Overall, it's been a pretty bad week here.

1. My husband's cousin has been diagnosed with a rapidly growing brain tumor which is causing seizures. He and his wife have 2 very young children. Because of the location of the tumor, they cannot do a biopsy; it will require full surgery. Not sure of the date of surgery, but it will be in the next 2 - 8 weeks.

2. An uncle (father of the above cousin) is scheduled for surgery for colon cancer early next week.

3. My husband's grandfather (94 years old) was sent to the hospital last Sunday because of a cold. Nursing home staff told the family that he was dying. He is recovering nicely, but the nursing home is currently under quarantine so he cannot return home. His wife, who is suffering from dementia, is aware enough to recognize that he is gone, and is having difficulty dealing with it. As far as we know, she believes he is dead and we don't know how she'll react when he comes back.

4. The wife of a long-time friend passed away on Monday after a 10 year struggle with cancer (leukemia). Her 20 year old daughter is having an especially hard time dealing with her mother's death.

Added to that, I screwed up on our quail brooder and lost all but 3 of our chicks. I'm probably taking that a bit harder than I otherwise might have. It's been a heartbreaking week.

Lots of prayers and good thoughts for you and your family ST.

I'm sorry to hear about your friend's wife. I hope their daughter is able to find some comfort in her time of need.

I'm sorry to hear about the quails.

Sorry to hear the heartbreaking news. You and yours are in my prayers.

I'm so inept at words of comfort and condolence. I'm completely ashamed at my inability to mend broken hearts...while ironically and apparently being able to shred them at will. To be able to simply say, "You are in my prayers." So much more eloquent and meaningful than my clumsy fits and starts...and an ability for which I have longed but which has always eluded me.

Bad things happen to good people, and I am weak to the point of powerless despair.

I can only hope that same weakness doesn't afflict you...that you rise above tribulation and trial...and I suspect the basic goodness and strength you carry within will insure that you do.

You and your wonderful family are within my thoughts, Supertwist. Not much there, but it's all I have and I give it willingly.

((((((((HUGS)))))))))

aw heck, here's some more (((((HUGS)))))

im very sorry to hear what you are going through st. you are in my thoughts.....i wish for things to get better for you.

take care.

Hi Super Twist.


I am sorry for your run of natural disasters and will offer Prayer to the author of strenght and endurance for your grief. The Son stood before the grave of His friend Lazarus and wept because of His loss. His simple prayer was that God's Glory would be realized in having Lazarus rise from the dead. He knows how your heart is troubled & understands. I pray that your heart is healed and you learn to adjust to the changes that are painfully significant to us humans..

Thinnking of you.

Just an update.

Uncle's surgery went very well and it was not cancer, just a blockage of some sort.

Cousin goes into hospital tomorrow for all the tests, surgery is on the 20th.

Grandpa is probably not going to leave the hospital. He has gotten worse, but he says he's ready to die and very tired. Happily, he did receive his birthday card from us the day before he went into the hospital, and he made a special mention of it to Mom & Dad. He was happy to get a picture of his great grandkids.

ST,
just hearing about all this. life can throw some fucked up things at you,
but it seems worse when it's someone you love other than yourself eh?
you and those you love will be in my prayers. you're a strong woman
and i have faith in you. one day at a time. babysteps. whatever it takes.
~hugs~

Grandpa passed away this afternoon. We are comforted knowing that he has gone to be with his Heavenly Father.

The surgery for hubby's cousin apparently went quite well, even though it required cutting through part of the brain to access it. They were able to remove 70%, and believe that further surgery will be required in about 5 to 7 years, depending on how fast the tumor continues to grow. At least he is able to speak again, but he had another seizure yesterday, so they are not releasing him from hospital yet.

Bitchy part of post: Why is it that the airline "bereavement fares" are higher than the regular fares? I thought it was a discount fare to allow family members to be able to attend funerals? With one airline, the fares each way were $100 more than the regular fare!

I'm sorry to hear about your grandpa. I'm glad your husband's cousin is doing better. Still praying and sending good thoughts for your family.

they say the lord never dishes out more than you can handle.
jesus i hope that's right. i'm not here much anymore, but i haven't
forgotten you. nor have your many friends and family online and
off. you are a strong woman. please remember that. at the same
time, even the strong sometimes need comfort. i pray you find it.