Quote:
Originally Posted by LauraBeth
In many ways, I could have written your post. I was a stay-at-home-mom with my two children while my husband went to work. I loved my life. My husband is also older than I am, by fifteen years. We've been married for over 30 years. The kids are grown, our oldest, our daughter, is married and our son lives with his girlfriend. I do speak with my daughter every morning, but my son only occasionally. When they were little I thought the time would go so slowly. Well, it didn't - it raced by. So fast, and GONE. I've retired form my job of thirteen years (I worked while my kids were finishing high school, in college, and making their adult lives). My husband and I do run an online business, but my days are long and quite empty. I am alone, except for my cats, most of the time. The best days, the meaningful days, seem to be long past. I don't foresee grandchildren any time soon, if at all.
Most of my extended family (and my husband's) have died. No more big family holidays or anything like that. I've lost so may pets, over the years. I can't see much to come except loss and more loss. I tried to go to therapy, but the therapist just didn't 'get it' - plus she was younger than I am.
Anyway, yeah - I well understand how you feel. I suppose it's some kind of midlife crisis. I wish I had some magic, hopeful words for you. All I can say is, you're definitely not alone.  |
I am in the same boat also, & I am estranged from several major people in my family, but thanks to my 3 dogs, 3 horses, & a cat, who's love is always
unconditional, I still feel a sense of purpose in my life. Without them, (since they depend on me daily, & it helps keep me feel focused & grounded), I can't even imagine what mental state I'd be in right now, without my animals, who give so much, & ask so little in return! I know how hard losing an animal is, & I do take it hard as well, but I try to go into owning each new pet knowing that chances are, I'll outlive them, so I'm determined to make the most of the time I have with them, & remembering & taking photos of all the great times & many happy memories we've had. If you have a dog, taking them for a daily walk or to just throw the ball for awhile, gives you a sense of accomplishment, & knowing you're making them happy, or even if it's just playing with a toy your cat loves, or brushing a pet you have, is a positive feeling. If animals are something you're interested in, maybe you could consider getting whatever type of pet you feel suits your personality, time & household, or if you already have one, try spending more time with them. Dogs are so happy just to be allowed to for a ride, even if it's just going on errands with you.