I'm still here. Tonight I'm not feeling good, but I'm glad to be alive.

Healing hugs to all my DS friends

You Gals are great. I thank you all for the support and I hear your expressions. That's what we're here for. We support each other and we are here for each other.

Keep on sharing with us how you feel and if I can help, let me know. I am still recovering from my surgery, but I am well enough to know that the members of this group are awesome!!!

This site, this group, other groups, the friends I have here, this topic............this is what helps me through the day.

If you are reading this, please "Add Your Reply". I need you all.

David.

Hi guys... it's good to see so many posting here... and it's wonderful to hear that you are continuing to heal David.

I haven't been around so much this last week, because I'm not in a very good space at the moment. I have several difficult issues happening within my family... and it's bringing up a lot of pain and sadness plus some other negative emotions for me. Also it is getting close to mid-winter here... and that is usually the time when the black dog of depression takes up residence on my front door mat... so that I cannot go out or back in again without the blackness following in my footsteps.

I am trying hard to shake him off my tail... but it seems that the things I normally do to stop me from feeling down and isolated and lonely and despairing of life ever improving stop working so well at this time of year. I sent a heap of hugs yesterday... and I went back and sent a heap more tonight... but I'm still feeling lost and lonely and shut off from the world. Reaching out to people on DS usually makes me feel so much better... and it usually doesn't matter whether I get any response or not... because it is the giving that helps my spirit to rise up and sing.

But it does bother me somewhat when I am feeling down... it becomes far too easy to slide down the slope into feeling that it takes too much effort to reach out to others... and that there is far too little reward/acknowledgement for doing so.

Ho hum... see I knew I wasn't in a good place.

Well I guess I could use a hug or two... but I'm still sending off hugs and friendship smiles for all.
Take care... Gaye... xxx

David...so glad you're on the road to recovery!

Gaye...I understand the darkness you're talking about. I often tell myself that I'll feel better when the weather is warmer or when I can get outside a little more, only to realize that the heat bothers me and I'm still isolating myself indoors.

We need a plan. I can't post as much or often as I'd like because of muscle spasms causing so much pain.

Hugs and hopes,
Cherry

Gaye, Here's a hug and a smile. I can identify with the winter deadness. When I lived in Massachusetts it would get dark at 4:15 PM and gt light in the morning, but still cold and dead. This was from October to April. If there's anything I can do let me know. You are a rock.

Cherry, Thanks for your kind words.

I hope to hear from some more people today.

David.

Hi David, so glad your recovering well. You take care my Good Friend.

To GTK, hang in there Hun, don't go to that dark place. Can you maybe go to the movies once a week. I started doing that, and it really helps. I'm here for you, if you need anything. just know the people here are sending you love and light.

for everyone else, here is a huge hug, happy 4th, to all

Hi David,
So glad to hear that you are doing well after surgery. I know it can be a long and difficult road back to full funtioning when you have a chronic illness, so I commend your positive attitude and cheer you on.

These past few weeks have been uniquely challenging for me. Due to the ready availability of fireworks in our area people have been setting off the loud explosive type all day long, every day! My particular brand of Epilepsy is triggered unfortunately by loud stimuli. So, each one of these fireworks that brings someone obvious joy, sends me into a seizure. And now I am in so much pain from all the seizures that I am a real mess.

To top it off the folks I share this property with are having a big party tonight to watch the annual fireworks display. Lots of people will be here that I have known most of my life. Yet, I can't participate because of all the potential for me to seizure. Plus, my pain level is such it's hard to relax and enjoy someone's company. So...I truely have become a hermit. Geezzz.... Can I just say that this bites! :)=. I used to be outgoing and social....look at me now! Thanks for allowing me to vent, I know that this will pass and I will find an acceptable way through it, but right now I am just disappointed I can't be with friends or see pretty colorful fireworks in the nights sky. You all take care and again thank you for a forum where we feel free to say whatever is on our hearts! Hugs to all, Cathy

.....feeling on the edge............like a boot is going to drop.........

sorry CW, that sounds so hard to deal with. do you use earplugs or headphones? my friend is very sensitive to noise and found some good headphones on amazon. it must be really hard to relax knowing what's coming tonight. i'm sorry that you can't participate in the celebrating. i won't be either, but i know there's going to be a street party outside my apt which i dread. i'm going to try to make my own picnic. i used to be very social, too, but now unless someone gives me a ride or comes to visit in my space it's so hard to participate in life. i hope you can get some peace tonight.

@Cathy. That's what I was thinking, earplugs or over the ear hearing protection. You can get them at Home Depot or Lowe's.

Enigma, hang in there. Message me if you need to talk. You have been such a good friend.

Sandi, I'm coming along fine.

Serenityha, you are so caring and kind.

This group is the best. We are here for each other. If we need help we can ask for it.

I would like a hug from someone who just usually watches. I promise I won't force you out. It's just nice to know that there are people here that benefit from this great group.

More than one would really make my day.

David.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY
I PRAY THAT EVERYONE IS HAVING A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY AND A LOW PAIN DAY
SORRY DAVID AS U WELL KNOW I'M NOT A LOOKY LOO BUT JUST WANTED TO SAY U R A DEAR FRIEND TO ME ON THIS SITE I PRAYING FOR A MIRACULOUS RECOVERY FOR U
NO COMPLAINTS TODAY I REFUSE TO EVEN VENT BUT LOOKOUT TOMORROW

BLESSINGS & LOW PAIN DAY

Thank you Denise . That is sweet of you. I hope the same for you and your family and friends.

Glad to hear you're on the mend, David.

Oh, BTW, I'm back. Was on vacation last week (Vegas, then Oceanside, CA). Trip was fine, flight were excruciating. If there's anything that aggravates my left hip the most, it's being forced to sit in an upright, unmoving position for hours on end.

thanks david and so are you. this thread has well exceeded your hopes! great idea. you really keep a good eye on this place! take care and fast healing.

@SGTRJ happy you had a safe trip. The same happens to my hip. It's embarrassing when I first stand and the first few minutes of walking. The pain and I walk like a eighty yr old woman. Lol