Barely keeping it together...

[ahiggins]

Thank you everyone for the kind words. It does mean a lot even if most of you are “strangers on the internet” lol
It’s hard to see past it right now with the holidays, I just needed to see the brighter side.

 

[King Turkey]

there will be a after x-mas live sale at @CherryCorals sometimes getting some new corals helps improve my mood and keeps my mind off the struggles of life. I like you recently lost my gramps. I know this hobby can be tough sometimes but it keeps me busy.

 

[Mastiffsrule]

I am very sorry about your situation and concerned you pull through this.

The most important thing to remember is you are never truly alone. Support systems do not just have to be family or neighbors right next door, as you see they can be anywhere. Thanks for sharing and reach out anytime.

 

[fishybizzness]

In life you will never see a rainbow unless you go through a rainstorm. We are all praying for you and we know that you will get through this. Time heals all!

 

[Terri Caton]

Loss is tough. That's why I don't really get too close to people. In 3 years I lost my dad, my grandma, and my favorite uncle. I'm not over any of it and it was 7 years ago I lost my dad, to the same cancer that took his mom a year earlier. I was extremely close to both. I know it's doesn't mean much but I lost my cat of 18 years last year just before Thanksgiving. It was her favorite day of the year. I was, and still am, devastated by that loss. Was the last real connection to my grandma. I lived with her for my senior year of high school, when I picked her up from the humane society in Wisconsin. She moved back to Oregon with me.

I'd like to say time heals, it doesn't. You just move on and keep going.

That is an incorrect saying. I lost my son almost 10 years ago and it’s still devastating. All time dose is give you space away from the event to learn how to incorporate it into your life.

Losing your cat of 18 years and being devastated is perfectly normal! She saw you through a lot. Of course you miss her.

Loss of someone (human or animal) completely sucks. Anyone who says differently is lying.

It’s why I don’t name my fish.

It’s not as fresh and raw with time but there’s still a lot of scar tissue and scar tissue can really hurt.

 

[Terri Caton]

I am thankful I didn’t have to go through the years of awful some of you have with your loved ones. At the end, he kept asking where he was and if where he lived, every 5 minutes. My grandma just told us to lie and say he was coming home after he got better so he wouldn’t cause a fuss. He kept asking if he was alone at night, because he was so scared of dying in his sleep. Not sure why, seems like the best option to me I think. That’s how it happened, the nurses said. At least he wasn’t in pain. This is really helping. I haven’t been able to talk about it without crying yet, but today I haven’t cried.

See? There a lot more of us going through similar things than you think. It was brave of you to reach out. I tend to be Way too independent. I’ve actually had friends tell me that by not reaching out you deprive others the joy of blessing you.

There’s some wisdom in that.

 

[tripdad]

I am sorry to hear of your loss. Having lost my parents several uncles, three aunts, two grandparents and worst of all our son I can say this. Each of them left a part of themselves with me. It shapes me and helps make me who and what I am. Losing them has left many scars but knowing them has given me so much more. They are with me when life seems the darkest, I draw strength from their memory. Time does not necessarily heal but it will help you gain perspective. It will help you shift focus from the loss to the joy of having had them in your life. I hope you find peace in your memories. Celebrate Christmas for those we remember.

 

[Paulie069]

See? There a lot more of us going through similar things than you think. It was brave of you to reach out. I tend to be Way too independent. I’ve actually had friends tell me that by not reaching out you deprive others the joy of blessing you.

There’s some wisdom in that.

Wasn’t gonna mention my tragedy but people are sharing deep feelings on this subject I figure I can get mine out only because it’s good to talk about it and not let it eat ur insides n heart. Well here goes. My son died in my arms and there was nothing I could do about it but watch n wait. He was premature and only lived 7hrs. The next day I had a tv taping 3 states away and I didn’t miss it. I was in a fog and don’t even remember the match

 

[vetteguy53081]

I lost my grandfather last weekend to a very short battle with dementia. From forgetting things here and there to the end was only 3 weeks.
I’m at a loss right now on how to keep dealing with the crap life is throwing my way. I should be focusing on what I’m thankful for and what’s good in my life but at any moment I’m on the verge of breaking down.
Christmas is my favorite holiday but I can’t bring myself to celebrate. I have no idea how I’m going to make it through the holidays.
I just needed to get it off my chest, I don’t really have a support system near me (I moved a few hours away from all of my family for work).
I hope everyone hugs their loved ones extra today-you never know when it’s going to be their time to go.

I think many of us have had and have suffered loss whether a family member or Pet and we have the Blessings and comfort from our Lord to be able to move forward, understand why and the Opportunity to meet once again with those we lost in a better life.
As we reflect on our past, we can also be grateful that through this hobby, we have developed a new and blessing family in some form and have each other for direction, comfort and enjoyment. . . ALL IN ONE !

 

[Jeeperz]

The best thing I have found, that works for me, rescue a cat or dog or anything and help it find a good home. I've found countless stray kittens and a almost dead dog in the woods. Found them all excellent homes. The dog was even taken by the same person that took one of the cats. Nursed them back to health. The dog was near death due to starvation and what appeared to be mange, but was not. Turned into a fat healthy love of a dog, same with the kitten. I've tried to save a few birds, young crow, young Stellars Jay. Neither made it after dropping them at the audobahn? Society that takes native wild birds that are injured. So I made a decent donation to help future rescues.

To me, rescuing animals helps as it's something my family would truly support and appreciate.

 

[jay06705]

I'm sorry for your loss, I lost my grandfather Christmas day 1990, it's tough losing a loved one eventually the pain lessens the memories are what keeps them alive. A support system can sometimes be a pm, text or video call away. You and your family are in my prayers and although you may not know me I'm more than happy to lend an ear or a hand when needed.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Wasn’t gonna mention my tragedy but people are sharing deep feelings on this subject I figure I can get mine out only because it’s good to talk about it and not let it eat ur insides n heart. Well here goes. My son died in my arms and there was nothing I could do about it but watch n wait. He was premature and only lived 7hrs. The next day I had a tv taping 3 states away and I didn’t miss it. I was in a fog and don’t even remember the match

We are all human with all of our differences and process life differently. Lots of love. :)

 

[Joedubyk]

be thankful you had a grand father. I never had one

 

[ahiggins]

What gets me is the “thinking about things” part. I can’t help but think how much worse this is going to be when my dad passes or my mom. Then I start bawling all over again.

I’ve always been the outgoing, help anyone who needs it person but I don’t want to be around anyone-I don’t even want to go to Christmas dinner. That’s what’s hard. Forcing myself to do those things so I don’t get stuck in a rut.

I did do a water change and some hair algae cleaning so that kept me busy lol

 

[motortrendz]

I lost my grandfather 5 days before christmas 3 years ago. It was terrible. Even harder seeing how my grandmother was taking it. it wasnt easy and I'm sorry for your loss. But I can tell you time heals. The best way to honor him is to remember him, and tell stories about him. Be glad he didnt go though years of suffering and battling. It's hard on the entire family watching someone diminish that way. Honor him by being strong and living today for tomorrow and remember him for who he was and let that legacy live on through you.

 

[Dave Bayliss]

I lost my grandfather last weekend to a very short battle with dementia. From forgetting things here and there to the end was only 3 weeks.
I’m at a loss right now on how to keep dealing with the crap life is throwing my way. I should be focusing on what I’m thankful for and what’s good in my life but at any moment I’m on the verge of breaking down.
Christmas is my favorite holiday but I can’t bring myself to celebrate. I have no idea how I’m going to make it through the holidays.
I just needed to get it off my chest, I don’t really have a support system near me (I moved a few hours away from all of my family for work).
I hope everyone hugs their loved ones extra today-you never know when it’s going to be their time to go.

Firstly sorry for your loss, you will never forget or 'cope' as people expect you to, you will feel it at the weirdest times. I still do, as recently as today.
Secondly life is to be lived each day, we only die once, we live every day, hug your loved ones, put in your best and get used to the fact everything eventually passes on, including you.
Celebrate his life as you remember him before the illness that took his mental capability away. remember the fun things you did together, the times he made you laugh!! there has to be more than one, tell us about it!!

I've been through the same thing with my Grandmother, it sucks, and hurts to see them fade away to nothing in their final days, my wife and kids helped me get through it, then there were the dogs and fish when you dont want answers to dont want t o hear!!

 

[reef r madness]

What gets me is the “thinking about things” part. I can’t help but think how much worse this is going to be when my dad passes or my mom. Then I start bawling all over again.

I’ve always been the outgoing, help anyone who needs it person but I don’t want to be around anyone-I don’t even want to go to Christmas dinner. That’s what’s hard. Forcing myself to do those things so I don’t get stuck in a rut.

I did do a water change and some hair algae cleaning so that kept me busy lol

Sorry to hear of your loss so close to Christmas...Celebrate his life and all the holidays you had together..That can help get you through the rough times...

 

[Terri Caton]

Wasn’t gonna mention my tragedy but people are sharing deep feelings on this subject I figure I can get mine out only because it’s good to talk about it and not let it eat ur insides n heart. Well here goes. My son died in my arms and there was nothing I could do about it but watch n wait. He was premature and only lived 7hrs. The next day I had a tv taping 3 states away and I didn’t miss it. I was in a fog and don’t even remember the match

Although I’ve never lost a baby personally I know better than most what you went through. I delivered babies for 22 years. I’ve witnessed the joy, pain and heartbreak of those parents. None of my medical expertise could help that part of the process. And even though each loss was tragic some were beautiful too. I’ve watched families who’s emotions are warring with each other. Joy and wonder vs heartbreak and pain. The tenderness I’ve seen from the parents who’s babies didn’t make it actually can outshine the ones who’s babies lived. An overwhelming appreciation of each and every precious second. I can remember every single one of the babies I delivered that didn’t make it and I can’t even come close to saying that about the ones that did.

 

[Paulie069]

That

Although I’ve never lost a baby personally I know better than most what you went through. I delivered babies for 22 years. I’ve witnessed the joy, pain and heartbreak of those parents. None of my medical expertise could help that part of the process. And even though each loss was tragic some were beautiful too. I’ve watched families who’s emotions are warring with each other. Joy and wonder vs heartbreak and pain. The tenderness I’ve seen from the parents who’s babies didn’t make it actually can outshine the ones who’s babies lived. An overwhelming appreciation of each and every precious second. I can remember every single one of the babies I delivered that didn’t make it and I can’t even come close to saying that about the ones that did.

that just put a tear in my eye

 

[S.Pepper]

I lost my grandfather last weekend to a very short battle with dementia. From forgetting things here and there to the end was only 3 weeks.
I’m at a loss right now on how to keep dealing with the crap life is throwing my way. I should be focusing on what I’m thankful for and what’s good in my life but at any moment I’m on the verge of breaking down.
Christmas is my favorite holiday but I can’t bring myself to celebrate. I have no idea how I’m going to make it through the holidays.
I just needed to get it off my chest, I don’t really have a support system near me (I moved a few hours away from all of my family for work).
I hope everyone hugs their loved ones extra today-you never know when it’s going to be their time to go.

Be well, my friend. As Psalm 91:2 says, "I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress. My God, in Him will I trust." Be well, my friend. I hope His strength will carry you.