I really have appreciated the support here, during this hard time for my family. Again, thank you so much! Last night my sister said that stage 4 pancreatic cancer was confirmed to my brother. He has a couple additional tests, but the oncologist said they would start chemo in a couple of weeks. In the meantime, he is having a surgery to again address his Afib issues with his heart. My poor brother is just inundated with severe health issues! When I saw him over WhatsApp he was so ill-looking it was heart-breaking. Sadly, that sort of prepared me to hear the news above. He tells my sister and me he plans to fight this, but also accepts the possibility that he may lose the battle. Alex Trebec of Jeopardy also dealt with this horrible cancer. As this forum is focused on bipolar disorder, I will now limit my future posts about my brother's condition. This is my family's challenge. There's obviously a chance this will affect my moods. I hope to focus on coping tools from this point on, and to supporting others here, as well. Hugs to all.

@BeyondtheRainbow, I'm glad your family finally got together to spread your dad's ashes. I know the relief, as my dad kept my mother's urn in his bedroom closet (seemed disrespectful) for some years before we finally did what your family did. It was a relief when we did. A good means of closure.

Hubby is going into Prague today through tomorrow, so I'll have the house to myself. The main event there is his elementary school reunion. Yes, elementary school. I had never even heard of such a thing before him, and apparently it's not uncommon here. I only had high school or college ones. I barely even remember the names of a few kids I went to elementary school with. Hubby's been going to these reunions throughout his life, when able to participate. I think it will do Hubby good to see some friends.

This morning at breakfast, I did something that was a little loving tease directed at my husband. He obviously liked it. Then it came to my mind that that's a type of thing my brother would likely do, and my last dear parrot. It brought a smile to both of our faces.