You have been hit hard emotionally over the last couple of years, haven't you. I am so sorry.

My DH and I are entering that stage of life as well and a couple of years ago we lost 3 friends within a span of 18 months. It's hard.

I'm so sorry for all the losses you have suffered. It's hard to cope with, I know.

It's always difficult to lose a family member or a close friend and you've had a rough two years of it. Unfortunately you're right about age related illnesses - it seems like it's harder to deal with when you realize that you're in that same group.

I sincerely hope you enjoy your new TV - sometimes I find that little things like that can help take your mind off sad events. We purchased a 65" Samsung when we moved last year and DH and I have enjoyed many winter evenings sitting by the fireplace and watching favorite old movies.

It's hard to stay cheerful when you're hit with so many sad events. I'm glad you posted, and I'm glad you got the TV. Something new and pleasant can be a good distraction from hard times.

Sometimes life can be overwhelming. I'm of the age that these losses and debilitations pop up all too frequently. It's not easy, but I've excepted the fact that this is to be expected from here on in. Most of my friends are in my age range so I know we've all been blessed to live longer than most and have had many blessings in our lives. It's always good to hear from you, Steve.

I'm so sorry for the loss of friends and family. We also are at the stage of life where we are losing friends and have already lost most of our family.

I'm sorry for your losses. Hang in there! it's good to see you posting again.

I am so sorry to learn of the sad loss of family and friends. Sending gentle hugs your way.

Good to see you back, Steve.

So very hard....I hope the next few years are blissfully uneventful for you, Secsteve.

We just heard that a cousin who has metastasized breast cancer, just had a heart attack yesterday.

Yes, we are at the age where this is now a part of life.

It stinks. So sorry for you and all of us here to have to deal with so many blows all at once.

Sorry for all you have been through. We went through something similar six years ago and I remember how difficult and st it was. Time will help as does staying busy. Be kind to yourself; the new tv will be a nice distraction.

Just want to say , We are here and we care. So please come talk to us when things are hard. glad you posted and enjoy that new tv. Some times it helps just to talk.

I'm glad that you posted. You've had a tough time of it and I hope that your days begin to feel a little lighter.

I'm so sorry, a lot of people to lose in such a short time. Big hugs.

I'm so sorry. I know you are devastated. You have my sympathy. Hugs.

I am sorry for the loss of so many close to you these past couple of years.

Getting older seems to bring on this period of wondering if we will be the last ones standing among the friends and family of our generation. DH and I were talking about this just the other day.

A HS classmate emailed me today to say three of our classmates died in the last month. One guy I was really close to. We went on our first dance together at age 12.

My wife and I have entered that phase of our lives. Funerals have been added to our social life. We are averaging at least 4 per year. It sucks, but is a natural happenstance.

I am sorry for your difficulties. I hope you continue to post here.

So sorry that this has happened to you. Hope you get a chance to take a deep breath.

We haven't quite hit that stage yet. But I like to be prepared so I'm thinking about all the things associated with getting older in as practical a way as I can. And mentally preparing myself for the impending losses of relatives and friends Etc.

It can be overwhelming.

My late father in law's philosophy regarding death was when he attended a funeral, he purposely would seek to make 2 new friends within a week.

Sometimes, he'd say, he was making way too many new friends.

;-)

I like that, Pudgeder!

Geek Squad gets the new TV all set up and IT DOESN'T WORK! Ugh. Had to repack it, arrange for Fedex to pick it up, order the refund/replacement and wait for replacement to arrive.

I'm convinced the world is out to get me. :)

Oh no! I just hate it when things like that happen . Sure hope you get a replacement quickly.

((((((((((( Steve ))))))))))))

Thanks Annie. Geo and I started doing that in January as suggested by a friend. Then at the end of the year we take them all out and read them.

The upside is that we know (from the very short period we got to see it) we'll like the new tv...when we get a working one!

Really good to see your name again, Steve - it has been a while.

Concerned about the multiplied pain that you've had to deal with, for when one is dealing with emotional pain and another heavy event takes place, it multiplies the pain. And you've had too many to deal with in a couple of years.

I guess that you have one, at least, maybe some close and trusted friends who're willing to share your hurt.

I think it's more helpful if they know the one who's gone, and if they felt fairly close, you connect more closely, and help one another heal.

Your stories here were appreciated and I hope that you'll come back when you feel like it, for quite a few here feel affection for you, Steve.

(((((Steve)))))

ole joyful