Several deaths have made it a rough month

[bif]

My cousin died about three weeks ago. He was a super nice guy and my age. Then about a week ago, my old advertising partner/art director died unexpectedly. He was one of those crazy, creative types you had to reel in to get him to focus. We did a cartoon in the local paper for 5 years and came up with some great stuff. Then I found out a woman in my wife's book club, who's one of the cheeriest, most positive people I've ever met is in hospice for cancer. She was the only person to write to me when I was in rehab, with tons of encouragement. My wife and her friends are going over to her house this afternoon to say farewell. Wow!

The old me would definitely be hitting the bottle to deal with this. But I'm going to be strong and get through this. Maybe spend a bit more time painting and less time on the computer and phone.

[MuseRider]

1. You know what to do

but I just wanted to say that I hope you can be easy with yourself. That is one long list of bad. Sending thoughts of support. Addiction is all around me. Almost my whole family on both sides and my husbands family. I got lucky I guess, I am free of it and my kids are too, for now. BIG hugs. Death really makes everything harder for such a long time. HUGS

[TexLaProgressive]

2. Stay strong

One of the things that come with living long is outliving family and friends. A year ago my wife and I lost close family making us the eldest. We still have each other.

[stopdiggin]

3. sorry to hear. and, yeah, a rough patch still constitutes a rough patch

They're still there. And yet, I think we find that we're far better at dealing with the choppy water that comes our way - as we get more grounded and stronger. Hope that is your experience as well. But - you're still entitled to say, "Crappy weather here recently .. " 'Cause it is. And that can't be fixed.

[marble falls]

4. We're thinning out. What keeps me in check is that it's all part of the deal to be here ...

... I'd rather to have been here with an attic full of good memories with the pains and sorrows that accompany news of others, than to die relieved of all emotional pain and all by myself, untouched by life.

[CrispyQ]

5. My deepest condolences.

Maybe you should paint a robin.

[bif]

6. Good idea!

[Clouds Passing]

7. Sorry for your losses.

Several deaths here too, acquaintances. Both from fentanyl. I steer clear of all that garbage. But the people on my periphery are a 180 from me.

[bif]

8. Thanks all!

I can get through this! SMART meetings certainly help.