Yes, I can understand. I live 15 miles out of town in a very rural area. If I didn't make it home any night after dark, it could be days before anyone knew. No one is looking for me each day. It's our new reality. I just prayed to God that since he took Joe, he (God) will have to have my back. I even swim alone in our little lake. We always had a rule no swimming alone. But if I kept that rule, I'd never get to swim anymore. So I pray right before I cannonball in, asking God to be my watchman and keep me safe.
Kathleen

I often feel the same way. I've been sick several times since Stephen died and my family never even knew. I've wondered how long I would lay here alone if I fell before anybody would notice.

It's so hard to accept how truly alone I am most of the time. It's just another adjustment we have to make.

I have had that feeling, more than once....but every time I visit one of my girls, or my BFF, or one of hubby's family, the last thing they say is "Call me when you get home...so I'll know you made it home ok." I know they mean well, they love me and are concerned, but I get irritated when I've been to visit with several of them during the course of a day...Sometimes I wanna say, "I'll just post it on facebook so EVERYONE will know I made it home ok!" I'm not sure which feeling is worse at times...lol....
And with my luck, I'd forget the code for an alarm....or I'd accidentally trip the blasted thing....lol....
Hugs, ~E~

I never thought of that....I also live out in a rural area. My sister lives on the property next door, but I don't know how long it would take her to realize I wasn't there. When I had the video stores, people were always coming and going, getting keys, dropping off deposits, etc. Now, I don't have that any more. I don't get off work until 9 pm and often leave the house before 9 am, so it could take a while for anyone to notice my absence too!

I can go days without a phone call, if something did happen who would know?

I had a situation where I received and electric shock from a wire that my puppy chewed ....and it dawned on me that if I was hurt or disabled in some way then no one would know and worse still I might be laying hurt on the floor or outside for many days before found.

I was talking to me daughter ( well actually sobbing) in a down moment and told her about my concerns and she and I worked out an arrangement where I send her an email each morning - and if I forget she contacts me. It works well and makes me feel that at worst I would be contacted within 24 hours and if I died my cat and little puppy would not starve to death.

I live about 20 minutes out of town and have very few neighbours as the few homes around me are beach holiday homes.

Debbie

Simple really - but it gives me comfort.

Debbie

My kids call me Many times a day if I don't answer they call each other to see if the other knows why so I am sure within hours I would have company:)

I understand. I was ill from a reaction to one medicine, then a second and had breathing problems I had never had before for several months. Being alone and having breathing attacks, I began having panic attacks. Thank goodness I am doing much better now. It's so hard to be alone and ill. It emphasizes the fact we are alone. Our children have their own lives and check in frequently but it's so hard when you're ill. I live in a rural area with 5 houses on our little street. I am so fortunate to have a wonderful younger couple across the street. They watch out what is going on over here and for that I am grateful. Take care, Sandra

I was thinking this same thing last night..........my daughter lives next door but I have been in bed sick and they never thought to check on me.
scary to be sure

My friends keep in touch with me just about every day and when we go out at night we sms each other to let them know we made it home ok. I have wonderful support from my group of friends here and I feel lucky that they ask me to let them know I got home ok. Yes, many people would know if anything happened to me._Gail

Kathleen I like your attitude. Try to do that as well but haven't been cannon balling in some time. lol Thankfully friend and sister check in and neighbors would eventually notice I was not out or the house. That's why I am trying to make habits (like walking the dog same time at night) so others may notice not seeing me. :)

Yesterday I almost wiped out on the stairs. I tripped on a dog toy. It made me think what if I fell and broke my leg and had to crawl back up the stairs in severe pain to call for help. Wallowed in this thought for awhile and had a little cry. But then decided I can`t live my life worrying about worse case scenarios. My mother has done this her whole life and it`s such a waste of energy.

I have had thoughts like that too; daughter lives a few houses down but I see her once a week if I am lucky. My younger son wants to get me one of those " help I've fallen and I can't get up " necklaces but I am no where near ready for that. Nothing can be easy, can it ?! Kathy

Tru...,

Legitimate concern, for sure. This is a problem I think about every time I'm out on our farm. I found my husband on our lane, so who knows how long he would have been there after his heart attack before someone would have checked on him.

When I work outside, I always carry my cell phone. There was one time I had a small mishap with our 4-wheeler and was glad to have my cell handy. We have coyotes in our woods, so that is always on my mind if I have an accident with equipment. The thought of them finding me before my family would doesn't thrill me! TJ

Yes, I too have thought of it, but mostly it's if I have an accident and end up in the hospital, who's going to look after Mom and give her, her meds. I really need to think about this and what to do if I ever become incapacitated. Thanks for that thought/reminder for me.