My father passed away on August 21st after a rapidly spreading pancreatic cancer. He was diagnosed and died six weeks later. I miss his chuckle and his pride of what my children and I are accomplishing in life. He was a mere 72 years old. I am thankful to have had him here in the past few years because alot of healing and loving took place within our relationship. I feel that my faith has helped me cope as well as the support of family and friends.

Teri,
I am so sorry to learn of your Dad's passing. Please know that we all feel for you as I know just posting this brought you pain. I hope that the sweet memories, along with your towering faith, will help you in finding peace with this loss.

your friend,

Teri, it's great to have you back. Sorry to hear about your dad. I can relate because my mom died a couple years ago and I miss her being in on the action with my kids too. She loved teenagers and realated so well with them. I wish they could hang out with her now. I believe she still knows everything they're up to, but I think it's sad that the only way they will get to know her better is through my stories about her. I just think they're missing out on a deeper level of friendship with her.

Teri, I must share that time does heal. I remember the first year was tough. Hitting all the holidays, birthdays, etc. for the first itme without her. But, life goes on and it does get easier. God comforts those who mourn!

Thank you jaw and dots for your kind words. I see that time heals as it is happening in small ways already.

I know my dad is in heaven because of his beliefs and I will be reunited with him one day.

Teri,
One thing I might add here...well, a bit of info you didn't ask for is that my Daddy has Lewy-Body Dementia. He resides in a VA home and I visit each night. He is, according to the docs, in the last stages. I wonder every day if it will be the last day I'm with him, so...by telling you this I just wanted you to know, I can definitely relate and your post pulled on my heartstrings.

Sending hugs,

Teri,
My condolences.

And Jawjaw, best wishes for you too in caring for your dad. I'm 3000 miles away from family so the crises don't hit the same way.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Teri. It is a blessing to know that you will be reunited one day.

Donna

Teri, I send you my sympathy and prayers because I also lost my father to a rapid cancer this year. I found strength in my faith but also was surprised at the way grief crept up on me at the oddest times...and I did a lot of my crying alone in the car when driving. (Fortunately no accidents!) So much so my children thought I really hadn't cried much...not true. I also found writing a great release and way of working through the complex emotions. One of the biggest blessings sent to me was that during the busiest worrying times when Dad was near the end I could get into bed at night and put my head on the pillow, pray, and be in a restful sleep in minutes - not my usual night owl sleep pattern!
It was one of those saving blessings sent from above.
Love

Julie, your post reminded me that I also like to grieve alone. I think my husband feels left out when I like to go to the cemetery by myself, but it just feels right. Losing Mom's and Dad's...a hard part of growing up!

Teri,
Your current situation hit very close to home. My Dad died this past February (80). Our family had to decide to take him off life support after a very serious heart attack. He was suffering with PSP. A debilating disease that takes away speech but the mind is intact it just can't communicate. Falling without the sensation of falling and choking on spitum is chronic. It is a blessing that he escaped that awful body but we still miss him and love him everyday. Time helps. The tears (mine are in the car too) become sweet ones that evoke memories. Remember to keep making memories with your loved ones so they have that too.

My husband had a cancerous tumor removed from his pancreas on September 23 of this year. He is 59. The cancer was contained but had spread to two lumph nodes which were removed. We go next week to learn about preventative chemo and radiation. I am with you girl.

Believe me when I say it is gut wrenching when a parent dies or needs us for care but NOTHING compares to a spouse.

I am learning all about my faith now. I was so sure before! I keep remindng myself that faith, hope and love are active verbs.

Keep me posted. Know that we all care.

Lynn, you've had lots on your plate these past couple years. But it sounds to me like you are listening to the good Lord and he loves you more than any earthly being (even more than that wonderful husband of yours) ...if you can imagine that. And HE wants you to know that He is with you always...with every little emotion, fear, or doubt you may have. Keep seeking Him and He will give you peace like nothing else on earth can.

I once heard this little saying,
Give your troubles to God: He'll be up all night anyway!

1 Peter 5:7

Cast all your cares on Him, because He cares for you!

That means we can give Him all of our anxieties, worries, concerns...everything! Because He cares for us affectionately and is always with us. We jsut need to recognize His presence.

Sorry, got a little carried away there, but just want you to know He ans we are here for you!

Thanks for the hug Dots.

You are welcome. Anytime!

Lynn

May you feel the peace of God on your life as you go through this time. You and your husband will be in our prayers.

Wow! I am overwhelmed with all the care and love I have received on the forum. Thanks to each and every one of you. You have blessed me more than you will ever know. Today is the 3 month anniversary of my dads last day on this earth. I miss him alot, especially when I see his picture. But time is healing me.

I pray that the holidays will be a time of happy memories and laughter and not tears as we remember the loved ones we have lost in this past year. I will pray for all of you who have suffered loss.

God Bless and Thanks Again!

Dear Teri,
I was sorry to hear about the loss of your dad last August...I hope that you are feeling okay. My dad was also diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last August and the doctors gave him 6 months...He
has been really up and down for 5 months or so..But now moving into the 6th month he has totally gone downhill very fast...He is on 4 hour doses of morphine and sleeping most of the time..So its like I am waiting to grieve...And waiting is the worst thing...Being so far away from him in Thailand makes it worst...So like his wife who is caring for him I am just taking it one day at a time... Chloe....

Chloe,
We are here Chloe, and thinking of you. Prayers are also sent your way.

Sending love,

Georgia