It's been a rough couple of weeks here in Lake Woebegon.

[redwitch]

Last week my sister ended up in the ER and we were very afraid we would lose her. I am thankful that she is on the mend and does not have cancer as was originally thought. It did become painfully evident though that her husband has serious mental health issues and although she does not have cancer, her marriage does.

Last Sunday I found out that the 2 month old granddaughter of a friend ended her struggle to live and two days ago a beautiful young mother of two died in a tragic car accident here and our small community is in mourning.

Still, today I am grateful that we humans gather together to pull each other through such difficult times. I am particularly grateful that my marriage is healthy, my sons are healthy and sharing today with us, I have family and friends that I celebrate every day. I am grateful to the DU community for the years we have spent together in mourning and celebration and solidarity.

If you have people in your life that you love and good food to eat today in a safe place you are truly blessed. Remember that and pay it forward. If you do not, tell someone. Reach out. If you know someone who has needs that are not being met, do what you can. You never know how much good a helping hand and a listening heart can do.

Blessings on you all today.

[HereSince1628]

1. Sorry things are tough

You said..."It did become painfully evident though that her husband has serious mental health issues and although she does not have cancer, her marriage does."

Just want to be sure I understand...because proximity suggests that the cancer in the marriage is the husband's mental illness.

Is that what you meant?

[redwitch]

3. Yes.

I am very worried for him, he needs help, probably medication too. Not sure they will be able to coexist unless he gets the help. They have a young child who is sad and worried. And we still don't know why my sister got so sick, more testing to be done there too.

[HereSince1628]

5. The National Alliance on Mental Health has support sites set up in most states...

so do larger cities.

If you google NAMI and the state's name you'll probably get a link to a NAMI site that will give with lists and links of agencies who can help, not just help for a person who is mentally ill, but with support for family members who need help coping with a family member with a mental illness.

Good Luck.

[redwitch]

9. Thank you

I will give this info to my sister.

[tblue]

2. xoxoxo...

My heart is with you and yours. Sending vibes of love and comfort. "Pay it forward," I sure will. Thank you for reminding us.

[redwitch]

4. DUers are very aware and compassionate.

But everybody needs to remember to be thankful when it seems like the hits just keep on coming.

And thank you.

[redwitch]

10. Thank you.

I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving.

[WillyT]

6. (((((((redwitch)))))))

Peace...



& Rec !!!

[redwitch]

11. Thanks WillyT.

I don't know what I would do without my virtual( yet very real) friends!

[OneGrassRoot]

7. Blessings to you and yours, and the same to all reading this...

It's my first holiday in a long, long time that I'm not out and about with Meals-on-Wheels or at the shelter. Instead, my daughter is recovering from having her wisdom teeth removed yesterday, so I'm tending to her needs today. Just the two of us, with pureed food.



I'm most definitely thinking of others and counting my blessings. Thank you for the reminder, redwitch.

[redwitch]

12. Oh, ouch!

I remember having mine out, that hurts! Pureed sweet potatoes are pretty good.

[Odin2005]

8. (((VIBES)))

[redwitch]

13. Thanks sweetie.

[Elwood P Dowd]

14. Remember some of the good times from Lake Woebegon.

http://prairiehome.publicradio.org/

[redwitch]

16. Where all the women are strong...

Garrison always makes me smile.

[Mnemosyne]

15. ...

[redwitch]

17. Thanks.

[Mnemosyne]

20. I hope things ease soon.

[lunatica]

18. How sad for your friend's family to have lost a granddaughter!

and for those children to lose their mother. I know you all have closed ranks around them. And I hope your son in law gets help and that your daughter recovers fully.

(((((((( redwitch ))))))))

[redwitch]

19. It truly is.

Thank you for your kind words.