Posts by safe4kids

52

Sometimes, it just ain't any fun...

by safe4kids in

jw
friends

i took my kids on a vacation to disney world...their dream vacation, actually, although it didn't turn out that way.

midway through we get a call that their grandmother (the real one, who was never a dub and who hasn't ever turned her back on the kids or on me even thru my divorce from her son, unlike my own jw mother) is in serious condition at the hospital.

we spent one of our 'vacation' days sitting in a hospital icu waiting room, timing our 15 minute visits so that we could see her, and throughout it all the kids were troopers.

safe4kids

(((Teejay))) Thank you for the hugs. I am very proud of Delaney, as I am of Justin as well. It makes me feel a little better to have people relate their personal responses as it helps me not worry quite so much about Justin. I talked to him for awhile earlier today and he said that he didn't know what or how he felt but at least he also agreed that he would talk to me about things as we go along. So that's a step in the right direction (I hope!).

Cat, Thank you for your response. And you are right, we have memories of Jo that we will always treasure, even though they are currently overshadowed with the grief that we feel, but I know that won't last forever.

Tracy, Oh geez!!!! I'm so embarrassed! I had no idea he was looking down my dress all that time! and those pesky cuff links and the buttons...sheesh, they just wouldn't do what they were supposed to. I'm caught between laughing my a$$ off here and cringing. You know, I thought after that episode in the lobby that I was getting weird vibes from Mike's wife and I couldn't for the life of me figure it out, as she'd been so pleasant before...NOW I understand! Argh But you were right...it certainly made me laugh!

Mulan...psst...two words: "Victoria's Secret"

Dana

52

Sometimes, it just ain't any fun...

by safe4kids in

jw
friends

i took my kids on a vacation to disney world...their dream vacation, actually, although it didn't turn out that way.

midway through we get a call that their grandmother (the real one, who was never a dub and who hasn't ever turned her back on the kids or on me even thru my divorce from her son, unlike my own jw mother) is in serious condition at the hospital.

we spent one of our 'vacation' days sitting in a hospital icu waiting room, timing our 15 minute visits so that we could see her, and throughout it all the kids were troopers.

safe4kids

Hi ((((Waiting)))) I'm glad that you chose to share your viewpoint; it was wise, as usual. I agree that trying to shield my children from the realities of life would be doing them a grave disservice and I can only hope that we all come through this a bit stronger and hopefully closer as a family. Thank you for your kind words.

(((((Dede)))) Thank you so much for sharing about your own grandmother. There are certain similarities, hey? And thank you for the message to my kids; I've talked to them about this thread, I've given them hugs sent along from board friends, I've applauded their courage, I've wiped their tears, and I've especially tried to make sure that they don't dwell on this ALL of the time...they need time to just be kids, too. Thank you again, your post was very heartwarming.

((((Marilyn)))) Thanks for the hugs and the support. I know that you've gone through some very painful losses, too, so you can relate as well. And yes, sharing this has been more of a comfort than I imagined it would be. I've been a little overwhelmed (in a good way) at the responses and the kindness expressed by so many people. In fact, I've cried several times reading some of the posts here because I have been so touched by the concern shown.

(((CountryWoman))) Thank you for your response and please accept my condolences as well. I know that what you've written is true, that the pain will lessen eventually, and I hope that is occurring for you now.

((((((Annie))))) Thank you so much for your post! I've been worrying about Justin's response to all of this, but I've not wanted to make him feel that he wasn't behaving 'appropriately', whatever that is. I just haven't wanted him to bottle everything up inside and I've been concerned that he didn't want to see his grandmother. But reading your post reminded me of when I was 12 and my 11 year old cousin died...my parents didn't give us any choices about viewing the body, we had to do whatever we were told. To this day, the picture that pops into my head when I think of my cousin is of how she looked stretched out in a coffin. I would have preferred NOT to see her like that and so your story and my experience help me relate a little better to how Justin is feeling...thank you again, you've eased my mind.

Thanks again to everyone who has responded to this thread, pm'd me, im'd me, emailed and called. The response has truly brought tears to my eyes and touched my heart.

Love,

Dana

52

Sometimes, it just ain't any fun...

by safe4kids in

jw
friends

i took my kids on a vacation to disney world...their dream vacation, actually, although it didn't turn out that way.

midway through we get a call that their grandmother (the real one, who was never a dub and who hasn't ever turned her back on the kids or on me even thru my divorce from her son, unlike my own jw mother) is in serious condition at the hospital.

we spent one of our 'vacation' days sitting in a hospital icu waiting room, timing our 15 minute visits so that we could see her, and throughout it all the kids were troopers.

safe4kids

Zoewrex/Tracy,

Welcome to the board and thank you for taking the time to respond to the thread.

I just hope this storm will pass through your lives and one day you will all remember Jo's spirit. The kindness and compassion children have for others is so overwhelming and encouraging that while Delany is afraid...still shows her how to put other peoples feelings ahead of her own

You have made some excellent points here. I know that one day, we won't feel the sadness and pain associated with losing her and while my daughter is afraid and sad for her Gramma, she is also giving me a glimpse into the depths of her strength, compassion and courage, which is a wonderful thing in spite of all the negatives. Thank you again for your reply.

Dana

52

Sometimes, it just ain't any fun...

by safe4kids in

jw
friends

i took my kids on a vacation to disney world...their dream vacation, actually, although it didn't turn out that way.

midway through we get a call that their grandmother (the real one, who was never a dub and who hasn't ever turned her back on the kids or on me even thru my divorce from her son, unlike my own jw mother) is in serious condition at the hospital.

we spent one of our 'vacation' days sitting in a hospital icu waiting room, timing our 15 minute visits so that we could see her, and throughout it all the kids were troopers.

safe4kids

Hi Deb,

Thank you for your words of support and encouragement. You said:

A legacy of love a support is being built through tradgedy

Yes, it seems no matter how dark things can sometimes get, there is almost always at least one positive to be realized. Our family is pulling much closer together right now because of what's happening and so I am grateful for that.

(((Dan)))

You're a real sweetie and Delaney enjoyed spending time with you at Joy's and Steve's. Thank you for your concern, although I feel that Delaney is handling this better than Justin at the moment, but a friend assures me that he's reacting in a 'typically male' manner and not to worry too much about him. I'm trying not to worry! but this parenting gig sometimes isn't all it's cracked up to be.

(((((((Tracy)))))) My dear sister, what the heck do you mean that you haven't 'been there' for me??! I KNOW that when I need you, all I have to do is pick up the phone, just as I'm sure you know the same about me. You've got your own stuff to deal with and I know that the last few days haven't been easy or fun for you either. I wish that I could have been there for YOU. We DEFINITELY need to plan a girl's weekend, hopefully before my classes begin again. I love ya, you know.

Dana

52

Sometimes, it just ain't any fun...

by safe4kids in

jw
friends

i took my kids on a vacation to disney world...their dream vacation, actually, although it didn't turn out that way.

midway through we get a call that their grandmother (the real one, who was never a dub and who hasn't ever turned her back on the kids or on me even thru my divorce from her son, unlike my own jw mother) is in serious condition at the hospital.

we spent one of our 'vacation' days sitting in a hospital icu waiting room, timing our 15 minute visits so that we could see her, and throughout it all the kids were troopers.

safe4kids

I really want to thank everyone for their replies. I was too whipped last night to respond; it was like getting all that out drained me but it was something I needed to do. Just when I feel totally disillusioned with online 'life', I get warmly surprised by the outpouring of care and concern and it means a lot to me. Thank you.

(((Wasa))), you are so right about feeling the kids' pain and how dreadful that is. We moms (and dads) are used to fixing things, making them better and so it is incredibly hard when our kids are hurting and we can't work our parental magic and make it all go away. Thank you so much for your support.

((((Prisca and Steve)))) Thank you for your kindness. Btw, Steve, Justin thinks he would feel a little better if we had your salsa recipe

(((Tammy and Rhonda))) Yes, I am very proud of my kids. I can't describe how much my heart swells with love and pride when I see my daughter treating her grandmother with such tenderness. I've discussed with her how she is feeling and explained that it's ok if she's scared and doesn't want to visit Gramma as often as I do, that it's normal and for her not to feel guilty about it, but so far she's chosen to be right there. Her courage inspires me.

(((Scully, Margy, Shamus, Craig, Lea, Ascot, Sixy, Robyn, Harry))) Your expressions of support and concern have been very heartwarming...thank you all. Yes, my mother in law is a wonderful lady and I can truly say she is loved by everyone who meets her. She is going to be sorely missed.

(((((Lee and Joy)))) You both are so right, in that it is a difficult thing and also that being there for the kids is my priority. Sometimes, just wrapping my arms around them and pulling them close gives me comfort, even when I have to wrestle my son to the floor to get those elusive hugs. Thank you both.

(((Blondie))) I'm so sorry to hear that your family is going thru difficult times as well. You're very wise and this has truly brought so much into perspective for me; all of the petty things have taken a backseat and we are focused on what's really important. Thank you for the encouragement.

(((Josh))) Thank you as well for the encouraging words.

Love,

Dana

52

Sometimes, it just ain't any fun...

by safe4kids in

jw
friends

i took my kids on a vacation to disney world...their dream vacation, actually, although it didn't turn out that way.

midway through we get a call that their grandmother (the real one, who was never a dub and who hasn't ever turned her back on the kids or on me even thru my divorce from her son, unlike my own jw mother) is in serious condition at the hospital.

we spent one of our 'vacation' days sitting in a hospital icu waiting room, timing our 15 minute visits so that we could see her, and throughout it all the kids were troopers.

safe4kids

I took my kids on a vacation to Disney World...their dream vacation, actually, although it didn't turn out that way. Midway through we get a call that their grandmother (the REAL one, who was never a dub and who HASN'T EVER turned her back on the kids or on me even thru my divorce from her son, unlike my own JW mother) is in serious condition at the hospital. We spent one of our 'vacation' days sitting in a hospital ICU waiting room, timing our 15 minute visits so that we could see her, and throughout it all the kids were troopers. Not one complaint, not one expression that they would rather be swimming at the wonderful pool or riding rides at the Magic Kingdom...only concern for their father and their grandmother.

Yesterday, we learned that Gramma is terminal and there's nothing we can do. Nothing. I felt so helpless this morning, holding my 10 year old daughter on my lap, with her sobbing and asking me how anyone can ever be happy when such bad things happen. My son, who is almost 12, doesn't want to go visit his grandmother anymore. He acts like nothing is happening, his way of dealing I guess. My daughter goes with me every time I visit Jo (my ex mother-in-law legally, but someone who will always hold a place in my heart). Delaney holds her grandmother's hand and acts like she's unafraid, she smiles and kisses Jo's cheek, but privately she tells me that she's terrified. I try to console her, but what can I say to lessen the pain that she feels?? That all of us feel.

You should see Jo's face light up when Delaney leans over and whispers "Gramma, it's me, Delaney". She's 83 years old...she's raised three boys and contributed so much to the world, in the boys she raised to be men, in the wonderful fathers that they are, and the grandchildren that because of her, exist and give us so much joy. Jo graduated high school at the age of 14 and would have gone to college if such things were encouraged in girls back then. She's small, barely 5' tall, she's spunky, kind and loving. Our hearts are breaking; my children have seen their father cry for the first time in their lives. This is so wrong but there's absolutely nothing I or their father can do to halt it, to make it better, to make it go away, to make Gramma well again.

We don't know how long we'll have Jo...the doctors have told us it could be any day or a few months from now. All I know for sure is that I'm having one of the those "mom" moments where I want to gather up those that I love and whisk them away to some place where they can't be harmed or hurt anymore. Sometimes, life just ain't any fun.

Dana

16

Bye bye

by Mulan in

jw
friends

we are leaving on sunday for our camping trip.

we will be gone for 11 days, and i will likely not be posting.

i will be having some computer access, but probably won't have time to post, as i am filling orders usually.. we are meeting up with about 40-50 all together, many from this board, including princess and her family.

safe4kids

Hey Marilyn and Mr. Marilyn ,

I hope you all have a most excellent trip! And please give Venice a hug for me

Dana

34

Do you remember your last meeting?

by freedom96 in

jw
friends

last meeting i ever went to was a memorial, 6 years ago.

i remember it well, and it wasn't even my own hall.

it was so boring.

safe4kids

Yep, I remember it well. The last meeting I attended was a memorial several years ago (getting old, can't remember exactly how many years! LOL). It was interminably boring and I knew as I walked outside to my car, trailing my two little children, that I would never be back. It was actually a great relief...I think that was a 'test' I had to put myself through, but I walked away with absolutely no regrets and an incredible sense of freedom

Dana

51

WEDDING PHOTOS HERE!!!

by cruzanheart in

jw
friends

well, it was a beautiful, beautiful wedding!

there will be more photos published, i'm sure, as soon as billygoat is up and around.

this was a night of love, friendship, and happiness.

safe4kids

Congrats, Jes and Pr

Lovely pictures, lovely wedding, lovely people...*sigh, wipes away a tear* And how wonderful that you could have your wedding amongst friends who obviously care so much!

I wish you both all of the happiness that life has to offer

Dana

61

So, for all you fans of big fat books (like, say, Harry Potter) ...

by dedalus in

who among you is reading east of eden, oprah's book club selection?

(because, of course, reading is no fun unless there's a huge corporate media conglomerate backing you up ...).

is it just me, or do any of you think it's strange, almost disturbing, to see a bunch of people, almost entirely pre-or-post menopausal women, waving this book over their heads, screaming with the same sort of unbridled glee exhibited on, say, a drabby-housewife-makeover episode?.

safe4kids

((((Sheila)))) Thanks, but honestly I'm not upset, so please don't feel bad. Concerned would have been a better word, I think. Anyway, you've got a PM....

Dana