Well, it has been 2 months since DH passed away( June 14th) and I am still a bit "in the pits" but holding my own. A number of people continue to tell me that I am a strong person and I will survive. Looks like I might, even though I, most assuredly, will miss the greatest love of my life. I had the best 11 yrs of my life with him and I will be ever grateful for that, but envious of those who have had such a wonderful husband and have had many more years than I have had with my beloved David. At least I have acquired 5 wonderful stepkids who think I'm pretty special also and they adore my DD and DGS. They truly consider us part of their "family". What more could I want due to circumstances, right!!! I will be moving into an apartment shortly - in the process right now. Glad to see that the entries for the new RCTQ directory won't be closing until I'm in the new apartment. How kewl is that!!!! I can get up-to-date just in time. Also, on Sept 9th I am having a birthday party for DH (yes, I know he has passed on). I have things that I need to give to his children and we are having an "honor day" in memory of him. It is the closest Saturday to his real birthday - the 13th. Thought his children would think I had lost my mind for sure, but each of them thought it was a fabulous idea, and so did my DD when I asked her and her fiancé to be there also. So we will have the party at my new apartment. DD has been living with me and helping me keep my mind "somewhat" out of the depths of despair, so to speak. But since she and her fiancé are buying the house, she is also eager for me to "evacuate" ASAP since she has many plans for changing things and has asked whether or not I would mind. Why should I care since she is going to be living here??!! I am not emotionally attached to the house although I had lived here since 1989. Also DH and I had planned on moving into this apartment anyhow. I also do need to get into the apartment and get back to quilting. I haven't done any quilt work for over 7 months since DH had started to show strong signs of illness. I devoted all my time to him while he was awake and most of the rest of the time, I tried to remain quiet so he could rest. I felt I needed to stick close to him as long as I could. And after he passed away, my heart really wasn't into doing anything. Well, I've rattled on long enough and hope that everyone is well and happy and that each has the prayers and help that they need and happy dances for all of those who have made their desired accomplishments in whatever endeavors have been attempted. A special thanks to all of you who have sent your cards, e-mails, thoughts and prayers. I couldn't have made it through without them. And a very special thanks to Toni and her DH and little Audrey for coming to DH's funeral. I realized that all the rest of you are so very far away and couldn't be there, but for her to be there was a great showing of the wonderful love and concern that RCTQ gals show to each other. She also gave me a mini quilt which I shall display proudly in my new apartment. And thank you all again for the lovely hug that I received last year at the loss of my son - anniversary of which will be in just 3 days, Aug 20th - the time his body was found in the California desert. Yes, it has really been a rough year for me, but I have tried to remember the tenacity of a lady in my church who had lost her DH and DS in the same horrible car crash many years ago. She survived and went on with her life with all of the pain that happened on the very same day for her. I had at least nearly a year between my losses. So memory of her has kept me going as well. So to a great bunch of gals and guys, I wish for all of you, wonderful days, and good things for all you and yours. Thanks for being here. You are all great.
Marlys in Indiana