The Role of Loneliness in Our Cancer Battle and With Our Spouses

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Comments

  • maglets
    maglets Member Posts: 2,576 Member
    ron50 said:

    sometimes the choices are just made for you
    I was probably born with more company than I have ever had,I suspect I will die alone. One of the problems I have had with twelve years of survival is twelve years of ill health. I have coped with it,simply because I have had no other acceptable choice. I have toyed with many of the un-acceptable ones but sanity has managed to just prevail.
    My wife literally got sick of me being sick. I can't blame her she carries a lot of baggage from her chilhood and things that her father did that were just so wrong the scars will never fade. I thought she just needed a break but she had found someone else. She is not happy and is sorry to say the least at what she has done to me. We are still friends and she maintains that one day when she gets out of the bad place she is in she will ask me to come home. As much as I love her I don't believe it will happen.
    Sooo for the last five years I have lived alone. I don't crave company ,I've had enough physical and mental hurt for one life. Last night just about summed up my life. I've been told by my gp to eat certain foods because they are natural anti-inflammatories. One of the best is New Zealand green lipped mussels. I had some at 8pm last night. By 9pm I was just about unconscious on the toilet floor from non stop vomiting. I was just able to call emergency , triple 0 in aust. The ambulance arrived and i continued to faint and vomit alternatively on the way to the hospital and for the next couple of hours. I eventually cleared everything I'd eaten in the last week and was stabilized with meds then re-hydrated. They were in need of the bed by 3am in the morning so I was put in a cab and sent home. The cab driver asked who was looking after me. I said you are looking at him.
    I guess thats the way things were meant to be. I may not be the best person to look after myself but if things go wrong I always know who to blame. Ron.

    Ronnie ron
    I swear you have some unknown ability to break my heart...

    hugs and hugs old colonial you

    mags
  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    People
    Craig: you so eloquently put it to words how you are feeling. I'm sorry that you have no close family to help you through this. You went through this battle alone for so many years and that alone has to have taken some toll on you emotionally and physically. You are right when you say that most people wish you well and then forget about you. They go about their daily lives and goes weeks without giving anyone that had cancer a second thought. Even spouses that are caregivers get a chance to get away from the "cancer". My husband goes to play golf, he goes to Home Depot, he goes in his work shop. He's not thinking of me or cancer, but for that I'm grateful. He has been such a rock for me since all this began and couldn't have made it this far without him. What a patient husband I have - emotionally and sexually.

    Kim probably doesn't handle big situations well and she was just lashing out at the most important thing in her life - you. That is so normal as we all "pick" on the person we love most and try to hurt them because we are hurting. That is being human. She has been through a lot with you and you are right, she deserves a great deal of praise. Once in a while right before a big test I can be the most intolerable person, maybe because of being so scared. But I apologize almost immediately and fortunately it doesn't happen often.

    Sometimes we feel alone in this battle but we can always remember that if we don't have biological family to help us - we have this family to help us and that is just as important.

    Kim
  • lizzydavis
    lizzydavis Member Posts: 893

    People
    Craig: you so eloquently put it to words how you are feeling. I'm sorry that you have no close family to help you through this. You went through this battle alone for so many years and that alone has to have taken some toll on you emotionally and physically. You are right when you say that most people wish you well and then forget about you. They go about their daily lives and goes weeks without giving anyone that had cancer a second thought. Even spouses that are caregivers get a chance to get away from the "cancer". My husband goes to play golf, he goes to Home Depot, he goes in his work shop. He's not thinking of me or cancer, but for that I'm grateful. He has been such a rock for me since all this began and couldn't have made it this far without him. What a patient husband I have - emotionally and sexually.

    Kim probably doesn't handle big situations well and she was just lashing out at the most important thing in her life - you. That is so normal as we all "pick" on the person we love most and try to hurt them because we are hurting. That is being human. She has been through a lot with you and you are right, she deserves a great deal of praise. Once in a while right before a big test I can be the most intolerable person, maybe because of being so scared. But I apologize almost immediately and fortunately it doesn't happen often.

    Sometimes we feel alone in this battle but we can always remember that if we don't have biological family to help us - we have this family to help us and that is just as important.

    Kim

    I know the Loneliness...
    Craig,

    I must say I have - at times - experienced some of the same. People come in and out of your life for a reason. One thing I have learned is that each one of us is actually alone in life. We live with ourselves and never can we depend on someone to be with us all the time.

    People do not realize everyone has problems – some bigger than others. We do not know what others have experienced until we walk in their shoes. There are many diseases, family member deaths, depression, loss of jobs and other troubles which take their toll on good people too.

    It is a must to continue the effort of taking the high road. Any hurt feelings should roll off our shoulders. Many times words are said in the heat of the moment but were not meant. It is important for us to work hard on these relationships. We must be the one to bring laughter, make the phone calls, and send letters. When we do not nurture our relationships, they will fade.

    If Kim had married someone else, her life would be a lot different. She could have married an abuser, alcoholic, drifter, or a parasite. Consider those husbands. We must remember the person we fell in love with and the reason we married. We must remember in sickness and in health….

    I get sad when I think of the tragedies/road blocks in my life (the death of my parents, the murder of my sister, a broken neck, cancer, relationship issues, etc.) Although, I do believe these things have made me a stronger person.

    I saw this on one of the posts and liked it enough to save it - Every one of us will leave a legacy – a lasting reminder of the difference our lives made. But the truth is, every choice counts. Every thought matters. Even the smallest action makes a difference. Maybe we could all work to be a light and example to those around us.

    "Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling"
    Don’t argue with an idiot; people watching may not be able to tell the difference.

    The Greatest Happiness in the World is to make others happy.

    None of us have guarantees for tomorrow. Those without cancer do not have a guarantee of tomorrow.

    I have made an effort to do more to help people. I have taken my dog to a retirement home for Pet Therapy. It was a win-win. We all received the therapy including my dog. I volunteer with charities. These things make me feel better about myself.

    I find that if George and I go out to plays, festivals, or dinner with another couple it helps our relationship.

    Just some rambling thoughts and I hope someone will benefit.

    Craig, weather the storm with me and your CSN family.

    Lizzy
  • christinecarl
    christinecarl Member Posts: 543 Member
    I love reading everyones thoughts
    The cancer did not make me bleed people out of my life, the people who were there for me, were the people that always have been. Not many surprises, my dad only called me once, it was when I was in the hospital recovering, he did not call me again after that, not once during the entire 6 mos of chemo. Now his wife has breast cancer, I would not wish that on anyone, but now they can walk in my shoes. I know people think I am better and I am in a way, but on the inside it is different, cancer has changed me, not all of it for the better.
  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member

    I love reading everyones thoughts
    The cancer did not make me bleed people out of my life, the people who were there for me, were the people that always have been. Not many surprises, my dad only called me once, it was when I was in the hospital recovering, he did not call me again after that, not once during the entire 6 mos of chemo. Now his wife has breast cancer, I would not wish that on anyone, but now they can walk in my shoes. I know people think I am better and I am in a way, but on the inside it is different, cancer has changed me, not all of it for the better.

    So Very Sad
    My heart breaks for you. So sorry to hear that you and your dad have not communicated since your surgery and now his wife has cancer. No one should go through this alone. You are right after cancer you are changed and not for the better. You worry about everything that never bothered you before. It is always for me before cancer and after cancer diagnosis. Always thinking how things were better before and how things are more complicated now.

    Kim
  • Sundanceh
    Sundanceh Member Posts: 4,392 Member
    Great Responses Everybody!
    Well, I certainly want to thank you all for your deep thoughts and personal experiences. I believe it helps to hear everyone's perspective and what they have been through. Hearing that is the kind of thing that keeps one grounded.

    I knew this post had the potential to be a lightning rod - the response and participation has been overwhelming and I thank you for digging deep and telling me something about yourselves. We all learned something, didn't we?

    And the more we learn - leads to enlightenment - and I so much am trying to get there.

    Sometimes, I almost don't write these type of posts. But then I think, someone may be feeling something similar and want to talk about it - I've received many PMs from folks, new and old, who have validated this. And sometimes it's hard to step away into those dark recesses of our life, that few fear to tread - but someone has got to take the first step, so on occasion I put this out there. I'm not perfect, I'm flawed and fallible, strong and weak, but I am real. And that's the thing I try to show the most when I post.

    Thanks to all the new folks that posted here - thanks to the old timers like Ron50 who posted, thanks mate - and thanks to all my other friends, who put up with me on a daily basis:)

    Thanks for being there:)
    -Craig
  • Erinb
    Erinb Member Posts: 293
    Craig,
    Your posts are moving

    Craig,
    Your posts are moving and thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings. When I think of my husband and his situation, I HOPE we are still fighting this battle in 10 plus years. I need him-just as your wife needs you.

    There is a small part of me that thinks-why couldn't this be someone who hated their husband-there are couples out there who fight and don't get along Right? I know it's immature to push yourself away from your loved one as surgery approaches, but could it be a defense mechanism because she is terrified, scared, and worried? (I'd rather hate him than love him-it will be easier to deal with it all) Just a thought.
    Erin
  • Sundanceh
    Sundanceh Member Posts: 4,392 Member
    Erinb said:

    Craig,
    Your posts are moving

    Craig,
    Your posts are moving and thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings. When I think of my husband and his situation, I HOPE we are still fighting this battle in 10 plus years. I need him-just as your wife needs you.

    There is a small part of me that thinks-why couldn't this be someone who hated their husband-there are couples out there who fight and don't get along Right? I know it's immature to push yourself away from your loved one as surgery approaches, but could it be a defense mechanism because she is terrified, scared, and worried? (I'd rather hate him than love him-it will be easier to deal with it all) Just a thought.
    Erin

    Could Be
    Hi Erin

    Nice to meet you!

    A very insightful question that you posed here - that could very well be the case.

    Maybe I mean more to her than she lets on, but expresses it the opposite way. Perhaps she is directing her anger towards me to cushion the blow. I wish she would just tell me.

    After 10-years in a row of turmoil, I think she is just tired and wants it all to go away - she just wants the "bleeding" to stop. There could be a degree of immaturity on her part on dealing or not dealing with her feelings. I underestimated that perspective - she is a living, growing entity in her own right.

    I think she needs an outlet - a girlfriend that she could do things with to take her mind off of things and give her another relationship in her life. Her sisters live in PA and do not come to see her. They came once in 16-years in our house - and that was to supposedly help clean up after the tornado. She cannot afford to go up there these days, but when I can I'm going to send her home and hope that helps some.

    And I hope one day we could find a couple to do something with on occasion. I don't need something all the time, but it would be nice to have dinner, or watch a movie or sporting event, or just someone different to talk to.

    As Lizzy said above, it helps their relationship and I think it would for us as well.

    I'm watching the patterns - and hopefully we'll just get this mess out of the way now, so we can focus on the recovery - and then maybe I can begin to rebuild our lives.

    But alot of it could just be that after 10 years of life threatening issues from tornadoes to cancer, (that's a span of about 3,650 days) that many of us, man or woman, would have had enough. We've stood together and taken a lifetime of beatings and I told her when we look back up, this will have been a very hard stretch in our lives, but we made it through.

    Just to show you the other side of this though - here's another quick story.

    About 18 months ago, I had completed my 20th year of service with the company. I was in the middle of the Folfox treatments, but still working on the job - Kim surprised me by sending a bouquet of flowers one day with a note:

    "Congratulations on your 20-year anniversary. I am proud of you for working while still going through your chemo treatments. You're an inspiration...Love/Kim"

    I just about passed out!

    I called her to thank her and tell her I loved her. Every now and then she leaks something like that and shows me her tender side - and that's what any of us want - it's not sympathy, it's connection of what we're both going through - let's talk and share. It's the intimacy between you - we've never been ones to cry about things, but I think I want that "base understanding and sharing" that I read alot of you have.

    I thank you for your thoughts this morning - look forward to talking with you more.


    -Craig
  • Fight for my love
    Fight for my love Member Posts: 1,522 Member
    Thanks for your great
    Thanks for your great post.It is very touching.I think you should save all these posts and write a book.I sure will be your first customer.After a rough year,I think this cancer definitely brings a new way for me to look at life.One day,I was asking myself,how about if it was not cancer,but something else that is also life threatening and financial stressed showed up in life,what should I do?Obviously,quitting is not the answer.

    I have seen people died from cancer in my family,my grandpa,my ancle in-law and my cousin.I was there for my cousin until her last breath.But when it is your spouse,you feel so different.To me,the hardest part was to conquer the fear.At the first couple of month when my hubby got diagnosed,my mind couldn't stop spinning,and I had lots of nightmare.I also lost my sharpness and my brain just couldn't work.You know why?Because I can't accept the reality that my hubby was diagnosed with cancer and he could be killed by it.Because I can't accept the reality that the death was so closed to me.

    Craig,you and your wife had a long battle-six years.It does suck in the long term.People do get tired.You understand that people will get tired of a certain"lifestyle" especailly it sucks so much.But like what she said,life doesn't get better without you.I believe my life will never be the same without my husband.I had my happiest time in my life with my husband(I hope we are going to have many many more happiest time in the future),it's going to be 8 years since we knew each other.No matter what happens,I will be his keeper and supporter.I think if anything bad happens to me,he would do the same for me too.

    Sometimes people get frustrated and say something we don't mean.So we should always have more concerns about people's "doing" than "saying".Life is so precious,let's forget about whatever the stupid things we ever said to each other,only remember the good things and sweet things we said to each other,then everybody's life will be happier and easier.I always tell my husband that he should only remember the good things I do for him,it is the secret to get rid of grumpiness.:)
  • AnneCan
    AnneCan Member Posts: 3,673 Member
    Hi Craig,
    I have delayed

    Hi Craig,

    I have delayed responding to your thread because I wanted to say something "helpful, inspirational, the "right thing" etc. I have decided just to post my own "real" thoughts, straight from the heart.

    First of all, you + Kim must be two incredibly strong people to have come through all that you have come through + with such dignity.

    It is never too late to make new friends. Old friends are great but if they are not around, not helpful, etc., we need to find new friends. Sometimes they are right under our noses + sometimes they are a little deeper in the soil + we have to work to get them out. I have been incredibly fortunate with my friends + relatives - most have been unbelievable, but there have been a few "disappointments". I try to focus on all the good ones. Nevertheless, I am still developing new relationships - I joined a new neighbourhood book club that was forming + I am making some new friends, as well as getting to know some people a little better. I wasn't sure whether or not to join, but decided to push my comfort level + join. If I need to miss the odd meeting for chemo, etc., so be it. I think if you reach out to someone - neighbour, co-worker etc., someone in the "dog" world, you will be pleasantly surprised with the results. Your personality is such that people are drawn to you. I would be honoured to be able to enjoy social activies with you, Kim + my husband (are you moving to the Toronto area anytime soon? -haha) The first steps are the hardest, and then it gets easier. And shoot for some friends from the non-cancer world too, to bring you diversity. While I value this board tremendously, I also really value the relationships where I can see, hear + touch the people. Everytime we either have people over or go out to someone's etc., my husband + I feel lifted up + we enjoy each other more. I think you + Kim would find this too. As much as I love my husband + consider him my soulmate, I would be lost without others in my life. You and Kim deserve that; go out + get it. Warm thoughts are being sent your way. Take good care!
  • AnneCan said:

    Hi Craig,
    I have delayed

    Hi Craig,

    I have delayed responding to your thread because I wanted to say something "helpful, inspirational, the "right thing" etc. I have decided just to post my own "real" thoughts, straight from the heart.

    First of all, you + Kim must be two incredibly strong people to have come through all that you have come through + with such dignity.

    It is never too late to make new friends. Old friends are great but if they are not around, not helpful, etc., we need to find new friends. Sometimes they are right under our noses + sometimes they are a little deeper in the soil + we have to work to get them out. I have been incredibly fortunate with my friends + relatives - most have been unbelievable, but there have been a few "disappointments". I try to focus on all the good ones. Nevertheless, I am still developing new relationships - I joined a new neighbourhood book club that was forming + I am making some new friends, as well as getting to know some people a little better. I wasn't sure whether or not to join, but decided to push my comfort level + join. If I need to miss the odd meeting for chemo, etc., so be it. I think if you reach out to someone - neighbour, co-worker etc., someone in the "dog" world, you will be pleasantly surprised with the results. Your personality is such that people are drawn to you. I would be honoured to be able to enjoy social activies with you, Kim + my husband (are you moving to the Toronto area anytime soon? -haha) The first steps are the hardest, and then it gets easier. And shoot for some friends from the non-cancer world too, to bring you diversity. While I value this board tremendously, I also really value the relationships where I can see, hear + touch the people. Everytime we either have people over or go out to someone's etc., my husband + I feel lifted up + we enjoy each other more. I think you + Kim would find this too. As much as I love my husband + consider him my soulmate, I would be lost without others in my life. You and Kim deserve that; go out + get it. Warm thoughts are being sent your way. Take good care!

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • robinvan
    robinvan Member Posts: 1,012
    AnneCan said:

    Hi Craig,
    I have delayed

    Hi Craig,

    I have delayed responding to your thread because I wanted to say something "helpful, inspirational, the "right thing" etc. I have decided just to post my own "real" thoughts, straight from the heart.

    First of all, you + Kim must be two incredibly strong people to have come through all that you have come through + with such dignity.

    It is never too late to make new friends. Old friends are great but if they are not around, not helpful, etc., we need to find new friends. Sometimes they are right under our noses + sometimes they are a little deeper in the soil + we have to work to get them out. I have been incredibly fortunate with my friends + relatives - most have been unbelievable, but there have been a few "disappointments". I try to focus on all the good ones. Nevertheless, I am still developing new relationships - I joined a new neighbourhood book club that was forming + I am making some new friends, as well as getting to know some people a little better. I wasn't sure whether or not to join, but decided to push my comfort level + join. If I need to miss the odd meeting for chemo, etc., so be it. I think if you reach out to someone - neighbour, co-worker etc., someone in the "dog" world, you will be pleasantly surprised with the results. Your personality is such that people are drawn to you. I would be honoured to be able to enjoy social activies with you, Kim + my husband (are you moving to the Toronto area anytime soon? -haha) The first steps are the hardest, and then it gets easier. And shoot for some friends from the non-cancer world too, to bring you diversity. While I value this board tremendously, I also really value the relationships where I can see, hear + touch the people. Everytime we either have people over or go out to someone's etc., my husband + I feel lifted up + we enjoy each other more. I think you + Kim would find this too. As much as I love my husband + consider him my soulmate, I would be lost without others in my life. You and Kim deserve that; go out + get it. Warm thoughts are being sent your way. Take good care!

    Craig in Toronto!!
    I'm not sure I can picture that. Let me see... Texas Longhorns, Dallas Cowboys, trade them in for who, the Toronto Argonauts. Nope, can't see this happening! LOL!

    Rob; in Vancouver
  • AnneCan
    AnneCan Member Posts: 3,673 Member
    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    Wow, Graci,
    You are doing

    Wow, Graci,

    You are doing incredibly well - 2 socials in the past 2 weeks, despite recent surgery. You should be really proud of yourself! I think it will be no time until you have so many people to hang out with you won't know what to do. You have been through a lot, nursing your husband, dealing with your daughter + now dealing with your own cancer situation. Yet you have maintained a kind, positve outlook. Now it is time to have some fun. I would love to have you as a "real" friend if you lived closer by. But I will enjoy your posts + also look forward to "friendship" updates. You will have no trouble, sometimes it just takes a little while to find the "right" ones. All the best to you, dear Graci. I am glad if I gave a little "boost" to you; we all need that!
  • AnneCan
    AnneCan Member Posts: 3,673 Member
    robinvan said:

    Craig in Toronto!!
    I'm not sure I can picture that. Let me see... Texas Longhorns, Dallas Cowboys, trade them in for who, the Toronto Argonauts. Nope, can't see this happening! LOL!

    Rob; in Vancouver

    Hey, what about the Maple
    Hey, what about the Maple Leafs, Raptors.......OK Rob I get it! Take care!
  • sfmarie
    sfmarie Member Posts: 602
    Craig
    I am crying here reading your post. Now, you could be a novelist, almost like Nicholas Sparks :)

    I supported my sister throughout her journey and true there were some moments I thought, please just let me have a week without any urgent phone calls. Of course, looking back, I wish I spent every waking moment with her. We managed to eek out as much fun and as much time together as possible, but you always think there could have been room for more. Now, given we were 6 hours away from one another and we both have our families, children and jobs to deal with, I did the best I could. But maybe I could have done more. The cancer journey is exhausting! And it could not be more exhausting for the patient. I could never imagine.

    If you were my neighbor, I think you would be posting on here, what do I do about my pesty neighbor. She comes over all the time and is even arranging puppy play dates! And her husband want to watch the Cowboys together (he's a huge Dallas fan).

    I am grateful for my supporting family and blessed to have them.

    Go find yourself an agent and start writing that novel!

    Hugs,

    Marie
  • AnneCan
    AnneCan Member Posts: 3,673 Member
    sfmarie said:

    Craig
    I am crying here reading your post. Now, you could be a novelist, almost like Nicholas Sparks :)

    I supported my sister throughout her journey and true there were some moments I thought, please just let me have a week without any urgent phone calls. Of course, looking back, I wish I spent every waking moment with her. We managed to eek out as much fun and as much time together as possible, but you always think there could have been room for more. Now, given we were 6 hours away from one another and we both have our families, children and jobs to deal with, I did the best I could. But maybe I could have done more. The cancer journey is exhausting! And it could not be more exhausting for the patient. I could never imagine.

    If you were my neighbor, I think you would be posting on here, what do I do about my pesty neighbor. She comes over all the time and is even arranging puppy play dates! And her husband want to watch the Cowboys together (he's a huge Dallas fan).

    I am grateful for my supporting family and blessed to have them.

    Go find yourself an agent and start writing that novel!

    Hugs,

    Marie

    Marie,
    You are the poster

    Marie,

    You are the poster child for what a sister can be. I have always been amazed at how involved you were with your sister's cancer journey. Be proud, you have placed the bar high!
  • robinvan
    robinvan Member Posts: 1,012
    AnneCan said:

    Hey, what about the Maple
    Hey, what about the Maple Leafs, Raptors.......OK Rob I get it! Take care!

    The Maple Leafs!
    You must mean Johny Bower, Dave Keon, Tim Horton, Frank Mahovolich and the 1967 Stanley Cup! Haven't seen them since!! LOL... Our Canucks are toast now too!

    Rob; In Vancouver
  • Sundanceh
    Sundanceh Member Posts: 4,392 Member
    sfmarie said:

    Craig
    I am crying here reading your post. Now, you could be a novelist, almost like Nicholas Sparks :)

    I supported my sister throughout her journey and true there were some moments I thought, please just let me have a week without any urgent phone calls. Of course, looking back, I wish I spent every waking moment with her. We managed to eek out as much fun and as much time together as possible, but you always think there could have been room for more. Now, given we were 6 hours away from one another and we both have our families, children and jobs to deal with, I did the best I could. But maybe I could have done more. The cancer journey is exhausting! And it could not be more exhausting for the patient. I could never imagine.

    If you were my neighbor, I think you would be posting on here, what do I do about my pesty neighbor. She comes over all the time and is even arranging puppy play dates! And her husband want to watch the Cowboys together (he's a huge Dallas fan).

    I am grateful for my supporting family and blessed to have them.

    Go find yourself an agent and start writing that novel!

    Hugs,

    Marie

    Marie:)
    If you were my neighbor, I would be absolutely "thrilled!" All the good people I know live on this board, which is why I'm so grateful that I have each one of you. All of you have no idea how much a part of my life that you really are - and those are not just words from the wordsmith. I truly mean that.

    I would still be posting, but probably saying something like I've got this great neighbor and I'm so happy to have her in my life. And I could also watch the games with hubby - I'm sure we would get along famously. And Harley....he needs a friend too, puppy play dates sound so good to me right now. That sounds like alot of livin' to me:)

    You and your family just come on over - or we'll come there - we'll have a time. But then, you might post, there is is this "pesky Texan" and we just can't get rid of him, LOL:)

    You picked up my spirits - wish I were there to give you a great big Texas hug - I just love a good hug. You can feel the sparks passing between each other when it's done right:)

    And thank you so much for thinking I can write - so many folks here are so supportive - perhaps it's time I look in to this.

    You're a sweetheart and you've always been there for me - even this "novelist" does not have adequate words to express my appreciation for you.

    -Craig
  • Sundanceh
    Sundanceh Member Posts: 4,392 Member
    AnneCan said:

    Hi Craig,
    I have delayed

    Hi Craig,

    I have delayed responding to your thread because I wanted to say something "helpful, inspirational, the "right thing" etc. I have decided just to post my own "real" thoughts, straight from the heart.

    First of all, you + Kim must be two incredibly strong people to have come through all that you have come through + with such dignity.

    It is never too late to make new friends. Old friends are great but if they are not around, not helpful, etc., we need to find new friends. Sometimes they are right under our noses + sometimes they are a little deeper in the soil + we have to work to get them out. I have been incredibly fortunate with my friends + relatives - most have been unbelievable, but there have been a few "disappointments". I try to focus on all the good ones. Nevertheless, I am still developing new relationships - I joined a new neighbourhood book club that was forming + I am making some new friends, as well as getting to know some people a little better. I wasn't sure whether or not to join, but decided to push my comfort level + join. If I need to miss the odd meeting for chemo, etc., so be it. I think if you reach out to someone - neighbour, co-worker etc., someone in the "dog" world, you will be pleasantly surprised with the results. Your personality is such that people are drawn to you. I would be honoured to be able to enjoy social activies with you, Kim + my husband (are you moving to the Toronto area anytime soon? -haha) The first steps are the hardest, and then it gets easier. And shoot for some friends from the non-cancer world too, to bring you diversity. While I value this board tremendously, I also really value the relationships where I can see, hear + touch the people. Everytime we either have people over or go out to someone's etc., my husband + I feel lifted up + we enjoy each other more. I think you + Kim would find this too. As much as I love my husband + consider him my soulmate, I would be lost without others in my life. You and Kim deserve that; go out + get it. Warm thoughts are being sent your way. Take good care!

    Dearest, Wisest Anne
    What would I do without the Canadiens in my life, eh?

    Anne, you are so sweet and your post is full of wisdom - just the kind of stuff that has gotten me to do some more deep thinkin'.

    Kim and I will keep searching and when you seek, you will find. But you're right, they have got to be some good people and those are hard to find.

    When we get to Canada, you are on my list of people to see. And Rob too, LOL:)

    Thank you you so much for being a port of calm when the Seas of Life are rough - you've always been a very dear and kind woman and I treasure you far more than you might realize - or maybe you do and that's why you put up with me, LOL:)

    I look forward to a big hug with you too:)

    -Craig
  • elizabethgd
    elizabethgd Member Posts: 145
    Sundanceh said:

    Marie:)
    If you were my neighbor, I would be absolutely "thrilled!" All the good people I know live on this board, which is why I'm so grateful that I have each one of you. All of you have no idea how much a part of my life that you really are - and those are not just words from the wordsmith. I truly mean that.

    I would still be posting, but probably saying something like I've got this great neighbor and I'm so happy to have her in my life. And I could also watch the games with hubby - I'm sure we would get along famously. And Harley....he needs a friend too, puppy play dates sound so good to me right now. That sounds like alot of livin' to me:)

    You and your family just come on over - or we'll come there - we'll have a time. But then, you might post, there is is this "pesky Texan" and we just can't get rid of him, LOL:)

    You picked up my spirits - wish I were there to give you a great big Texas hug - I just love a good hug. You can feel the sparks passing between each other when it's done right:)

    And thank you so much for thinking I can write - so many folks here are so supportive - perhaps it's time I look in to this.

    You're a sweetheart and you've always been there for me - even this "novelist" does not have adequate words to express my appreciation for you.

    -Craig

    I do not post much,
    but wanted to say thank you... to all of your responses.. It is difficult for me to express myself.. but listening to your expressions has helped me . Somehow there is comfort in knowing that someone else has been through this, and understands how it feels..
    love to all of you