WE ARE SORRY about your loss 💛

[SummerOnTheWay1]

THIS GROUP IS OPEN TO ALL GRIEVERS NO MATTER HOW LONG IT HAS BEEN [years,days].

To participate, click on reply button at bottom of this post. Enter your comment. Click on reply again.

Grief & Loss Team  🤗

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌💡‌   PREDICTABLE losses – like those due to terminal illness – sometimes allow more time to prepare for the loss. However, they carry two layers of grief: the grief related to the anticipation of the loss and the grief related to the final loss. The length of the grief process is different for everyone. There is no predictable schedule for grief. *** Do the "best" you can. Know that with "time" things will BEGIN to fall in place for you. 🤗

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌🕯‌   SUDDEN or SHOCKING losses – due to events like crimes, accidents or suicide – can be traumatic. There is no way to prepare. They can challenge your sense of security and confidence in the predictability of life. You may experience symptoms such as sleep disturbance, nightmares, disturbing thoughts, social isolation or severe anxiety. *** Maybe speaking with your doctor or counselor can provide some "comfort" as you try to deal with all this. 🤗

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌🗣‌‌   TALKING about YOUR grief can feel awkward, but remember, SOME people want to HELP.

Simply SHARING what you NEED, whether it’s a shoulder to CRY on or an ERRAND done on your behalf, can LIGHTEN your emotional load.

‌‌➡️‌‌[*** Not everyone will be there for you, but keep searching for the ones who are. Forgive the ones who are NOT & move on to the NEXT person. ‌‌👍‌‌

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌📌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌   Make a MEMORY blanket, teddy or cushions out of YOUR loved ones’ clothes.

*** Something to "snuggle" up with on those "sleepless" nights or when the "tears" arrive. ‌

[SummerOnTheWay1]

🪧    Try to maintain YOUR hobbies and interests.

There’s comfort in routine and getting back to the activities that bring you joy and connect you closer to others can help you come to terms with your loss and aid the grieving process.

*** Maybe try something NEW.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🎵‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🎶‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌    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".

[SummerOnTheWay1]

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

[rl1874]

This coming August it will be three years since I lost my husband. This year has been so hard as I look for my identity. 
Health has not been the best, I’ve needed to make decisions………feeling so overwhelmed. 💕🦋💕

[agoyer]

@rl1874 I'm so sorry for your loss and I know it takes time to re-focus and figure out who we are without our loved ones - figure out how to do life differently. 

I wrote this column (link below) for AARP 3 yrs after my dad died - so I was right about where you are now. My mom and sister and niece had also all died. At three years I was just starting to feel a bit like myself again. 8 years later I still feel a bit lost but also have joy and fun and purpose in my life. I'll always miss them and life will never be the same, but it can be good. 

I hope my column will be helpful to you! Finding purpose in grief https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/life-balance/finding-purpose-after-caregiving-ends/ 

Take care,

Amy Goyer, AARP National Family & Caregiving Expert

[SummerOnTheWay1]

[Tuesday 7/28/26]

Dear @rl1874 , I am SO SORRY for your loss dear friend!!!

It does NOT matter how many YEARS it has been, we miss them.

Lost mine to COVID & at age 68 this September, have my good & bad days.

Individual Counseling helped me to find BALANCE in a life I NEVER "planned" to be living.

Do you have any family or friends nearby?

Maybe a pet?

My daughter is in ANOTHER "state" from me & boy, it is SO HARD.

Yes, as WE AGE, stuff happens.

Just "try" to do YOUR BEST each day/night. He is WATCHING over you. Luvs you. You will see him again soon.

Meanwhile, take care of your body. Keep those Medical Appts.

And I am "talking" to myself. Finally READY to do a "biopsy" that should have been done LAST YEAR. I owe my "only" child this.

We are ALWAYS here for you!!!

Luv,

Nicole 🤗🤗🤗 (Grief Forum)

---

➡️[*** RL @rl1874 wrote:

This coming August it will be three years since I lost my husband. This year has been so hard as I look for my identity. 
Health has not been the best, I’ve needed to make decisions………feeling so overwhelmed. 💕🦋💕

---

@MichelleC103656 @mc6844 @SummerOnTheWay1 

[SummerOnTheWay1]

[Wednesday 8/5/26]

Dear @rl1874  , WE are here whenever you need us dear friend!

WE have lost people we CARED about & have found the "support" here COMFORTING.

Luv,

Nicole ‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌ (Grief Forum)

[SummerOnTheWay1]

[Saturday 8/1/26]

Dear @rl1874 , I am "thinking" about YOU!!!

How are you doing TODAY/TONIGHT?

Luv,

Nicole 🤗🤗🤗 (Grief Forum)

[SummerOnTheWay1]

[Saturday 8/1/26]

Dear @rl1874 , WE hope you will stop by AGAIN to see us!!!

Grief & Loss Team 🤗

[veronicaalmarzooq]

Hubby passed Three months ago. Pain and longing is getting harder and harder to  bear. Loneliness and insecurities of living alone  make it even harder. Need comforting words and people who understand.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

[Wednesday 8/5/26]

Dear Veronica @veronicaalmarzooq , I am "thinking" about YOU!!!

How are you doing TODAY/TONIGHT?

Luv,

Nicole ‌🤗‌‌🤗‌‌🤗‌ (Grief Forum)

[SummerOnTheWay1]

[Thursday 7/30/26]

Dear Veronica @veronicaalmarzooq  , WE are here whenever you need us dear friend!

WE have lost people we CARED about & have found the "support" here COMFORTING.

Luv,

Nicole ‌🤗‌‌🤗‌‌🤗‌ (Grief Forum)

[SummerOnTheWay1]

[Thursday 7/30/26]

Dear Veronica @veronicaalmarzooq , WE hope you will stop by AGAIN to see us!!!

Grief & Loss Team ‌🤗‌ 

[JosephineG261368]

veronica

i understand how you feel.  I lost my husband 7 weeks ago and am still very raw.  The silence in the house is deafening.  I saw a grief counselor at a nearby hospice yesterday and it gave me some peace.  One suggestion he had was to get a binder with dividers and start writing memories.  Give each section a title…foods he liked…trips we took…activities we enjoyed…whatever fits for you.  Maybe you could think about trying it.  

[SummerOnTheWay1]

[Wednesday 8/5/26]

Dear Josephine @JosephineG261368   , WE are here whenever you need us dear friend

WE have lost people we CARED about & have found the "support" here COMFORTING.

Luv,

Nicole ‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌ (Grief Forum)

[SummerOnTheWay1]

[Thursday 7/30/26]

Dear Josephine @JosephineG261368 , WE hope you will stop by AGAIN to see us!!

Grief & Loss Team ‌🤗‌ 

[SummerOnTheWay1]

[Thursday 7/30/26]

Dear Josephine @JosephineG261368 , I am "thinking" about YOU!!!

How are you doing TODAY/TONIGHT?

Luv,

Nicole 🤗🤗🤗 (Grief Forum)

[JaneCares]

Hello, Veronica.

Grief is the gift that keeps on giving. It is SO HARD. You know that already. I wonder if finding a grief group might help you. Is there a hospice near you? Many hospices welcome other people who are grieving to their bereavement groups, which are free. When you are feeling so tearful and wounded, it's hard to make calls and say, "I saw your group offers a bereavement group, could i come?" and then here, no its a closed group, we'll start another in 12 weeks.. . or whatever. But, the isolation of deep grief will be soothed. Do you belong to a worship community? Perhaps the minister or rabbit or imam can support you and suggest you start a group: there are always people who are carrying grief. 

Are there activities that are fun, that he enjoyed too? Perhaps his favorite funny movie? My father loved Grumpy Old Men, so occasionally I'll watch it and shake my head. (Why would Ann Margaret hang out with those two??) And then cry right along.

People here don't post a whole lot but they do understand. What do you think you'd like to do? What feels possible?

Glad you posted. Sorry you're in pain. The pain means you love deeply. But, ouch.

Jane

[edjojr1]

My husband passed away Memorial Day. I had a dream last night that he was back and we were working to reinstate his Social Security and pension.  So vivid.  Having a very tough time today.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

[7/19/26] Dear @edjojr1 , I am SO SORRY for your "loss" dear friend!!!

Yes, those "dreams" still take ALOT out of me. In fact, had a "sleepless" night last night.

The "experts" say that DREAMS are the way OUR LUV ONES are "communicating" with us.

Maybe he is letting you know he is okay & ALWAYS with you.

I still have my "good & bad" days after losing the luv of my life to COVID. Thought we would GROW OLD "together".

Some of us have found Counseling helps us to find a "balance" as WE TRY to "figure" out OUR LIFE.

Do you have any family or friends nearby?

My "only" child is in another state (Florida). I am in Virginia. Plan to move back to Florida when I can NO longer drive or live alone. I am 68 this September.

IF you are a Senior, and IF there are any Senior Centers near you - maybe try visiting them. I thought about "trying" mine here AGAIN, but gas is just TOO HIGH. A few years ago I had "visited" one, but was NOT "ready" to deal with the "personalities". Yes, that is life, we will encounter "challenging" people in our lives.

Counseling for a FEW MONTHS helped me & Medicare paid = NEVER received a bill. Just make sure your Primary Care Physician REFERS you. No need to end up with ANOTHER bill to pay in the midst of doing life on YOUR OWN. She let me cry. Get angry. She "helped" me to "release" ALL the emotions I had stored up. Yes, my daughter was & is there for me. But she was ALSO dealing with the "unexpected" loss of her dad.

In ending, I took in a cat I named "Mister" who is fiercely INDEPENDENT, but luving in spite of his humans moving WITHOUT him. 😤 But their loss. My gain. Yes, I MISS him & my daughter EVERY DAY, but my boy was mean't to enter my life. He needed a home. I needed a roommate./lol.

I am SO GLAD you stopped by & hope you will AGAIN.

Luv,

Nicole 🤗🤗🤗 (Grief Forum)

---

➡️[*** @edjojr1 wrote:

My husband passed away Memorial Day. I had a dream last night that he was back and we were working to reinstate his Social Security and pension.  So vivid.  Having a very tough time today.

---

➡️[*** Tuesday 7/21/26 TO - @mc6844 , @MichelleC103656 , @SummerOnTheWay1 ]

[SummerOnTheWay1]

[Wednesday 8/5/26]

Dear @edjojr1  , WE are here whenever you need us dear friend.

WE have lost people we CARED about & have found the "support" here COMFORTING.

Luv,

Nicole ‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌ (Grief Forum)

[SummerOnTheWay1]

[Sunday 7/26/26]

Dear @edjojr1 , I am "thinking" about YOU!!!

How are you doing TODAY/TONIGHT?

Luv,

Nicole ‌🤗‌‌🤗‌‌🤗‌ (Grief Forum)

[SummerOnTheWay1]

[7/19/26] Dear @edjojr1 , WE hope you will stop by AGAIN to see us!!!

Grief & Loss Team 🤗

[mc6844]

Hi Nicole! So nice to see you, and hello to all on the forum. I'm so sorry for all your losses and read your postings with much 💕 and respect. So glad you are all here in the right place at this stage of your journey. It's so helpful to hear what you have to say. I'm grateful to be able to drop by. It's so convenient too for those with aging issues not having to navigate transportation etc.

[GailF119427]

It's going on 3 years not a day goes by that I don't cry. It would be nice to talk to others that are experiencing the same

[SummerOnTheWay1]

[7/12/26] Dear Gail @GailF119427 , so glad you stopped by to see us!!!

Yes dear friend, EVERY day is a "challenge" for me. Some days there are NO "tears" but the "heartache" is there.

NO pressure to share, but feel free to tell us more.

I have had "several" losses as I age. Losing my other half has been the "worst". Never planned on losing him to COVID.

Luv,

Nicole 🤗🤗🤗 (Grief Forum)

---

➡️[*** GAIL @GailF119427 wrote:

It's going on 3 years not a day goes by that I don't cry. It would be nice to talk to others that are experiencing the same.

---

➡️[*** Tuesday 7/21/26 #3. TO @mc6844 , @MichelleC103656 , @SummerOnTheWay1 ]