Hey, Loungers

[bertha katzenengel]

I hope you're all well. I haven't been around much; the doldrums for me. Winter, and Mrs. V. is not well. It kills her, especially when it's raining or snowing. (Anyone got ANY remedies for arthritis and other joint pain?)

And grief over my Grandma -- talked to my shrink; I honestly had no idea it takes a year or two to grieve fully. Last time someone like this died was 33 years ago and I was eleven. Mrs. V. gave me Joan Didion's The Year of Magical Thinking shortly after Grandma died. I devoured it but I don't think it nourished me. Maybe I'll read it again. Maybe other books on grief? Maybe I just need to live through it. I miss her.

Haven't forgotten my friends here (and Kesha, I sent you an email).

:hi:

[BikeWriter]

1. Grieving takes a lot longer that that. I hope you feel better soon!

[bertha katzenengel]

5. thank you, BW

:) thank you

[BikeWriter]

7. You got it. Lady. Take the time you need.

[JaneQPublic]

2. "Grief is the price we all pay for love."

--Quote from Gretchen Jackson, owner of Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro

[bertha katzenengel]

4. oh, god

:cry:

[bigwillq]

3. Hey Bertha....

:hug:

The grieving period varies from person to person.
I think it's ok that you're still grieving. It's only natural too.

You will know when that phrase will be over. No need to rush it.
You are well aware of what's going on.....it's not like you're in denial or anything. I think denial is worse. You'll be fine.

All the best.

:hug:

[bertha katzenengel]

6. Will

:hug: can you come over? :)

[auntAgonist]

8. I'm so glad to see you posting!

I've been thinking of both of you as you know :)


:loveya:

:hug:

I'll check the mail.







nothing yet:(

[SeattleGirl]

9. It's good to see you, bertha.

I'm sorry you and Mrs. V have been having a tough time.

Grieving does take time, and it's different for everyone. One thing that helped me after my dad died was to talk to him. Just have conversations with him in my mind; sometimes I told him I was angry that he had died, and other times I would tell him how much I missed him, and what I had learned from him.

I don't know if this would work for you, but it helped me a lot. And, even though March will be 30 years since he died, I still have a conversation with him now and then.

:hug:

[Kali]

10. Hi Bertha

Winter can be sad all on it's own, but loss can make it even worse. Do what you need and feel what you feel.

Hot tub is my recommendation for the physical pain. Either a real one or even hot showers. Or a warm indoor pool somewhere? Light exercise in water is easy on the joints and keeps various body functions...well, functioning.