[EJ711]

Hi All,
Most of my family is dead, so I deeply treasure those who are still here. My Cousin Anne had a heart attack last Wed. She's going to have an angioplasty tomorrow. We've become particularly close this last year. I couldn't believe how grief stricken I was feeling last night. My only sibling, my brother, passed away in January, a long time ago now--but you don't just seem to forget these things. Anyway I'm having trouble sleeping. Thanks everybody for listening. Jane - Oz

Hi, Jane. Angioplasty is a relatively simple and effective procedure. I think your cousin will do very well and will have a much better quality of life afterwards.....good luck, pat

[eskielover]

It is good that you have become close with your cousin....so that you can be there for her while she goes through the angioplasty.....luckily is has become a perfected procedure with less problems than 20 years ago when my father had it done.

The other thing I hope you realize is that January wasn't that long ago. The first year is always the hardest after someone has died. My mother died in January also. It is common to remember things as they were last year until the 1 year anniversary hits.

To be quite honest for me, I haven't even been able to grieve yet & I am now going through the horrible memories of the trauma we went through when she insisted on being home & my anger at what I ended up having to go through because of her. I have been dealing so much with those memories ending up as PTSD, that there isn't room for grief.

Be there for your cousin.....helping her will help yourself .
Debbie

[hillbunnyb]

Hey, so sorry you cousin is sick. Just take it one day at a time ok? Sending you both healing vibes.

[JustBen]

I grew up with most of my first cousins as neighbors...they were almost like siblings. I know how close that relationship can be. Not only are they a relation, but you can become real friends with them in the way you rarely can with siblings. Hang in there. Angioplasty is a common procedure. You're both in my thoughts and prayers.

[EJ711]

Debbie,

I'm sorry for the "recent" loss of your mother.

The first year after my brother died, my goal was just to get to the one-year anniversary. He will be gone 32 years on Jan. 24, 2006. Not as painful anymore, but I still miss him a whole lot.

I am also going through PTSD from having a violent child placed in our home on an adoptive basis. I'm sorry you are going through PTSD too.

We all grieve on our own timetables.

I see you love horses too.

Look forward to hearing from you again.

Jane - Oz

[Lexicon78]

Oh my, I'm so sorry for all your losses. I can appreciate the fact that you are still grieving terribly. I should know since I lost my mom, my aunt, and my grandfather in the last year. It is a very terribly awful thing to go through. There are so few people left in my family, too. It's really hard but hang in there and stay strong.

[EJ711]

Lexicon,
Thanks for letting me know that you were going through a very similar situation.

Jane - Oz

[EJ711]

Lexicon,
Thanks for sharing that you have lost you mom, your aunt and your grandfather all in this year. That is a lot.
Thank for taking time to validate and honor my losses.
Prayers for Christmas blessings for you, Jane - Oz

[EJ711]

Just Ben,
Thanks you for sharing your understanding about how special a relationship with cousins can be, and for your prayers for both of us.
Jane - Oz

[EJ711]

Pat,
Thanks for taking time to write.
Jane

[EJ711]

Hill Bunny-B,
Thank you for thinking of me and my cousin recently and writing, when I was so concerned I would lose her.
Jane - Oz