Hello, friends! It has been way too long. I can't tell you how much I appreciated the birthday wishes as it wasn't much of a bday this year. I just returned from the east coast where I cared for my father for the last few weeks of his life. He passed away on May 25. It was a very healing time and I'm oh-so-grateful to have had the opportunity to be there and have the conversations we had. It was very special. Now, my sister and I are dealing with a terribly messy estate situation that involves a former girlfriend who reminds me of another character we're all familiar with... Seriously, it's been difficult. Having said that, the rest of my life is going very well. My hsuband left about four years ago to the day. I spent a good two years getting healthy again (physically, spiritually, and emotionally), and another six months just savoring the peace. In January of this year, I finally opened myself up to the possiblity of spending some time with single men and began casually seeing a guy 15 years my junior. Nothing serious, nothing long-term, but boy is it fun! For those of you who are new to all of this, my heart goes out to you. It is a long, difficult road. What I can promise is that if you handle your situation with dignity, integrity, and grace, there are many happy times waiting for you on the other side. Really. I hope to spend a bit more time as a moderator on the boards when things calm down again to help pay back some of the comfort I received during my darkest moments. In the meantime, now I'm thinking of all of you and sending lots of love your way. Hugs! BWA

{{{{{BWA}}}}}

Sorry about your dad. Glad to know you are finding peace in your life. Hope all is well with your four legged kids. Continue taking good care of yourself.

HoFS

Condolences about your dad...

15 years?!? Hmmmm. That's the age of my youngest brother. Hmmmm. Okay, but he never even had to stand up to change the channel, like I did when I was a kid!

Thanks, all. There are lessons in everything. Let's hope I learn whatever I'm supposed to from the experience with dad's death. It has been "a trip" to say the least. HoFS, Just J, you should receive something from me in the mail in the next few days. Hugs and love... BWA

Hi BWA, great to hear your update! Sorry to hear about your dad, but I'm glad you were able to spend time with him. My dad died a couple of years ago and I traveled back and forth across the country several times in his last few months. I was very glad I was able to spend that time with him.

I can't believe it's been 4 years since your XH left ~ and I'm glad to hear you're having fun. Do you still have your dogs? I got 2 new ones in the past year after losing the 4 dogs my XH and I had together. Amazing all we've been through!

BWA! So happy to hear your update. What a blessing with your Dad.

And your "began casually seeing a guy 15 years my junior" comment ~ whoa. You had the guts to do what I didn't ~ OR, perhaps it all comes down to timing. I was not ready, and you were. I shied away from a VERY potential "fun" time with a guy I met at school who was 12 years my junior. I was almost sold, until one day he said, "I'm only 7 years older than DS16." Errrr, that messed me up. ;-)

Thanks so much for posting your update. Hopefully we will see you around much more often....

Hey Pal..

You know I have to tell you, I choked up on the phone while you were telling me about the conversations with your dad. I know how much they meant to you...and I'm so glad you gained a measure of peace from it.

So.. when things calm down you'll be here more often.. Good! We miss ya!

Loui

Thanks, all! Lucky, I lost two of my border collies a couple of years ago and now have two more. YOu know my saying -- a dog never leaves you until it is aware of another one that needs you more.

Spider, can't blame you for being a bit freaked out about the comment re: the age difference between the guy and the DS16. That would be tough! (Fun to think about but tough to carry out (sigh).

Louie, thanks for being there. Means more than you know.

Anyway, my sister and I are contending with a huge mess. I cannot believe the amount of time and work it has taken and will continue to take to sort things out. For now, however, I think I'll check out a couple of postings, see if I have anything helpful to contribute, and then go for a quick walk with the "kids" before hitting the sack. 3:30 a.m. comes awfully quickly, you know...


Love to you all - BWA

Sorry for your loss.




I'm glad things are moving along well (aside from the unavoidable losses of time).

SB

Hello BWA!

My condolences on the loss of your father. I'm glad that you were able to spend that time with him.

quote:

I spent a good two years getting healthy again (physically, spiritually, and emotionally), and another six months just savoring the peace.

Thank you for posting that....you sound terrific!

Hey Woman!!!!!
I have to say
It was indeed a pleasure meeting you over 4th of July weekend.
Meeting you was one of life's unexpected little treasures.

I would love to have had more time to just sit back, sip wine while soaking away the day in a hot tub, contemplating the meaning of adolescent posturing and preening in the ritualistic gatherings life throws our young into. And perhaps even debate the similarities and differences between the pool filled with rampant hormones silently screaming to be noticed and that of the hot tub filled with the slowing of time and a culmination of wisdom and foibles.

Love to you and your clan

Hypatia