Recent content by poppies

Hi All. I am so sorry I have not been visiting, touching base and offering support. I have been putting one foot in front of the other. After feeling slightly more positive at the 7 month point after losing Iven, I took a nose dive and have been struggling to keep my head above water (gee what's...

Ah, Tillie and Laurie, thanks so much for getting in touch. You know just when and how to say the right thing. It is so good to know that I am not alone in feeling this way. Someone said to me that grief is like a bobbing cork... sometimes you're up, sometimes you're down... very true. I had...

Hi everyone. I am reaching out because I am feeling so down and wonder whether this is normal. It has been five and a half months since Iven's passing and I still feel so empty and lost. Life goes on and I am busy looking after my girls, the dogs, the house, staying on top of my studies, and I...

What a rewarding experience for you, thanks so much for sharing it with us! I remember feeling desperate for information throughout Iven's illness, from someone who I felt truly understood. I am sure that was part of what drew everyone to you that day. That and your shining personality! :-)

The recliner was a huge relief to get rid of. Every time I walked down the passage and saw that chair through the doorway I expected to see my Iven there. It was like there was this huge big gaping hole where he was supposed to be. I sold the chair, rearranged the room and bought a couple of...

"I feel alone but not lonely, not happy and not sad, not at peace but not in turmoil." I can so relate to that Barbie. Thank you for sharing your wonderful memorial for Lonny. It sounded absolutely beautiful.

Hi Lisa, it probably feels really surreal to be in the situation you are in. While it must be so incredibly difficult to be facing the passing of your mother, you are fortunate in that you can plan everything beautifully. My husband, Iven, had Bulbar Palsy ALS for four years (just under three...

We went away for the weekend to the last place we travelled with Iven. It is a little town called Clarens surrounded by the Maluti mountains. Breathtaking. The girls and I woke up on Sunday and said a little prayer and happy father's day to their dad. It definitely helped not being at home.

The equipment was the first thing I got rid of because it was a reminder of the awfulness of the disease, not my wonderful husband. He always said he wanted to be remembered as he was before he became ill so clearing out the bad memories helped us in the first few weeks after he died. Now five...

I agree the baby monitor is a godsend. It was so useful and gave such peace of mind. I wish we had got it sooner.

Hi Star, Mike and Tillie. I think of you and the other past CALS often. Hope you are all well and mending. x

When I read your post I can feel your exhaustion and desperation. Don't give up on yourself, trust yourself to make choices that will be right for you both. It is so hard when you get advice from all directions but nothing feels right for you. You have done an amazing job coping until now...

Hi J, your words are an echo of my thoughts and feelings during the early months of my husband's diagnosis. There is just no making sense of it all. But as Mike says, it sounds like you are doing everything right. Plan ahead as much as you can but try not to overthink the future, it will be...

Only just saw the news of Max's passing. Rest in peace dear Max, sending peace and comfort to Sandy.

Dear DJ, I am so sorry for your loss. How wonderful that you were there, holding Micky in your arms. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.