Isn't there a qualitative difference between damaged and destroyed? If ruffians tore up a house, tearing, breaking, slashing everything in sight and knocking holes in all the walls, it might be called completely damaged; if a meteor landed on the house and flattened it, then it would be destroyed. Possibly 'damaged' implies at least a remaining framework, whereas 'destroyed' gives the implication of nothing useful remaining of the original form. Of course, we could also be wandering into the realm of local dialects, where we each look at Gandle's truck and use a different word or phrase in description.

Sherry, To be honest I am not sure what kind of lilies those are...I barely know weeds from water melons...LOL.. I am into photography and I was shooting pictures at the local botanial garden when the butterfly showed up,,I couldn't resist that shot. The first two photos the butterflies are on a tall weed called Teasel, which grows wild on the edge of the meadow by my house.

I have a few.. Cancer Compass Lung board and the Brain board. Hard to say which one would be better, the brain section has a LOT of caring, compassionate people. One gal there just lost her young adult son; she goes by heart_and_soul. If you register, read some of her posts There is also a Caregiver section There is also Well spouse and if you go to their main page, there are tons of links for help. Make sure they get set up with hospice asap even if it isn't needed. It will make it much easier when they do need to jump in. Depending on what type of hospice; my dad had nurses come in during the day to check on him (home hospice); they also were the ones to pronounce him.. I called and they sent someone right over. With my FIL who passed from brain (home hospice as well), my MIL paid them (or insurance covered) to stay 24 hours. It depends on insurance and what the person wants. There's also the option to go to a facility.

The past 4 years I have been involved in helping the Salvation Army with the Elder Tree program. I am with another organization and we have donated money to help out with gifts for the elderly. It is amazing how much help is needed after the people bring in their gifts for the angels they have chosen. It is also heartbreaking to read their wish lists. They ask for stamps, toilet paper, paper towels, snacks and fruit. Maybe a pair of pajamas or slippers. My friend and I go out shopping for the things that are needed to fill in the empty spots and get treats to go into their gift packages. My friend works for the county and works in the Hud Housing and other elderly facilities so she knows a lot of the folks that receive these gifts. She says it is such a joy to see the faces of these elderly people when they tell her what Santa has brought them. We always come away with a warm feeling that we have helped someone less fortunate than us. It also puts you in the Christmas spirt and makes you aware of all that you have to be thankful for. There are many places to volunteer at Christmas. Our grandchildren in Tucson go and help out at the soup kitchen instead of having a big meal at home. It teaches them to help others and to be thankful for all they have. I hope you will find a way to make your Christmas bright. Enjoy your family and grandchildren as they are part of you and your dear husband.