I have been a pretty frequent poster here since last March, except for the past few weeks. Almost 3 weeks ago, my husband was killed in a tragic fire at his brother's house. I am still reeling from the shock & trying desperately to find my way through this awful new reality into which I have been thrown. I miss him so much, at times I almost can't catch my breath. I am incredibly fortunate to have a strong & loving support network of amazing friends & family. Eventually, I will be OK. But at the moment, I am struggling to eat enough, I started smoking again, and I am having a drink each night to help me sleep. At some point, with the help of the many wonderful people who love me, I will find my way back to a healthy and happy path. I believe that in my head, even if I can't yet feel it in my heart. I am thankful that my improved physical condition will help me be better prepared to take care of myself now than I would have been six months ago.

But here's the thing I want to say to you. Sometimes, life is going to suck. Surgery is not a magic cure-all for the problems we deal with. Life is going to throw us curve balls & challenging situations. Sometimes we can prepare ourselves for those challenges, but sometimes there is simply nothing that will prepare us to face what we must. So, when life rises up & punches you in the face, remember these guidelines:

Spend more of your time focusing on your achievements rather than your shortcomings.

Devote more energy to expressing your love to others rather than tallying up the things that piss you off.

Understand that we are all far more than a number on a scale. If you are waiting to try new things until you lose weight, STOP WAITING. Your life is happening now, here, today....don't let it pass you by because of fear, insecurity, or doubt.

If you pray, send me a prayer. If you don't pray, then send me good vibes & healing thoughts. I appreciate all the good & supportive thoughts I can get right now.

If you pray, send me a prayer. If you don't pray, then send me good vibes & healing thoughts.

^^Sending you all of the above. God bless.

My God, I am so very sorry for your loss. I know those words don't mean much in a time like this. Thank you for sharing your wise guidelines with us. I need to stop whining and be ever-thankful for everyday. My heart and prayers go out to you.

I am so sorry for you loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. ((HUGS))(

I have been a pretty frequent poster here since last March, except for the past few weeks. Almost 3 weeks ago, my husband was killed in a tragic fire at his brother's house. I am still reeling from the shock & trying desperately to find my way through this awful new reality into which I have been thrown. I miss him so much, at times I almost can't catch my breath. I am incredibly fortunate to have a strong & loving support network of amazing friends & family. Eventually, I will be OK. But at the moment, I am struggling to eat enough, I started smoking again, and I am having a drink each night to help me sleep. At some point, with the help of the many wonderful people who love me, I will find my way back to a healthy and happy path. I believe that in my head, even if I can't yet feel it in my heart. I am thankful that my improved physical condition will help me be better prepared to take care of myself now than I would have been six months ago.

But here's the thing I want to say to you. Sometimes, life is going to suck. Surgery is not a magic cure-all for the problems we deal with. Life is going to throw us curve balls & challenging situations. Sometimes we can prepare ourselves for those challenges, but sometimes there is simply nothing that will prepare us to face what we must. So, when life rises up & punches you in the face, remember these guidelines:

Spend more of your time focusing on your achievements rather than your shortcomings.

Devote more energy to expressing your love to others rather than tallying up the things that piss you off.

Understand that we are all far more than a number on a scale. If you are waiting to try new things until you lose weight, STOP WAITING. Your life is happening now, here, today....don't let it pass you by because of fear, insecurity, or doubt.

If you pray, send me a prayer. If you don't pray, then send me good vibes & healing thoughts. I appreciate all the good & supportive thoughts I can get right now.

So Sorry you are going through this. My thoughts and prayers are with you!!!

I am so sorry for your loss and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers

I am so sorry!

sending a squeeze tight hug

My prayers are with you. I understand the grief. We lost our 4 month old granddaughter in December and the pain is unbearable. I grieve for my son and daughter in law. It will get better and talking to someone is the best thing you can do.

I cannot even start to understand the pain you are going thru but it will get better. Give it time and be positive. You are a strong person and will be ok.

I'm so sorry for your loss! I can't pretend to know how it feels but my prayers are with you and your family! We are here for you as you heal. Carol

Prayers, good thoughts and healing vibes for you. It's so incredibly hard to lose someone unexpected. I'm so sorry!

I was stunned to read your post, I am so, so sorry for your loss. There are no words I have to make any real difference other than to say I am sending you love and hugs. You sound strong but please be kind to yourself and take care in the days ahead.

I hope you don't mind me sharing this, but there is a line by a WW1 poet that has always resonated with me:

"Some say God caught them before they fell"

It's an image that gives me comfort....

I am so sorry for your loss. Many prayers to you and your family.

How incredibly tragic I am so sorry for your suffering and for your loss. I lost a loved one and the pain is breathtaking just as you describe I really hope you get the support and love you will need in these difficult times ahead. Thinking of you and thank you for sharing such wise words with us how kind of you.

Please come back soon xx

So tragic. My condolences to you.

Thank you all so much for the kind words, prayers, and healing thoughts. Live in gratitude for the blessings in your life, and never take them for granted. Life is far too short to waste a lot of precious energy focusing on what we don't have. Hold the ones you love closely, today and every day.