THANK YOU EVERYONE for your answers here. It was actually fun reading all your answers because they gave an insight into your daily lives and how you cope or don´t cope ..sort of. I agree with you that this is a beautiful and fun place to be! I had no clue to what this place would mean to me when I clicked in a while back. No clue at all. Amazing! And thank you again!

Guess it´s ok to come and go when time is not on my side. That is reassuring. I still have my last child living with me/us. He´s 18..but my time is not always my own..of course, who really owns their time..right? Or? I have read about owning your time..but that´s tough at times.

Humlan, your love and care are so precious to me - thank you! I'm sorry to have worried you - the illness has been a combination of a gastro-virus I picked up during the cruise and a cold, which my grandkids gave me as a New Year's gift. The cold continues to zap my energy at times, but I'm able to do housework and get out and about now, so am on the mend. And since we're going south soon, and it's almost impossible to get things like antibiotics there, I'm going to the doctor on Monday...normally we try not to resort to medication, but this time she'll probably give me a prescription to take with me "just in case".

But emotionally, mentally I'm doing so much better now. On a much more even keel, spiritually grounded again, and staying well above the grief these days. The women here HAVE helped, enormously, in helping me through...I know without a doubt that I'm more stable now because of the wisdom, love, care and prayers that everyone here has poured into my life and heart. There is no way I can ever repay such kindness, but I can only hope that my continuing presence and voice here will find ways to "pay it forward".

Thank you again for your caring love, Humlan. I think of you so very often and always hope/pray that all is well with you too over there across the pond. You may be geographically far away, but the heart knows no distance - you are right here in mine more often than you know.

Thank you for reply, Eagleheart. Relieved to hear that you are doing better in all areas, then. And I hope that your trip will be a good one. And that you won´t be needing those medications!

Your "ripples" are felt here by me and many others..as you know. Be sure of that!

It means so much to me to know that you are near!

That Eagle has such a way with words she ought to write a book! Humlan, I'm glad you enjoyed the responses. I do confess that I let the housework go in favor of this site. PL

Yup..so do I!!! Sometimes. My 18 yr old can be demanding..and I don´t always say no when I should..he´s my 5th. As Bernard Shaw said, "First I had alot of principles and no kids, now I have alot of kids and no principles" I love that one!

Eagleheart HAS written a book..but you know that, right?

HUGS!!!!

Oh yes Humlan I received it as soon as she popped into BWS. Thanks for saying so, if I did not know. I have her book on my "blog" as a recommendation, along with "signs of depression." I like your quote from Shaw. Funny! and hugs to you too. L, PL

Blushing here amidst the dust bunnies...

Eagle from what I can see and feel, you have come such a long way since you wrote your book and began posting in here. Even though you have faced a dibilating tragedy with your brothers passing, you stayed strong and focused. I am so proud of the new you. You may not see or feel it, but others who love you and take to heart all that you say, do see the immense change from then to now, and its such a positive one...You are an inspiration to us all.

well said, chatty. Eagle inspires me on a spiritual level as well, as do others. I think of her book not only about depression but also about a spiritual journey. Just saying. L, PL