"I've never known how to completely get rid of it, except to keep busy and fill as much of that emptiness with love, friends, God, helping others and good thoughts."

Sharon, I'm glad you've learned how to cope during lonely moments. Filling your emptiness with those things mentioned sounds like a great way to live. You simply continue to belss others. That's what we're on this earth for so I think you've got it figured out.

Edelweiss, I can totally relate to your comments about your mom and loneliness. Since Dad sold his car, I can't stand the thought of him being there for days without being able to get out. Fortunately, he loves watching sports, doing Sodukos, talking on the phone, etc. He never complains. He has also had a visitor almost every day because he is so loved by his children and grandchildren and the few extended family members and few friends he has left.

My heart aches for you because you are the only relative close-by, right? That's a heavy burden, even though I hate to call it that. It doesn't seem fair.

Eldercare is making boomers consider how we want to live in the future. I know I'm thinking about it. Just haven't gotten the answer yet. I still think a big house on the beach where we all care for one antoher could be great!

Find peace in knowing that any woman would give her right arm to have a daughter as conscientious as you!

How long does it take you to get to the water? From the photos on your site, it looks like you are very close.