An Appreciation thread for all of you helping us grief stricken combat through
I read DU each day. I can't tell you how much you all have meant to me. For those of you who don't know, I lost my Daddy a few months back, and I have been frozen with grief and anguish ever since. It gets a little bit better, mostly because you acclimate to the 'new sucky normal' of not having your loved one there. I still cry every day. I just laugh some more too, if even just a little bit.
And you guys still offer a kind word or a witty comeback when things take a turn.
It means a lot.
There are no decorations this year. No tree, nada. I didn't even bake cookies, but I did pick up some chocolate chips today.
Just in case I change my mind. 
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I think you're taking very good care of yourself! Being grief-stricken at the holidays is so difficult.
There is no timetable for grief. Let yourself mourn as you feel like it, and do be good to yourself.
And when you feel like baking, you'll already have your chocolate chips!
I lost my dad in Sept & it hasn't been easy. I didn't decorate or do anything festive this year, I'm just not up to it. I lost my baby sister in 09 & other than her my dad was the one I was closest to. Hopefully, I will pull out of this fog after the New Year.
You're not alone...
pour a glass of milk and eat the chocolate chips yourself.
There are days where it's hard to find the energy to get out of bed, but I do, and inevitably I find something here that brightens my day.
Like LaydeeBug said, it means a lot, and I thank you for it.
It is hard to deal with the loss of a loved one. I lost my father August 2013. At the same time, because of her actions while Dad was dying, I effectively lost my little sister. I cannot forgive her for the way she treated our Mom.
For two months I stumbled through each day, missing Dad and feeling guilty for the anger I couldn't let go. Finally I went to a counselor who helped me work through my feelings and let me understand that my sister was the one at fault, not me.
I wish I could send you cookies! I made some based on a 180 year old family recipe for pecan cookies (the recipe is somewhere in Cooking & Baking) and a second batch of oatmeal cookies. Consider them virtually delivered.
The following is about how I've dealt with my grief since - skip if you want.
Visiting Mom helped - she is very pragmatic and was ready to move on. For a woman who had lived with the man for 67 years, it was inspiring to see her release her feelings and deal with her grief.
I also revisited the two decade old death of my oldest sister. I collected all the pictures and information we had about her and created books for her two sons who were very young when she died. I hope those books will help them understand the mother they barely knew. Making the books gave me a goal and a deadline so I ddin't keep wallowing in the new grief of losing Dad. I shed a lot of tears while working on the book - something I mostly did in private so I wasn't embarrassed.
And, the comfort of family and friends. 
....even though it is so hard now. Take care of yourselves.
The love and support I got here at DU when I had to put my Daisy to sleep actually made me break out in tears, and I'm not a crier.
Stay strong, LaydeeBug! It gets easier every day.
after seven and eight years I am shocked to think about. It was very hard for four years. Time is the only friend you have.
To be honest, I had a near death experience in the living room of my sister's house four years into it because I wasn't eating right and I couldn't get it together. I saw my mother on the other side. She was eighteen. I had to come back and I'm glad I did. I have a life here that is so precious though it didn't seem so at the time. It isn't glamorous or fun filled but it is my life. I have family I love and who love me. That matters.
You will find your footing. I know you don't feel that way now. Don't have the holidays if you can't until you can. I actually used a medium to talk to the folks. She told me my mom wanted me to do Christmas so I did. LOL! I actually felt better. 
. Grieve as long as you need. I am eight years in and I feel like slag sometimes. Talk to them because they hear you. They are with you. That is one thing a NDE teaches you, that the step between them and us is one breath away.
Hug yourself. Be good to yourself. Don't let anyone tell you you have to move on or why aren't you better? You will be better some day when it comes. It will surprise you, that moment when you are filled with happiness that you will stop and examine it. Keep it. Treasure it. You deserve it when it comes. Someday it will outnumber the bad days.
Time is your friend. It will help you make your way. Embrace your life. everyday is a gift. Its like Rose Kennedy said, "Once the rain stops, the birds sing."
Don't feel guilty if you feel good. Cry every day. Its fine Its healthy. I talk all day long to my parents as if they are here. I know they hear me. Sometimes they show me. Listen and watch. You will see too. You will feel good again. Let the time you need get you there.
RV, sending you good vibes from the Orphans Club, that group no one wants to belong to but everyone eventually does. If you have a beef with your family try and mend it if you can. Regret is a heavy burden. I don't bear very much at all. My parents were my heroes. Hugs to all tonight, especially members of the worst club on earth.
PM's are always answered and welcomed. Take care and I hug you. Make some cookies. Your family is watching over you. You will never be alone in your life even if it feels like it. There is hope on your horizon. Walk to it as best you can. We all take this journey. All of us. Take care and know you are loved.
