🤗 WE are thinking of YOU! Please Stop By To See Us :)

[Anonymous]

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WE cry, rejoice, talk, share!

Whatever YOU need, WE are here for YOU.

***YOU are a very SPECIAL person and WE want to hear from YOU***

Grief & Loss Team 🤗

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

🙃  GRATITUDE while we heal - AARP Online Community.

WHAT ARE YOU GRATEFUL FOR RIGHT NOW? ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

Gratitude brings MORE of the GOOD stuff our way!!!  ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌💃💃💃

https://community.aarp.org/t5/Grief-Loss/GRATITUDE-while-we-heal/m-p/2532387#M9115

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

🤔  What CHALLENGE(s) Are YOU Facing RIGHT NOW - AARP Online Community.

EVERY day and night we may be faced with several challenges.  ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

WE are here for YOU!!!

Stop by when you feel up to it and share with us.

WE listen, may add our 2 cents, BUT NEVER JUDGE.

Nicole  ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗🤗🤗

https://community.aarp.org/t5/Grief-Loss/What-CHALLENGE-s-Are-YOU-Facing-RIGHT-NOW/m-p/2475057#M1229

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

HOW ARE YOU HANDLING THE HOLIDAYS AND DAYS LIKE MOTHER'S AND FATHER'S DAYS - BIRTHDAYS - ANNIVERSARIES AND SO ON?  🤔

Me, I have never been a Group Person and as soon as I turned 18, started to "skip" the gatherings. I luv the one-on-one interactions. As far as Father's Day, he was never the father my daughter deserved [drug and crime issues], so she never did the day. Every day is Mother's Day for me = she makes sure I am okay every day. She is the opposite of me and while she avoids family  🙄,  she has had Extended Family & Friends all her life. So she spends the holidays with them.  👍

Nicole  🤗🤗🤗

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

💡Just For TODAY - AARP Online Community.

 ‌‌What is YOUR "Just For Today" ...

‌‌‌‌ Please REACH OUT to *1* GRIEVING person.

(A) Email/text/call/visit.

(B) Invite to do something fun.

(C) Babysit/help around their house.

(D) Or ask what is needed.

Grief & Loss TEAM  👍👍👍

https://community.aarp.org/t5/Grief-Loss/Just-For-TODAY/m-p/2474449#M1178 

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

💃  Tell Us About YOUR GOOD days! And YES, we will have a FEW SOME weeks - AARP Online Community. ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

Any HAPPY DANCES to share?

And support OTHERS with a comment when you can!!!

Thanks,

Nicole  🤗🤗🤗  ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

https://community.aarp.org/t5/Grief-Loss/Tell-Us-About-YOUR-GOOD-days-And-YES-we-will-have-a-FEW-SOM...

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

👋  Help and signs from loved one - AARP Online Community.

Stop by to JOIN Carolyn's discussion when YOU have a few spare moments!

Thanks,

Nicole  🤗🤗🤗

 ‌‌‌‌‌‌

https://community.aarp.org/t5/Grief-Loss/Help-and-signs-from-loved-one/m-p/2478924#M1452

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

📚  Grief & Loss Books - AARP Online Community. ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

READ any books that has helped YOU? Stop by and tell us about them.

And checkout the suggestions left by OTHERS!!!  ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

https://community.aarp.org/t5/Grief-Loss/Grief-amp-Loss-Books/m-p/2475048#M1224

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

Did you know that a SELF-CARE ROUTINE helps us on OUR Healing Journeys? Tell us about YOUR ROUTINE!!! Thanks, Nicole  🤗🤗🤗

I treat myself to Glade Candles. 💃💃💃  When the candles will NO LONGER BURN, I use a sharp knife to scrape a "little" of the remaining candle out and INTO my "tiny" wax burner. I am in heaven...  👍

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO IS GRIEVING?  🤔  Thanks, Nicole  🤗🤗🤗

My Advice - not everyone is going to "understand" your journey, so find ways to connect with folks who do. Not everyone is going to make time for you. TREASURE THE ONES THAT DO AND THANK THEM!!!  👍

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🗣‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌  Stop by when you can to JOIN our Group Discussions and/or CREATE DISCUSSION(s) of your own!!!

[Checkout this discussion posted BELOW ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🔽‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌ *** MARCY wrote: So...I would be interested in hearing about anyone's journey to create a living space of your own after the loss of a loved one. Marcy ***]

Thanks,

Nicole  ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌🤗‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

2 comments  👣  One Step At A Time - AARP Online Community.

[1] Take That Step To FEEL BETTER.

[2] YES YOU CAN DO IT!!!

[3]    BOOK TITLE: ONE STEP AT A TIME!

Josh Bleill tells people he had “one bad day” while on combat patrol in Fallujah, Iraq, on October 15, 2006.  That day, an IED struck his Humvee, tearing through the vehicle and killing two of his fellow marines while severely injuring Bleill and his best friend.  He awoke five days later with to learn of the catastrophic loss of his two friends and both of his legs. Recovering physically presented a great challenge, but the mental recovery was the toughest battle. For three and a half months he never left the hospital because he didn't want people to see his injured body. In One Step at a Time, Bleill shares the story of his own personal redemption and the many life-changing moments he encountered, from his enlistment to active duty in Fallujah, through two years of intensive rehabilitation, and ultimately to his job as the community spokesman for the Indianapolis Colts. Readers will be inspired by his undying enthusiasm, infectious joy, and sense of humor as he shares his message of going forward, one step at a time.

Bookcover and Amazon prices for book formats attached.

https://community.aarp.org/t5/Grief-Loss/One-Step-At-A-Time/m-p/2532619#M9162

[mc6844]

Thank you for sharing this Nicole. Combat veterans have gone through so much. Rarely do they feel sorry for themselves. 

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

You are welcome MC @mc6844 , Nicole  🤗🤗🤗

---

[*** MC @mc6844 wrote:

Thank you for sharing this Nicole. Combat veterans have gone through so much. Rarely do they feel sorry for themselves. ***]

---

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

[1 comment] WHAT HAS HELPED YOU THE MOST WITH YOUR HEALING JOURNEY?  🤔

Me - my daughter. Knowing she NEEDS me, the only parent she has left. I still have my monents, but I make an effort for her. Nicole  ‌‌🤗🤗🤗‌‌

[mc6844]

That's good Nicole that you and your daughter have each other!

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

[1 comment] Okay, WE are "on our way" with this year with OUR Healing Journeys. ANY 2024 PLANS?  🤔

I NO LONGER do the famous New Year's Resolutions. Why? As I AGE and take 1 Step At A Time, I have had to cancel and make NEW plans. Lol, not always fun but sometimes something BETTER comes along.  💃💃💃  So, I had planned on moving back to Florida 100%. Lol, daughter got laid off 4/11/24 there and only life KNOWS if she will get another Engineering Job there or have to relocate. So I "is" staying in Virginia. Nicole  🤗🤗🤗

[mc6844]

That's good Nicole. Your daughter knows where you are.

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

[1 comment] WHAT HAS BEEN THE HARDEST PART OF YOUR HEALING JOURNEY?  🤔

Me - anger. Anger at NOT having the Love Ones I lost in my life as I age. 66 this year (2024). Nicole  ‌‌🤗🤗🤗‌‌

[mc6844]

I've felt that way too. It certainly isn't an easy journey. 

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

[4 comments] AT SOME POINT OF OUR "HEALING JOURNEY" WE ARE READY TO GET BACK OUT THERE TO SOCIALIZE. ARE YOU? Nicole  🤗🤗🤗  ‌

Me - finally "feeling" the interest to locate some PEACEFUL interactions with folks MY AGE [66 this year 2024]. Lol, had visited the local Senior Center and lost interest once I encountered I guess the member who feels she runs it. Rude and controlling. I had hoped the place would be run by the County who owns it. Guess not.

So NOW to figure out some other "possibilities" and research some other ideas [as I find them].

Nicole  ‌🤗‌

[mc6844]

Nicole, I got a chuckle when I read your post. I could just see you encountering this person, then walking out. So many groups are like that. Have you tried wildlife rescue? I think there's a whole network of people rescuing injured wildlife and getting them to rescue locations. They have people who pick up the animals. It sounds very interesting and rewarding. Just a suggestion!

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

[2 comments] Lol MC @mc6844  🤣😂  and I did "try" to be NICE to her but...

Yes, here in Cave Spring (Virginia), they do the wildlife thing.  👍

[mc6844]

Nicole, so funny! Know that I'm laughing with you, not at you. I find the wildlife rescue interesting and enjoyable to follow. It's so good those animals don't have to suffer out in the wild or be destroyed. I couldn't do much except take a pic of an injured bird, racoon etc and send it to the local rescue. They have local rescues now for every kind of animal, amazing.

[mc6844]

I'd just like to add it's not easy finding new interests. So much of our interests were tied up with people who aren't here anymore. 

[jonibee]

I came across a book that gives us insight as to how to deal with the loss of loved ones and pets. It's titled "The Love Never Ends" by Sunny Dawn Johnson ..Well worth checking it out....

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

[1 comment] Jonibee @jonibee , where did you get YOUR copy?  Nicole  🤗🤗🤗

[jonibee]

I believe it was from Thrift Books.com .Another great place is the Salvation Army but you have to delve into looking ...

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

(7 comments) Marcy @MarcyW882921 , hmmm - do you mean setting up the home you shared with a luv one who passed?

In your case, your husband.

[1] The challenge is the bedroom deciding whether to keep the bed you BOTH slept in. Are you keeping yours? I tend to want "reminders" gone - not things like pictures, just furniture.

[2] Another challenge is maybe the ROUTINE you may have had with him. Maybe a garden, or sitting on a porch for morning coffee or watching TV in the evenings. Now the garden can be THERAPY as we can continue to work in it to "honor" him. As far as TV programs - that one is "emotional" and stepping away for some time helped.

Not sure what you are needing but this is my 2 cents worth.

Luv you STRONG AND DETERMINED lady!!! Nicole  🤗🤗🤗

[MarcyW882921]

Thanks Nicole @SpringIsHereSoHappy for weighing in on this topic. All of us are unique as individuals and therefore in our responses to grief.

One of the presenters in the webinars talked about how the minute your loved one passes away your life is changed. The people in this forum certainly know this is true. I think we have discussed the change in one's identity, the search for who you are without that person, and finding one's purpose in life.

Another change is our perception of our living space. Are you comfortable there without your loved one? Can you continue to live there? Are changes needed to improve your comfort level? Is there a desire to "make it your own" reflecting your personal tastes?

I have been very comfortable in my home because I feel love and a presence. I did however do a remodeling of two rooms that we had planned together. I did make selections in the process that reflected my personal tastes. Recently I changed some window treatments and bedspreads that create an even happier place for me.

All the best to everyone who is working through all of these issues.

Marcy