Hello All

[Heather3418]

My name is Heather and I am the Community Leader (Moderator) on the MS Forum.  

It was suggested to me that I come to your forum, where I can get support for the greving process I am now going through.  I just buried my father last week at the United States Naval Academy, which he graduated from in 1945.  He was 86 years old and it was time for him to rest.  For that I am grateful.  He died peacefully in his sleep across the river from the Naval Academy, in a nursing home.

Needless to say, my daddy was my best friend.  I have now lost both of my parents, so it really does feel like my whole family is suddenly gone.  I have a brother, who runs away from any emotional distress, at all costs; so I am not able to greive with him.  I have my life's partner, who is of great support, so I am not alone.  He is my rock and soft shoulder to lean on.

I hope as I read through the previous posts, that I will gain some strength and comfort, to remember that I am not alone in this process, called grief.  I know when the time comes, I hopefully will be able to contribute to this forum and help others.  For now, I know I have alot of "work" to do, to adjust to life without my Dad.  

I've seen alot of death in my 54 years on this earth and I know that I will experience more, as my life continues.  To have a community of others, that are going through the same feelings and experiences as I am; I know will bring me comfort in the weeks and months to come.

I will not rush my grief and expect to experience this grief fully.  While I am happy that my father is finally at rest from his trials on this Earth, all of you certainly know what a void I now have in my heart.  It will be a long time in coming, to get back to the job of living.  I hope to go through these stages WITH all of you.

Thank you reading my story.  My thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you, that are also experiencing this sad and empty feeling of grief.

Heather

[Heather3418]

I weep for all of us that have lost our loved ones.  My daddy was my world and I too, was daddy's little girl....

Thank you for sharing your story with me....it really DOES give me comfort because you know EXACTLY how I am feeling.  

I am lucky in a way, I have a recording of a phone call from my daddy on my computer in which he tells me that he loves me...so as long as my computer is here and working, I will always get to hear my daddy tell me that he loves me.  My better half, says that we are going to record that conversation on CD, so I will always have it.  Thank god for those that are around us, that love us and give us comfort during times like these.

I am a spiritual woman, so I lean heavily on my faith as well.

Heather

[jml1986]

My heart hurts for you. I lost my dad 8 years ago. I was daddys little girl so it was extremely hard on me. Funny how when you lose your dad, that you can turn from 54 or 37 in my case to a 4 year old who just wants her daddy back. I myself have alot of loss in my life as well. My parent each were one child in 12. So, I have watched many of my aunts, uncles and grandparents pass away. I currently have 2 uncles that will not be with us much longer and once again the thoughts of my dad will flood over me. Just remember you are not alone, we are all here for you.

[Heather3418]

How unbearable it must have been for you to lost your parents so close together.  I can't even imagine.  In the early 1980's, I lost 5 members of my family in one year.  I feel that if I can get through that, I will get through this.

I thank you so much for your kind words of comfort.  And yes, I do believe that we will all be reunited with our loved ones when it is our time to pass over.  That brings me great comfort.  For now, I live just one day at a time.  Sometimes one hour at a time.  Things will get better and easier...

Thank you again, for your kindness,
Heather

[suzi-q]

Hi Heather,  I know how hard it is and to be an "orphan".  You feel like no one will ever have that unconditional love for you like a mom or a dad.  I lost both my parents 4 months apart 7 years ago.  I was 33 years old.  My life was turned completely upside down and the grief consumed me fully and deeply.  Please know that although it is a long process you will come out the other side.  You seem to know a lot about grief and you know that you have to go "through" it and not around it.  We will be with them again someday.  I also took comfort in knowing my parents were finally together again and they were, once again, reunited with their parents as we will be one day.  May you find comfort and peace on this long road and we are here to help you through.

Suzi