Hi Misssmyhero; yes it's been a while. I'm not here that much anymore either. I came to this site much later than you. I came here in 2013 and just about lived here constantly for about 3 years. Without this site I probably wouldn't have survived either. Several times over that period of time I reran your rollcall that you started way back when. But under this new format it's not as effective or easy as it was under the old format. I do come back to visit once in awhile and that's how I just came across your post. I have also in the time, lost several relatives but that’s par for the course isn't it? It's good to hear from you as it's rare to hear from any of the group from the original site anymore. Take care.

I have been on here since February 2014 after the loss of my partner of over 20 years. This site helped me keep my sanity! I still regularly check in though it has gotten so quiet since they changed the format. I miss a lot of the people who used to come here. Hugs back to you. (((Hugs)))

Lovely to hear from you! I think of you and many of the old-timers often. I'm sorry you have new grief to deal with. It's true that every loss seems to bang on that old sore spot - I feel sometimes that I know too much about grief! I'm still here, doing what I can to help out, but I have less time to devote to it than I had in the past, and sometimes I think everybody must be sick of hearing from me. But experience - my own as a widow, not just others' - says whatever I can manage, especially with the holidays coming up might help somebody out there.

Yesterday marked 11 years since I joined Daily Strength - my DS Birthday! Like that old song, "What a long strange trip it's been." I miss our long-distance chat sessions (yes, we used to have a chat function here!).Take care, Diana, it's always good to hear from old friends.

Lots of Love and Hugs,
Martha

It certainly helps to have a community to surround us during our time of grief. I am glad that you have found that here. Blessings!

Like Cliffskat and Missmyhero, I'm one of the original crew members from long ago. I lost my husband of 27 years in 2009. Life has changed so much since then....some of it for the better I suppose, and some of it for the worse. Sometimes 9 years feels like forever ago and sometimes it feels like yesterday. Although I try to focus on the blessings, the challenges can't be ignored. I'll turn 60 in a couple of months and I can't stop thinking about what my life is like today as compared to what my life "should have been like." I guess it's hard to give up the old dreams, huh? Anyway, being a member of this "group that no one wants to join" has truly been a lifesaver to me and I am grateful to still be able to come here from time to time knowing I'll find comfort from those who TRULY understand. Sending hugs and prayers to all, DonnaMarie

It's hard with the holidays looming on the horizon not to to sometimes think about "what my life should have been like" - I know what you mean. Compared to before Cliff died, very little is the same in my life, to the point of unrecognizable! That's not all bad, but it is very weird to contemplate. So I guess I try not to - that takes me to very sad places.....

Great to hear from you all. You’re so right about old life. new life! Glad you and Mark are still well. Any idea how our other friends Marsha and Sharon are doing also?

I lost my husband as well Missmyhero to a Glioblastoma Brain Tumor. He had an aggressive malignant brain tumor, an Astrocytoma. I lost him 4 months ago in August. We found out on a Monday evening and on Wed he had an emergency surgery and never woke up. We had no time. I can only say I am glad he did not suffer. I feel so lost and sad all the time. Feel like I just get through my days. So young and just not fair. I was drawn to your post when I read what your husband had. I am so sorry for your loss. Hope to see you on here from time to time.

I am sad this holiday season. I lost my husband in January 2017. I am just trying to do whatever I can to stay busy - read, watch tv (anything but Christmas stories) and staying in touch with family and friends on Facebook and e-mail. I know January will be here before too long and all this holiday hoopla will be in the rear view mirror for another year. It is such a lonely feeling when everyone is asking if you are ready for the holidays, have you done your shopping, etc. I guess all we can do is hang in there and feel the grief until our lives move on.