceased loved one, expressing your feelings and emotions.

(2) Journal or create a SCRAPBOOK about special moments you shared. This may be particularly helpful in capturing your parent’s legacy.

(3) SPEAK to someone you trust and don’t keep your feelings bottled up inside. You may wish to share your thoughts with a member of the clergy, a friend or relative.

(4) Prepare for RECURRING grief, especially during birthdays or holidays.

(5) Lend an ear to OTHERS who may be experiencing grief. Often, it helps to spend time with someone who is also experiencing great loss.

@monique1112 , @MarianS446683 , @l124289r , @MichelleC103656 , @SuannS376570 , @Xheved , @MkK700720 , @mc6844 , @KaiW972655 , @CeciliaM384861

S

SuannS376570

Contributor ⭐⭐

such good ideas. thank you all for this chat community. what a blessing. sue

[Friday 10/23/26 5:58pm ET]

SO GOOD to hear from you Sue @SuannS376570 !!! And you are so welcome my friend. Lol, I am trying NOT to "nap" so I sleep tonight & missing my Old Lady nap for TODAY. 😂 Few more hours to go to bedtime. Hope I make it with SRAYING AWAKE. 🤞 Luv, Nicole 🤗🤗

[Friday 10/23/26 8:26am ET]

👋 ANY NEWS TO SHARE?

Another day for us to be STRONG my friends!!! Some of us may venture out today to try NEW things. While some may still NOT be ready for that step. Keep in mind OUR LUV ONES are ALWAYS with us SEEING OUR EFFORTS. Luving us ALWAYS. Soon we will see them again.

Luv,

Nicole 🤗🤗🤗 (Grief Forum)

@MarianS446683 , @MichelleC103656 , @CeciliaM384861 , @monique1112 , @mc6844 , @DenaAria , @MkK700720 , @Xheved , @LisaFM , @SuannS376570 , @KaiW972655 , @j580959d , @s385111s , @veronicaalmarzooq , @l124289r , @JosephineG261368 , @NonieS198048 , @PaulW643687 , @HighDesertLolly , @BocaWoman , @KathrynH966420 , @BillD916633 , @JamesK33 , @Sstholder , @CeciliaH401383 , @edjojr1 , @rl1874 , @GailF119427 , @s988200m , @jbar4650 , @stevenallen12323 , @ChrisHarbuck101 , @sandyslaga , @dw53874168 , @LaurelH1933 , @JoeJ415665 , @thespina , @SheilaR696461 , @BarneyL32954 , @MaryY478742 , @Locabell

Contributor ⭐⭐⭐

I was lucky enough to get some of my work project done while Jim was doing his stuff and things. Then ,on the way home work sends an email. They are like Hey,here's one more thing that we were hoping you could get done by the end of the day. I swear Nicole my boss is just like Columbo. You try to close the door on him, and he is coming back with his Just one more thing. It is Friday afternoon, almost the weekend, and he always seems to want and need one more thing done. I should say Okay,Columbo, and see what he says. Stewie is napping in the kitchen. He must have had such a busy day of protecting the house and patio. All of the girls are upstairs. Sometimes, I think they are having meetings and planning something. 🙂🙃🤗🐈‍⬛🐈🐱😺😸😻

[Friday 10/23/26 6:23pm ET]

Lol Michelle @MichelleC103656 your post had me "giggling". 😂😂😂

Mister is outside somewhere. I will give him "wet" IF he comes in BEFORE I head to bed. Bet, like Stewie - tired from "roaming" the neighborhood hoping someone left pizza 🍕 on the sidewalk. Oh, and add his IN & OUT to "check" for wet food. He did eat some of the cup of "dry" but NOT alot. Probably found pizza./lol 😂

Luv to you, Jim & your crew.

Nicole 💛🤗🐈🐈🐈🐈

[Thursday 10/22/26 7:45pm ET]

(Post Corrected)

PARTY TIME 💃😭🙃👍 - Marian, Cecilia, Sue & Michelle stopped by TODAY!!! And thank you for those "kudos" - ALWAYS APPRECIATED.

🌜🌛 Well guys, it is dark for me here in Virginia. Time to get my in apt walk in. Mister 🐈 out somewhere, probably visiting his girlfriend. Glad he is fixed./lol 😂 I learn't from a fellow Cat Lady that his "snipped" ear tip means he was captured, fixed & then released. Which makes me think he was feral & fed by whomever moved into this apt complex. Explains his NEED to be out & about.

Luv,

Nicole 🤗💛

@MichelleC103656 , @MarianS446683 , @SuannS376570 , @CeciliaM384861

Michelle @MichelleC103656 , geez - dry cat food is so much cheaper than wet!!! 😱 I just took out some cans (cat food) out of the Walmart bags from my LAST trip. I go once a month after my Retirement Social Security arrives. Lol, calculated a can a day. Oh my goodness. How do you & Jim do your Crew's food? Help!!! I want to keep giving him wet, he DESERVES it. Is a can a day the way to go? And as you know, I am topping the spoonfuls of wet with dry to use up those bags. Thank you My Cat Expert!!! 🐈

Contributor ⭐⭐⭐

Yes,I would say a can a day is good for Mister since he is a growing boy. And,he needs extra calories and nutrition for his outside patrolling. I used to buy Bristol Fancy Feast,but it is usually $1 a can or more now. Then, I was buying Friskies, Temptations, and Meow Mix. Friskies and Temptations started getting expensive. I try to find Meow Mix on sale on Amazon. There are also Amazon brand cat foods that come in packs of 4 little cans. Everyone has been liking them. Walmart used to have Special Kitty wet canned food for 3 cans for a dollar. I am now paying $1 for 2 cans,which isn't too bad. Bristol eats one can a day. Stewie and Nova share a can,because they like dry food better. Goldie hasn't been eating much wet food. She likes dry food and a couple of bowls of treats. So,that is how I feed my crew of 4. I hope that helps. I keep missing messages, again. It seems to happen every other day. But,as I say,better late than never. 🙂☺🤗😻😸🐱🐈‍⬛🐈🐈‍⬛

S

SuannS376570

Contributor ⭐⭐

hello to all this evening. haven’t posted much last couple of days do to trying to get some home repairs scheduled. it has proven more challenging than we imagined what with bids, insurance, licenses etc. i don’t have much advice (lord knows i need more advice than i could possibly give) but one thing i can say is if you lose someone that is really close - don’t make any big life decisions for awhile. we made a big move after my son died...just really didn’t want to see things that caused more memories we had so little family left that we didn’t think it would matter but it did. 10 yrs. in the new place and we are still outsiders & i believe we will always be. we love our old house & in many ways it saved us. so much work to do it kept our minds & hands busy. so now this is another challenge that we will have to meet. just have to do it. wishing peace, blessings & good rest to all. with love, sue