WE ARE SORRY about your loss 💛

🌛🌜 Well guys, got dark here in Virginia in a blink of an eye.

How was YOUR DAY?

Fingers "crossed" we all get some rest tonight at our bedtimes.

Mister 🤗 is next door. Lol, he better ENJOY the porch while apt is empty. Hoping NO dogs or kids move in to chase him. 🤞

Heading to get my inside apt walk in. I walk to a few 70's songs. Takes me back to those "innocent" years before age 18 arrived = an adult.

Luv,

Nicole 💛🤗

Contributor ⭐⭐⭐

I always say the same thing when we have empty houses. I love you grandchildren, but too many people don't make their kids behave. They let them run around screaming all the time. My parents didn't allow that. Jim and I didn't allow that. And,dogs. So many people still let their dogs just run around. We see on the news at least once a week that people,their children ,and their dogs are attacked in their own yards or while walking. The last couple of days there has been a yellow dog running around the neighborhood. It looks to be part Golden Retriever and part German Shepherd. We don't know who it belongs to ,or if it is a stray. It ran by our back patio today and scared Stewie. I heard tags or a collar jingling. I will see if it is still around tomorrow and maybe call animal control. It seems gentle, but one never knows. It was dark here in New York at 6:18. We lose at least 2 minutes of daylight every day. I don't like it. 😒 ☀️🐕😼😻😸😺

Yes Michelle @MichelleC103656 , our Stewie needs to be SAFE. And yes, LOTS of dog fights, unsupervised kids here. Lol, then add the Coyote that "jogs" through the parking lot EVERY NIGHT at 10pm. 😱

🌻 GROUP DISCUSSION!!!

IF interested, as usual - NO pressure to participate.

I know some of us are DREADING winter, including me.

How about we SHARE as we come up with "personal" ways to get through it THIS YEAR. 👌

I figured out YESTERDAY I had ONLY 5 more months to be able to SOW my seeds AGAIN. Lol, I was so "busy" being sad as I pulled out my DEAD Morning Glory (frost night before) & digging up my Caladium bulbs (store over winter) - I was feeling like it would be a YEAR!!! 😂 Goes to show how OUR MINDS can do a number on our moods. Gardening is my place to "escape" missing my husband Verl EVERY DAY. I do seeds. Exciting to see what makes it & cheaper. 😉

CeciliaM384861

I’m thinking of joining the local community health center this winter and walk their walking track to help get through the winter. The center has a pool, hot tub, weight lifting room and walking arena. Best of all, it’s free with my Medicare. So I’m hoping I follow through with this plan. We will see🤞🏼

Cecilia

That is TOTALLY AWESOME Cecilia @CeciliaM384861 !!! 👍👍👍 Lol, yes - like with all things right now, at least you have a plan & then HOPE to follow through. Who knows, you meet some NEW pals. 😉 Luv to you & your 2 darlings. Nicole 🤗💛🐶🐶

[Wednesday 10/21/26 4:45pm ET]

Dear Kai @KaiW972655 & Sue @SuannS376570 , I am "thinking" about YOU!!!

How are you doing TODAY/TONIGHT?

Luv,

Nicole 🤗🤗🤗 (Grief Forum)

[Wednesday 10/21/26 12:30pm ET]

👋 Anyone have any NEWS to share?

Mister 🐱 has been in his MAN CAVE under my table since he was out ALL NIGHT. He certainly is keeping an "eye" on his outside territory.

Sun is out here in Virginia & SO GRATEFUL!!! I donot do well when it is cold & cloudy. But working on finding ways to "survive" winter THIS YEAR. Winter "triggers" my grief.

Luv,

Nicole 🤗🤗🤗 (Grief Forum)

@l124289r , @MichelleC103656 , @Xheved , @MkK700720 , @s385111s , @j580959d , @CeciliaM384861 , @Locabell , @KaiW972655 , @SuannS376570

Contributor ⭐⭐⭐

I was telling Jim last night that I look forward to morning, because it will be light, warmer, and I can have my coffee. I do like some sun,but it can trigger my migraines. I usually like a cloudy day better. I like cooler weather but not cold and definitely not snow and ice. The biggest news that I have is that I was working at home today, and earlier I stepped on one of Stewie's toys. I decided to sit in Jim's kitchen chair, went to get up, and felt something break. I didn't have my glasses on, and then, I saw that it was a little white plastic thing. It is a little round noise maker. I found it in a kitchen cabinet, and it has become Stewie's favorite toy. I felt so bad, but luckily, I was able to put it back together. He is out on the patio, so he doesn't know that it was temporarily damaged. My other news was that Jim called a few minutes ago and was going to be coming home soon. He has another sales meeting this afternoon, and I might be going with him. So,we will see. That is about. It has been a slow morning. Nothing too exciting happened. That can be a good thing though. Luv and hugs to you and Mister from me and my Crew.🤗🙂🐱😸😺🐈🐈‍⬛

Lol Michelle @MichelleC103656 , I was "smiling" as I read the part about Stewie 🐱. I tell you, you got to look down. Sometimes I forget & step on Mister 🐱 or his tail. Then I have to "beg" for his forgiveness. But I am LEARNING that when he is INSIDE, he maybe "sleeping" but can be awake in a few seconds and in between my legs or in front. 😱 I nearly REbroke my ankle last year December while going to kitchen. Thank goodness I was able to GRAB a wall to avoid falling. Yes, him. Lol, there is NO growing "old" with him around. Keeping me ALERT!!! 😂

Luv to you, Jim & your crew.

Nicole 💛🤗🐱🐱🐱🐱

[Tuesday 10/20/26]

🪔 Acceptance: In this FINAL stage of grief, you accept the reality of your loss. It can’t be changed. Although you still feel sad, you’re able to start moving forward with your life.

Contributor ⭐⭐⭐

It is so sad,but so true.

Oh YES Michelle @MichelleC103656 , I was doing good for months, then got "blindsided" a few days ago. Stopped walking & then everything went downhill. Lol, laying in bed feeling sorry for myself. But tonight, I am back to ACCEPTING = walking. Walking ALWAYS makes me feel BETTER. 👍🙃💃🎉 The trick is to know SADNESS will stop by sometimes. Cry as needed. Then wipe those tears & get back on YOUR JOURNEY of creating a NEW LIFE. 👍👍👍👍

😴 I will be GLAD when November 1st gets here. Cannot believe Sunset is at 6:36pm ET!!! 😱 That will be in a few minutes for me here in Virginia & with it Mr. Sun says goodbye. And COLD arrives. 😭

Kia @KaiW972655 , I hope you will stop by to see us AGAIN. 🤞

As usual, I am wishing you guys rest when you head to bed.

But me and the OTHER Night Owl Michelle @MichelleC103656 will be up if anyone needs us. And feel free to jump into our Nightly Chats.

Mister 🐱 just came in, sat in kitchen ignoring his dish. I use to worry when he did this but caught him on sidewalk eating pizza a neighbor had left on sidewalk years ago. Wish they DIDNOT!!! 😤 When he gets "human" food out in the Community, cat food gets kicked to the curve. He just left = I am back in his CAT HOUSE for NOT giving him "human" food. Oh well, he will get a NEW CAN of food tomorrow. Until then, today's is there. He probably be back later & running to dish./lol 😂 I am ALWAYS his plan B for his Food Menu.

Nicole 🤗💛

Contributor ⭐⭐⭐

Our sun set at 6:20PM. Stewie doesn't eat any people food. Nova likes fruit, apples, kiwi,raspberries, and yogurt. Bristol likes all meats,roast beef,ham, bacon,pork,chicken, turkey, and she loves hot dogs. We don't know about Goldie,yet. Yes,we are usually up watching television. Last night, I fell asleep early, 1:30am, watching Columbo and Murder, She Wrote. 🙂😴

Michelle @MichelleC103656 , the thing with pizza which concerns me are the toppings. Lol, and NO telling how OLD it is before they "decide" to throw it out. They are NEW & nasty 🤮. The outside of their apt is a pig sty. Things are NO longer "addressed" here & I am so ready to move. Hoping Mister will go with me. Over the years, people have wanted to "adopt" him BEFORE I met him. He was ALWAYS "strolling" around our 3 apt levels & in the housing behind & below us. Nope!!! Does NOT want to leave his OUTSIDE territory (the whole neighborhood). Anyway, ENJOYING him while I am still here. Heading to go get mail from LOA (my local office of aging). Hope it did ARRIVE in my mailbox. Sometimes the "Informed Delivery" email from Post Office is wrong. I had gotten rides & meals from them the 7 months I had broken my ankle & no vehicle (October 27th 2025 to May 14th 2026). Hmmm, wonder what they need?

Nicole 💛🤗

K

KaiW972655

Contributor ⭐

Hi my name is Kai. My brother was murdered November 20, 1998 in Baltimore Maryland. His birthday just passed September 23 and now his anniversary is approaching and it still hurts bad. I just had an eye stroke in my sleep this past June and I'm glad God allowed me to wake up. I don't think my mom could handle losing both her children.

Dear Kai @KaiW972655 , I am so sorry about the loss of your brother & your health issues. Yes, as a mother myself, I could NOT go on IF my only child died before me. Your poor mother. My heart goes out to her dear friend.

Luv,

Nicole 🤗🤗🤗 (Grief Forum)

Contributor ⭐⭐⭐

Hi Kai. I am Michelle. I am so very sorry about your brother. I too am very sorry about your health situation. Time doesn't help with the grief for so many of us. Some of the pain might go away, but we still miss and love our family and friends. Nicole and I are just about always available day and night if you need to chat. You take care. You are in our thoughts and prayers. 🙏🙂

🐱🐶 AI Overview!

Pets help with grieving by providing emotional grounding, reducing stress hormones, and forcing daily structure.

How Pets Support Grief Recovery!

• Unconditional presence: Animals offer non-judgmental affection and a quiet shoulder to lean on without requiring conversation or explanation.
• Stress and mood regulation: Interaction with pets lowers cortisol (stress hormone) levels and triggers the release of oxytocin, endorphins, and serotonin through gentle touch and play.
• Daily routine and purpose: Feeding, walking, and caring for an animal establishes a vital daily rhythm and forces you to get out of bed when motivation is low.
• Physical activity: Walking dogs encourages gentle exercise outdoors, which helps lift mood and mitigate depressive symptoms.
• Emotional bridge: Pets act as silent companions who sense human distress and help anchor you in the present moment.

@MichelleC103656 , @SuannS376570 , @CeciliaM384861

GROUP DISCUSSION!!!

What would you tell someone grieving to "help" ease their pain? Maybe something that has "helped" YOU.

MY RESPONSE.

As I continue on my journey after losing my husband, Verl - I am SLOWLY getting rid of the "fog" I have been living with. A "fog" that kept me angry & depressed. I finally went to Individual Counseling for about 3 months last year 2025. Lol, finally got TIRED of trying to do it on my own. This group also helped. People have come & gone over the years from the AARP Grief & Loss Forum. Yes, it was hard saying goodbye, but KNOWING we "helped" them figure out a NEW LIFE added so much to my life. Our AARP Experts Amy @agoyer & Jane @JaneCares supported me. Thank you EVERYONE. Nicole 🤗💛