Kathy- I am so sorry for you and the risk that your neighbor is going to have to endure. She is way too young to be so sick. I'm sure she has your friendship and support when she needs it most. She is blessed to have you. I have certainly been guilty of spraying paint and breathing it. I've learned a lot since those days. I yelled across the alley at a pregnant girl who was spraying in her garage without a mask. I told her I was mothering her by teaching her that she was going to be feeding that baby airborn paint dust. I have spray painted in the garage and the fine overspray dust covered everything. A safer way is to wear a respirator and put the item in a large box out of the wind to paint it. Try to snag a refrigerater box to paint large objects.

Dear Olliesmom, I'm so sorry to hear about losing your Mom. I lost mine to lung cancer as well...coming up on 3 years in Feb. She and I were also very close, and her passing has torn a huge hole in my life...which I am gradually learning to mend. No one made me laugh as much as Mom did, and while I miss that terribly, I so appreciate her teaching me the importance of enjoying life. I always remember the words from Mitch Albom who said that just because someone dies, it doesn't mean your relationship with them ends...it's just that that relationship changes. Since Mom passed, I have learned things about her that I didn't know before from people who loved her. I have found things I needed among her things which are gifts that she's still giving me, and I have found ways to continue to feel close to her, including spending time doing the things we enjoyed doing together. At first, I couldn't do it. But with time, I am now able to, and bring her with me in my heart. So she is still very much a part of my life and will be for the rest of my life. I'm sure your Mom will be with you as well. And I'm always most thankful to have had a wonderful mother and such a close relationship to her...many people have not been so fortunate. So however soon it seems she was taken from me, I know I've been far more blessed than most. Don't question the why of her passing. It happened exactly as it was meant to. The universe is perfect as it is. If it weren't, it'd be different. So we have to trust that it is as it was meant to be. Grief is like waves. They first hit you suddenly, frequently and so hard that they toss you over. But with time, know that the waves become calmer, they come less frequently, and soon you will be able to stand when they hit. Eventually, they become almost gentle reminders of times and things you've shared in the past. But it takes time. And for each of us, it takes as much time as it takes. Miss her, grieve for her, and then let it go. I was very much helped by the grief guided meditation that meditation oasis provides. I'm posting a link below in the hopes that it will help you heal sooner as well. You have my deepest sympathies and my best wishes for courage, strength and comfort in this most difficult time. AnnieD Here is a link that might be useful: Grief Meditation: #26

Suzieque...thank you so much. I just heard that the hospital may send her home tomorrow, they have her on a pump for pain and i am not sure if that will continue at home, but her dh said she wants to go home. Marie... I hope your DD and DH continue to improve. Thanks for the note, you have been so kind to me in the past. and helped me with other things. Ellie.... aw, thank you! I often feel, and say, that I wish I could be as articulate as some of you on here. I appreciate your kind words. I imagine as we all age, we will be in these situations more often than not. And, of course, one of these days...... no one can say when..... we will each be the one whose hand is being held. All I know is that we are not promised a tomorrow....so live today as if it is your last. I have not done that by any means, ever, in fact I am one of the worst for worrying about things I cannot change, but sometimes things happen to put life in perspective for you. This is a wonderful place, this KT, to come and share and ask for advice, and for prayer and good thoughts. And also to pass on encouragement to our 'cyber' friends as they need it. Bless you all!

Oh Nancy...my heart aches for your mom & you & yours. It is such a battle but with all of your love, encouragement and attention for her, the Drs' wisdom & meds to ease her pain and your mom's optimism..it's through all of our prayers that she find healing & comfort!