Hi Lori, sending you and the kids huge hugs and congratulating you on all of your accomplishments during the past year. You're more resilient than you ever imagined and Bob would be very, very proud!
Ellen

Another one here thinking of you, Bob and the kids. I'm know Bob would be proud of you, and I bet the kids are proud of you too. It hasn't been easy, but you've done great.

You are in my thoughts too. You have done remarkably well keeping it together. Peace and strength to you and the family.

Alexa

Me too! Sending hugs to you all.

Wishing you the ability to really feel the moments of joy you and your kids can find this Christmas. (((Lori)))

Lori, I know that this is going to be a difficult week for you. Thinking about you too.

Ann

My thoughts will be with you this Sunday.

Lori, I too am thinking of you and the kids. Bob left a wonderful legacy. Your strength is amazing. Think only of the good times.

Pam

Lori, I too will be thinking of you and the kids over the next few days. It's going to be tough I'm sure but you and the kids have found so much strength in each other , I know you will continue to.

Sharon

Lori, I am wishing you and the kids peace this week, Let memories comfort you as you begin to create new memories and traditions. You are an amazing lady!!

PEACE!
Susie

Me too...with the things you've accomplished over the past year...it's amazing!!!!

So glad you posted this Denise -- I'll keep you and the kids in my thoughts Lori, and hope you are holding up and treating yourself gently...

Emily

Hi Lori, I think of you and your great kids often.

I am here too. Tell us how you are doing, we miss you here.

Hugs to you and the kids,

Peppi

Lori,

thoughts and prayers are with you and yours this week and the holiday season. You are thought of often, especially when we have waffles!

Brenda

count me in, I was thinking of Lori and the kids this morning and here is the thread.

Lori, knockers up, girl, I'll be sending strong thoughts to you.

Annie

Lori,
Hope you and the kids are doing well. Thinking of you during this time.
jo

Lori, I still think of you daily....hang in there.

Hi Lori, thinking of you and your kids and hoping things are going well for all of you! Gina

Hoping today is a day of family for all of you.

I'm thinking of you also. Take care.

Sally

Hi Lori, Thinking about you - sending you strength -maria

Hi Lori! Chiming in to give you some more warm wishes and (((hugs))).

Lori, hope you and the kids are doing well. Please check in with us when you get a chance.

Ann

I love you guys. Thank you. Thank you, Denise for starting this thread.

I wanted to come here on or before the anniversary to give everybody an update on what's going on in our lives but we've been so busy. I need busy.

Leading up to the 14th, I was so scared, especially about reliving the time from 6-7 a.m. So I brought home a ton of work and worked until the early morning hours and didn't wake up until about 7:05. Mackenzie had a gymnastics meet and Brian had a practice. The older boys came over, then we all went to dinner at night with Bob's brother, SIL and my niece. It was such a busy day I was able to remain in denial pretty much the whole day.

The kids have been well. They're all growing up so fast. We continue to talk about Bob daily, which is so important to me. We've had some real tear jerkers, all of us. The anniversary being so close to the holidays is tough. How the heck did I ever get through last Christmas? I don't even remember it.

I went to a one-on-one counseling session and never went back, but I continue with my almost weekly young widows group. It helps me the most. It ends in two weeks, and I am in the process of starting my own group with some of the people I've met there and some others I've since met, all under the age of 50. It's my therapy and I hope it will help others to continue with it. Maria, if you're reading this, we'd love if you joined us.

Christmas was what you'd expect, I guess. About a week before, I traded in Bob's car for a new car for Brian (new to him). Santa brought it Christmas morning and it was really exciting. Again, we kept busy (although we stayed home all day except a quick visit to the cemetary). Busy is good. It wasn't until late in the day that I cried.

Friday night Brendan got engaged. I'm so happy for them. Bob just loved Brendan's girlfriend. She's a sweetheart. (The man who assaulted Brendan will go to trial in late February/early March).

Sunday we had a memorial mass and that was when I finally crashed. There were no other distractions and I had to think about it. It really sucked. But we had about 40-50 people over after and it was nice.

So we've been through all the "firsts." It's supposed to get easier now but I'm not a gambler and wouldn't bet on it.

I still try not to think about it. We've settled into a new routine. I don't like moving on, but I guess it's what we have to do. We'll always miss him. I wish I could have kissed him at midnight tonight.

So that's about where we are now. I know I say it all the time, but I wish I could come here more often. My cooking sucks again. I hardly ever bake. Brian even told me today that I need to get my act together. He's right, but I just don't have the time or motivation to do what I used to do. And it's not just about the cooking. I want to hang out here with all of you.

So thank you for checking in with me. Thank you for reading and all the warm wishes and hugs. I know I will be back, just never as much as I want to unless I hit the lottery. In the meantime, I think of all of you often and miss you too.

All my love,
Lori

Lori, it was great to hear from you. Wishing you a very happy New Year.

Sue

Lori! So good to hear from you. I have been checking back to see if you had posted.

Sounds like you are managing to keep the wheels on the bus. It's good that you have a support group. I think of you often.

Pam

PS Good luck with the lottery!

Happy New Year Lori! It's good to hear your news. Busy does sound good. You have done so much. I hope this year brings much happiness to you and your family.

Denise

Hi Lori, I've been thinking alot about your family this season too. It's good to hear about you and the kids and that you are moving through things as best you can. A family in our community suffered a tragedy like yours about a month ago and I can only hope that they have the strength and support to weather things with the fortitude and aplomb that you have in this difficult time. I know you have no designs on being an example but you have been in so many ways. I wish you and your family peace in the new year, and I thank you for all you've shared with us in dealing with a family tragedy, it gave me the appropriate ways to help and support another family too. You are amazing, my heart and hope goes out to you and your children. I hope the new year holds a wealth of joy and new hope for you and the kids!

Hey Lori

You have been in my thoughts these past weeks. I know it has been very hard for you and the family, but you have been once around the circle and made it through all the holidays and anniversaries. Bob will always be in your heart and you will remember him, draw strength from knowing that he is smiling at you and the way you have handled things. It is a tribute to you AND to him.

I pray for your continued strength and for peace and happiness for you and your family in this new year.

Alexa

Hugs to Lori and the family. Congrats sent to Brendan too.

Lori, thanks for touching base with us. I hope you find some time to spend with us. You know we all care and you are missed.

Ann

Lori,
You are an inspiration to all of us. I know that it is hard for you, but it really will get better eventually. Good luck, and we really do miss you here.
Sherry
P.S. If I win the lottery, I will share with you

Hey guys! Don't we have a lottery pact? A lottery sharing pact?

OK. I guess if it's big enough I can share with more than one