Hello Maria. My heart is with you. You have lost way too much way too early. Your nephew is precious :)

Maria, thinking of you, I can't believe it's been two years, so it must be absolutely mind boggling to you. Continuing to send you strength and hugs -----

Life DOES go on...
I also can't believe it was 2 years ago since that tragic accident...
AND...I can't believe its' been 16...yes sixteen! years last week , since I lost my DH.
Life goes on...believe me is does....and as time passes, you will become more of who "YOU" are. It's hard to believe how much we are part of the other half.
"Clink" to you Sweetie!...strong woman that you are!
Linda C

My nephew Jack is 10. He is a big boy now -

Yes - I do feel much different than even 6 months ago...I have my moments and break-downs but for the most part have decided like you to keep going....Gosh Linda - 16 years..."clink" to you to sister! -maria

Oh Maria -- my sentiments are just like Woodie's -- too much loss too young! I am so sorry for your loss -- your post brought me back to how each anniversary felt after the death of my father... Two years is such a short time, I'm sure there are still many very raw spots, but just hope that time will help smooth the rough edges... I am glad you are making good plans for yourself this weekend.

BIG HUG,

Emily

Maria, I don't know what to say except just hang in there. I have been increasing my activities and it helps me. Tomorrow will be one year for me. Time seems to help more than anything.
James

Maria,

You are stronger than you give yourself credit for. My wish for you is to find peace and contentment, and living in the moment does help. I'm so sorry for the senseless loss of your DH, but many faithful people believe (I think I do too:-) that he is smiling down on you and would want to know that you are moving forward with your life. As much as he no doubt loved you, he for sure would want you to be happy again.

LindaC, you are an inspiration for all of us:-) Jim, I know there are brighter days ahead for you as well. Enjoy your new boat and fish to your heart's content!
DONNA

How interesting that I found myself thinking about you yesterday, Maria. I didn't think about the date being what it was, so I don't know why I was thinking of you. I wasn't on the cooking forum yet, or maybe I had just discovered it at about the same time as your husband's passing.

It's been 5 years since both my mother and my MIL passed away. My mother passed in April, and my MIL passed away in July of the same year. I still find myself missing them both, but the edge is softened now.

Jim my heart goes out to you, too, at this time. Linda as well.

What is it about July?

Sally

Maria and James, thinking of you both.

Ann

Hi Maria. I have a 10 year old grandnephew named Jack.

Yes, anniversaries are a time for reflection. I can't believe it's two years already. You are doing as well as anyone could expect.

Jim, I remember watching my BIL's progress after my sister's death. It was a long journey but after 10 years he remarried and we love his new wife. I guess you just keep putting one foot in front of the other.

That reminds me that my Dad died in July of 2000. Honestly, it was a release and a blessing since he had been severely disabled from a stroke for a number of years. He and I had such an awkward relationship I am mostly sad that we were never able to be comfortable around each other, but that wasn't going to happen if he lived to be 200!

P.S. Did we ever hear what happened to the picky eater?

Maria, my thoughts are with you as well, and with Jim and with Lori and Linda. So many people here have lost a loved one.

Heck, I still cry over the WonderWeiner, so I think you're doing amazingly well at this point in your life.

And what DID happen to the picky eater?

Annie

Maria I have been thinking about you too, these past weeks. Big hug to you from PA.

Too bad you can't wait another 20 years for your friend's son!

Hang in there every day, we're with you!!

Maria my thoughts are with you today and with you too James. I know this time has been difficult but it is good to see you both moving forward in positive ways.

Sharon

Maria, I didn't mean to add my troubles to yours. I was just writing what I was thinking. I hope things went ok today.
James

Maria, Anniversaries like this one are funny things. I believe it is good to be mindful of when they come up because it can help you to understand your feelings on the day.

James, I don't feel that any of us feel you were adding your troubles on, just noting where you both are. however my heart still goes out to you.

-Robin

James - don't feel that way - you are welcome to share your feelings on any of these posts-I don't claim any exclusivity to this condition.(don't know if this is correctly written-but hey, it sounded good to me). I'm happy to know you too are coping.

The day turned out ok - thanks again for the support and friendship from all my CF buddies.
And, yes I am seeing the Picky Eater...we're going to a Met's game tomorrow, I am not a sports enthusiast, but still enjoy a game. I'll bring a small knitting project and he will protect me from any foul balls. There is nothing like people watching in the NY stadiums-NY fans are nuts...and there is usually good beer and hot dogs. Gonna have to see if there are any gnocchi,,,-maria

ROFL 'gnocchi', Maria. Humor is good.

I know what it is like to count the anniversaries. Like Sally I lost my mom and MIL within months of each other.

(((hugs))) to all.

Ah, Maria, I checked in quickly the other night when you had posted this and I literally cried myself to sleep. I couldn't even respond. I'm sorry.

I'm happy for you for having the courage you've had and for being able to look to the future. Did you ever think two years ago that you would be talking about a new husband with anybody (let alone a 5 yr old, LOL)?

I've thought of you so much in the last two years but even more so in the last seven months, including recently because I knew the anniversary was around the 4th. You are an inspiration. You are the reason I came here to talk about my loss and sometimes I really think that is what has kept me alive.

I am happy that you are finding happiness. You deserve it.

Jim, you are also an inspiration. I know for a fact that there are others on this forum that are going through what we have gone through; and although they have been more private about it, all of these posts help them to know they are not alone. Don't be shy.

Linda, as always, you help us all.

Oh, and Maria, next time you drive right by me on the way to the Cape and don't stop for lunch, I will be very offended! :)

Hi Maria! I'm thinking of you and Mr. Picky Eater and the nyaw-kee and smiling with tears in my eyes.

Jim, did you get that boat and name it?

Lori, you're a doll and I hope to meet you someday.

Don't ever hesitate to post here. Yes, it seems weird, but you know, I've been coming here for over 8 years now, and some of you have been posting longer than that. We are our own community of friends. I don't really email/phone people privately - I talk to all of you right here. So keep coming to our little special world to chat with each other about whatever. It's dang special - it really is.

Lori - if you are that close to me - and I assume in MA or RI - then email me and we SHOULD meet sometime for lunch (would have to be on a weekend) - hey I have friends in East Greenwich who will put me up anytime.

You know, I do agree that our CF group is a wonderful eclectic mix of friends. I never thought I would have such support and friendship from a group of people that I have mostly never met but know non-the-less. Hey Gina, I too have not emailed or phoned anyone personally much but have received personal cards and email from many of you. It's wonderful having the contact.

Many of you posted on the guest book of Tyler's Obituary - my family and friends wanted to know who you all were and what CF or Cooking Forum was. I told them you were all my very special friends and we had a wonderful online community. We share recipes, stories and friendship - and some good laughs.

Yes Gina, we do have a special little world - I so agree. -maria