WE ARE SORRY about your loss 💛

[Sunday 9/20/26 12:20pm ET]

👋 Hey Cecilia ​@CeciliaM384861 , any plans for today/tonight dear friend?

Me, still in bed but know I will have to get up at some point to head to the kitchen.

Lol, wish I had a "butler" to make my coffee and bring it to me. 😉

Fed & let out my cat "Mister" as he is an indoor/outdoor REBEL. His owners moved & left him behind. We had been "friends" the cat & me, so I had noticed him WAITING for them and them NEVER showing up. Took about a week to "retrain" him to eat over here. Had to take food over there & "gently" convince him to come inside my apt. Their loss, my gain as he needed a home, and I needed something to do each day. Such a "luvable" fellow. Have NO idea how old he is or what his name was.

Then my usual sunset watering of my two "tiny" gardens. Lol, made them into gardens by "dumping" potting soil on top of the RED STONES on each side of my porch. One side has Caladiums. The other Morning Glory.

DREADING Winter when EVERYTHING is dead & covered with snow/ice. Trying NOT to think of this and to ENJOY the Fall Colors here on my hill in Virginia. Mister still goes outside, but of course not when the weather is below 30 degrees. Nope, my old butt stays inside where the heat is. 😉

Anyway, NO pressure as usual to respond. But I am here if you need me. As you can see, I am the CHATTERBOX of our group. 😂

Luv,

Nicole 🤗🤗🤗 (Grief Forum)

[Sunday 9/20/26]

👣   Tell us about your step for today/night or "planned" step.

😞 Or maybe you are having a "tough" day/night at the moment. WE ARE HERE to "listen, chat, support" 24/7.

Grief & Loss Team 💛 

[Sunday 9/20/26]

REMEMBER!!!

We still have people WE CARE about with us. The luv one(s) we "lost" wants us to SPEND what time we have here with them making "memories". Memories that will keep them going in between the tears when they lose us too. So try to make time for them while you can. 👍

[Sunday 9/20/26]

🎵‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🎶‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌     Compile a list of YOUR loved ones’ favorite songs or music. Include songs that evoke happy memories and songs that soothe YOU and bring you COMFORT.

*** An excellent way to "relax" or "exercise".

[Saturday 9/19/26]

🪔    Maintain SELF-CARE: Prioritize the basics. Maintain a healthy sleep schedule, eat nutritious meals, and engage in regular exercise.

[Saturday 9/19/26 4:23pm ET] 

Hi Cecilia ​@CeciliaM384861 , you are so welcome!!! Over the years, OTHER Group Members were here for me when I had "given up" on life. They could NOT bring back Verl, but it really "helped" to be able to talk, cry and so on with people who UNDERSTOOD. They lost luv ones too. My daughter spends ALL holidays with her friends and/or High School Mentor & her husband and kids. I just CANNOT "deal" with them. NO Christmas Tree or decorations. Some Group Members "volunteer" for the Holidays. I "tried" volunteering but it is NOT my thing. Hate being told when I have to volunteer & the usual "difficult" humans. Nope, left that BEHIND when I "retired". Now I do have TWO totally awesome neighbors who make sure I am "remembered" on my birthday & holidays. They are NEVER "pushy" and I SO MUCH "appreciate" this about them. Hmmm, have you maybe thought about spending the HOLIDAYS "away" from home? One of our Group Members did her 1st SOLO trip after losing her hubbie. It was SO HARD, but it was the "beginning" for her NEW life. Me, I have NO idea how I will be spending them moving forward. I just see how I am "feeling" then decide. But I HOPE to return to spending them soon celebrating with people I ENJOY. Notice the word "enjoy". I NO longer put up with "drama" with anyone. Don't have to. Gone are the days of making people happy by doing what they wanted & NOT what I want. WE will always "think" of our guys. But EACH day/night, the pain will lessen. Be GOOD to yourself, that is what TERRY wants for you.

Luv,

Nicole 🤗🤗🤗 (Grief Forum)

➡️[*** CECILIA POSTED - Hi Nicole. I had two of my granchildren spend the night which was wonderful. But now they are home and my mind begins to wander to the past. I just cannot believe that Terry is gone. I see older couples shopping together and I feel that Terry and I should still be doing that. It seems so unfair. I’m very concerned about the holidays. Last year Terry’s death was only two weeks old at Christmas. I was numb and “out of it.”  This year I’m very aware of Terrys absence and I’m fearful of what that is going to feel like during the holiday season.  I guess I’ll find out.  Thanks for listening. Cecilia 

[Saturday 9/19/26]

👋   OUR GROUP DISCUSSION!!!

What is "helping" you to make it through TODAY/TONIGHT?

Grief & Loss Team 💛

[Saturday 9/19/26]

📍‌ Permit Yourself to Feel Joy: Experiencing happiness or laughing does not dishonor the person you lost. It is a sign of resilience and the human capacity to heal.

[Saturday 9/19/26]

WE hope you will stop by to see us!!!

Grief & Loss Team 🤗 

[Saturday 9/19/26]

💎   Why Grief Makes You So Tired & WHY you need to "pace" yourself!!!

(1) Sleep Disruptions: Insomnia or restless sleep stops your body from repairing itself.

(2) High Stress: Your body stays in a constant state of high alert, which burns a lot of energy.

(3) Extra Tasks: Dealing with funeral arrangements, paperwork, and social visits drains your remaining strength.