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Post by justinsmom on May 16, 2006 14:22:26 GMT -5
Big hugs and Prayers headed your way dear friend.
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Post by ValerieC on May 16, 2006 15:24:21 GMT -5
Life can be stinky and very hard at times. I'm sorry for the pain and turmoil that you are going through. I know that my sorrow doesn't make it any easier for you, but know that people who don't even know you are praying for you and the peace that you seemingly need at this time.
Valerie C
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Post by Jessie on May 16, 2006 20:48:14 GMT -5
Huge HUGS to you!
Jessie
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Post by Claire on May 16, 2006 21:05:34 GMT -5
So sorry you are feeling this way. Just wanted to let you know that we are all here for you. We may not be in your shoes, but can be an open ear for you if you need to. I found that when I feel like I can't take it anymore or that life has given me a real bad hand, I stay strong even tough it is hard and usually realize after things are better that that bad hand given to me made me stronger and has thought me lots. Hang in there. A million hugs going to you and prayers too. And No I don't beleive you are being punished. PS: If you don't mind the cold weather you can come and visit me in Northern Canada. :DSpring is actually pretty nice this year. Here is my personal e-mail if you want to chat or just vent out. cladav@puc.net.
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Post by laurasnowbird on May 16, 2006 21:18:01 GMT -5
Robin,
Hugs, girl! Sorry to hear that life has got you down right now. It does seem sometimes that when it rains it pours. We are here for you, and will be for as long as you need us. Take care. I PM'd you.....
Laura
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Post by TriciaF on May 16, 2006 23:14:23 GMT -5
Dear, dear Robin, I'm with you tonight. No answers of course, but plenty of prayers. I am in a bad place too, this week, really rough. The kind of times that make you question all your dreams and actions and wonder if your past decisions, that in hindsight may have led down a different path, were made from a pure place. In particular, I have been wondering if I made some major decisions out of fear....fear of the unknown, fear of time running out, fear of failure....just fear. I'm not just doing that to beat myself up, but to be sure if that was the truth then, I want to be honest enough to acknowledge it and learn not to do the same thing now. But, oh....the pain can be unbearable.
Whatever your pain...maybe it can be set aside, sealed off.....just a tiny portion of the day...to allow you some simple joy. Even if that seems impossible....open yourself to it....accept it if it comes your way....and be grateful. Maybe the days to follow, the portions will grow bigger and you will feel the God breezes. When things seem overwhelming and I slide into self pity....I try to be kind to myself. Sometimes...the grief has to just fill you and overflow and spill out. In an interview with Christopher Reeves, someone asked him if he ever felt sorry for himself? I don't remember the exact quote...but the gist of it has stuck with me. Rather than ignoring those overwhelming feelings...he would acknowledge them and give in to them...but only for 10 minutes a day....then no more looking back that day.
At another dark, dark time for me....my sister in law sent this verse, which hung on my mirror for the better part of a year.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
So friend, acknowledge those feelings....know we are thinking of and praying for you, and above all be very, very kind and gentle to yourself...
In the words of one of my favorites:
Max Ehrmann
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.
I hope the sun shines down on you and your garden blooms with all the love you have given it over the years....I hope the boys hold you and bring you joy. I hope that you feel held by all of us here.
Tricia
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Post by TriciaF on May 16, 2006 23:30:44 GMT -5
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Post by Jackie on May 17, 2006 8:02:29 GMT -5
Robin...I would love to help you if I knew how...But instead I will send you the text from my favorite book for tough tiimes....It is titled IF YOU ARE AFRAID OF THE DARK....REMEMBER THE NIGHT RAINBOW by Cooper Edens. Love ya... Jackie
words and drawings by Cooper Edens
If tomorrow morning the sky falls... have clouds for breakfast. If night falls... use stars for streetlights. If the moon gets stuck in a tree... cover the hole in the sky with a strawberry. If you have butterflies in your stomach... ask them into your heart. If your heart catches in your throat... ask a bird how she sings. If the birds forget their songs... listen to a pebble instead. If you lose a memory... embroider a new one to take its place. If you lose the key... throw away the house. If the clock stops... use your own hands to tell time. If the light goes out... wear it around your neck and go dancing. If the bus doesn't come... catch a fast cloud. If it's the last dance... dance backwards. If you find your socks don't match.... stand in a flowerbed. If your shoes don't fit... give them to the fish in the pond. If your horse needs shoes... let him use his wings. If the sun never shines again... hold fireflies in your hands to keep warm. If you're afraid of the dark... remember the night rainbow. If there is no happy ending... make one out of cookie dough.
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Post by cindylou on May 17, 2006 16:03:05 GMT -5
Robin- Have no idea what's happening with you and yours...but I must say there must be something in the air (and I'm not talking about pollen..) I've had a terrible week and have just wanted to crawl back into bed for several days and not speak to anyone. I will pray for you and your family. Maybe I'm not in the same spot as you, but I certainly am not holding it all together well these days. do you think it's bad that I keep looking at the suitcase and wanting to make a mad dash for the beach WITHOUT my family?? Calgon won't do it for me this time.. You all are so eloquent-the poem Tricia-beautiful. Liked yours too Jackie.
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Post by Annie S on May 17, 2006 16:22:46 GMT -5
Robin I am so sorry I hope the Angels will surround you with there love and guide you through your rough time Annie S
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Post by Many on May 17, 2006 23:46:33 GMT -5
Robin...big, big hugs coming your way!! I'm so...sorry you are having a hard time right now. Please take one day at a time and take care of yourself!! You are not alone!! PM me if you want to talk anytime.
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Post by Deborah on May 18, 2006 5:33:08 GMT -5
Robin, I have been off line for 2 days and just saw your post. I am praying for you and sending you hugs.
I pray you are feeling better Deborah
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Post by SuziF on May 18, 2006 15:18:37 GMT -5
Same here....wazzup,Sista ? You know if you need to talk, I'm here.
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Post by rickismom on May 18, 2006 17:01:55 GMT -5
Robin, I just saw this now. We don't know why specific things happen. After all, can we expect to understand G-d's mind? But we DO know that somehow, someway, we can grow from it. Wishing that it should get easier soon.
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Post by chasesmom on May 18, 2006 17:33:55 GMT -5
Did I ever tell you how much you all mean to me? Your words and thoughts and prayers and hugs and poems and quotes and calls have helped ease the pain in my heart. Things are not better but knowing you are here helps so much. I am truely blessed to have all of you to call my friends and family. When I feel overwhelmed and sure I cant do this, I come here and read and reread your posts and I feel stronger. I wish I could put into words how much you all have helped but right now I am without words. I know someday I will look back and be okay but right now it just doesnt feel that way. Thank you all so so much for this. love, Robin
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