A Big Thank you

My dearest friends, I wanted to send a huge thank you for everyone whoi sent me cards and emails after my husbands passing. It has been an extremely difficult time for me and reading your cards and emails helps tremendously. I have my good days and my bad, but it is my young son who is giving me my strength, my reason for waking up in the morning. The women in my family tend to be very tough and strong in the wake of tragedy and turmoil and I'm finding that I too may have inherited that strength. I'm living with my mom now, just going back to the house to sort through and pack up stuff. That's the hardest. Going through Joe's clothes, pictures and books makes me so sad. But it has to be done. OH has always been there for me, when I need them the most. I find it interesting that it's the people that I know on the internet are probally closer to me that people I know in everyday "non-cyber" life. Maybe because we all have a common bond that only "we" can truly understand. I'm thankful for that in everyway. Now I have to pick up the pieces of my life. I'm going to school for medical coding and will continue on, even though I'm not sure what I really want to do. I've been a stay at home mom for 7 years and now I'm the sole supporter of a child with pretty much no work skills and medical bills at around $115,000 I'm pretty depressed (Yes, I have a counseler and happy pills). It stinks, really really stinks. But you gotta do, what you gotta do to survive. I want to thank lots of OH folks, too many to name them all (My puter' also broke so I lost alot of mails, when it rains it pours huh?). But special thanks to Leilani and Wendy G. For coming to Joe's funeral. It meant more to me than you can ever know. They are ladies *****ally care and their friendship means the world to me. Thank you to Lisa and cappymoon for your cards and emails. Thank you to Amy Williams for starting a card drive for me. Your an angel and an inspiration. Thank you to Charlie in FL. Your email helped me alot. You understand what I'm goping through and your advice was taken. In the past year I have not been very active here. I think that after loosing all the weight, I went through a mid-life crisis, now I have to snap out of it. So, I've decided that I have to give back to the community that has supported me the most. I will do my best to help people through their journey to weight loss. I've decided to continue pursuing reconstructive surgery, even though I'm very fearful of the "what if things go wrong". I know it's the only way I will ever be happy with myself. Again, thank my OH friends, especially my OH VA board. You support has helped give me strength during the most traumatic time of my life. Bless you, Jane Massey Virginia 305/163/160

Hello sweety - I'm so glad I saw your post before heading out for the afternoon. We've been thinking about you, daily, and HOPING to see an update when the chance came about. I'm very thankful that we were able to attend the 'celebration of Joe's life - although it brought many tears, it also created many many smiles as well. LOL, I'll NEVER look at a duck again, without thinking of JOE and his Crossword buddy. What an awesome story! The love and respect that his co-workers spoke of, still leaves me with goose bumps. I hope when I leave this realm for another, I'm remembered half as fondly. Your JOE was a very special man, as you already know, and it's just a matter of time before your paths cross again. I truly believe that. Let me know when you're up for a dinner out, or lunch? Heck, if you just want some FRESH air - feel free to join us, Wendy and I spend a LOT of time on the boardwalk. We're going again, most of Saturday. They have 'free music/bands' at various stages on the BW, the entire weekend, during the summer months and we've been taking advantage of that a lot. If you already have plans, or just arent up to that type of 'out there' ness yet, just let us know when you are. Love you, beautiful - Lei

Hi Jane, I too, received so much support from this site. Tammy C and JoAnn came all the way out in the country for Cody's service. I have gone through all the clothing, but still have to sort through every notebook she saved from school from about 4th grade into college. This is the 5th week, and it does get a little better. I still cry everyday, just a little less each day. I am relieved to be less confused and more organized, more goal-directed now. Returning to work at the end of August seemed an impossible task just 3 weeks ago, but I know now I will manage with lots more tears. After my mom died, I remember my dad talking about not making any serious changes during the year following a loss, and I intend to continue following that advice (which I began following when my husband died in 2004). It sounds like you are seeing how you feel about things (work, etc.), too. Hugs to you and your son, Lois

I am here for you if you ever need me sweetie....I know we have never met, but if I can help in any way, please let me know.....you and your son continue to be in my thoughts and prayers..... Dianna

Hey there Jane, I have had you in my thoughts everyday since Joe passed. I'm glad to hear that you are going to continue with your schooling, while you decide whats next for you. Sounds like you've made the move to moms house, and are working on healing a little bit. If you ever need anything, please dont hesitate to ask. As soon as you are feeling up to it, let us know, and we can get together. Meanwhile, you have my email address, and if you just wanna chat or vent, let me know. Love ya Wendy

Jane: I'm sorry I've been away lately and missed being around to support you! You provided me great support (without knowing it) when I first started on my WLS journey and I can honestly say that I've missed following your post and being an internet friend. I have no doubt that you'll survive and flourish from your loss. I believe that God only lets us go through things that make us stronger and better people. God bless and please hang around here more often. Dave