I have not been around much since early October. While we were in Pennsylvania the second week of October for my nephew's wedding my mother-in-law had another set back in her health. (We were not sure if we would return to Michigan while she was still alive.)

A few of you may remember that her decline in health began way back in May of 2005 when Bill and I were trying to decide if we could continue on with our planned second trip on the PG. At my doctor's advise we did go on our trip and we're so glad that we did.

Last Monday, after spending 39 months in skilled nursing, Mom died at the age of 92. Although we were as prepared as we could be and her death was not unexpected, it is, nevertheless, a difficult time for us. Due to the Thanksgiving holiday we postponed the funeral to December 2nd. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.

Kathy and Bill may you feel comfort in knowing that your Mom had a wonderful long life. Please accept my deepest sympathy in your loss.

Kathy and Bill - our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Your Mother certainly did live a long life, how fortunate you'all were.

I too lost my Dad in Oct, a month before his 96th birthday, and up until March he was living independently, so we are grateful for that. We are consoled by his long life and hopefully your family will be as well.

Thoughts and prayers to your family.

Kathy and Bill, so sorry for your loss.

Deepest sympathy,
Nancy

Kathy and Bill, I am saddened by this news and we keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Kathy, I'm very sorry for your loss and Bill's. It's very hard losing a parent, at whatever age. I guess you have to be thankful that you had her with you as long as you did.

Hope you find solace in the coming days--sometimes funerals are great healers, with friends and familly gathering around.

Kathy, so sorry to hear of your loss of Bill's mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

I am so so sorry. No matter how old we get, and no matter how the tables may turn in our relationships with them, we remain our parents' children.

Kathy and Bill, we're so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time, my foodie friend. :(

Kathy, we are so sorry for yours and Bill's loss!

Dear Kathy, I'm so sorry to hear your news. Holidays are an especially hard time for this.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and Bill and all of your family.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
How fortunate to live to be 92.
Bette

Thank you, everyone. Yes, she was fortunate to have had about 87 years of fun before things started to decline. Her few contemporaries who are still living all have mentioned to me when I phoned them that they will always remember how much she liked to laugh.

Condolences to you and Bill, Kathy. I'm sure it's been very difficult watching her decline, but what a great memory that she loved to laugh!

Bill and Kathy, Sincere sympathy to you both. I lost my Mom at the young age of 64. On Dec. 5th she would of been 81. My nephew, her grandson is being married on her birthday this year. My daughter; daughter-in-law and 4 yr. granddaughter and are flying to the wedding in Niagra Falls, Canada. We leave Thurs. Life goes too fast. What a wonderful memory that your Mom liked to laugh. She must have been a joy to be around. judy & John

Kathy, we are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts are with you during these difficult times.

Mom's funeral was yesterday. Bill's cousin, my best friend in High School, had a flight in from Philadelphia in the morning and made it to the funeral home with 20 minutes to spare. When she arrived at the gate in PHL she learned that the flight was overbooked and she did not have a seat. Two kind people gave up their seats so that she could get on the plane.

Tomorrow begins our season of Christmas related activities. The busyiness continues but in a way it will help.

Thank you all again for your kind wishes and prayers.

I've continued to be mostly missing in action.

December 10th my dear step-father (since 1966) died at the age of 103 years, 2 months & 5 days! He lived a long and fruitful life so his funeral was a celebration of his heavenly homecoming. But it did mean a 4-day 1,300-mile plus round trip for us with his funeral being 2 weeks to the day from my mother-in-law’s funeral.

Now my 79-year-old brother, Frank, is very critically ill in the hospital with pneumonia, severe bladder infection, weakened heart and other complications following his November 20th hip replacement. He has had Parkinson's disease for some years but that has rapidly worsened since the hip replacement. Yesterday hospice care was mentioned by the hospital. We are still persistently praying for a miracle but as Jesus prayed prior to His crucifixion, "not my will, but Yours be done." We know the outcome is in God's hands. Please pray especially for my sister-in-law, Gene (her parents gave her the masculine spelling) during this very difficult time.

Kathy - you certainly have had your share of sad events in the last couple of months.

our deepest sympathy for the loss of your step-father.

Our prayers go out to your brother, as well as your whole family.

Kathy, I agree with JoAnn, you certainly have been through some sad times this year. I hope your brother finds the strength to mend!

You and your family are in our thoughts.

Kathy, we will continue to pray for you and your family in these difficult times.

Dear Kathy,
Thoughts and prayers with you and your family; I admire your faith through the many trials you've had! Peace to you and yours through it all.

Kathy - :( Wishing you and yours the best in these trying times ...

Many thanks to JoAnn, Karen, Diane, Betty, another Kathy & Masaki. Yes, these are tying times. Knowing that others care helps.

We've scaled down Christmas decorations and I'm relying on some excellent prepared foods to add to what I'm making myself. All the gifts are here - just not wrapped. Gift bags and tissue paper are a wonderful invention! With 3 grandchildren to add to our celebration Christmas will be a happy day.

Frank's prognosis is not good. Please keep the family in your thoughts.

I'm looking forward to 2009 being a better year for our family.

Yesterday my brother, Frank, died. At least he held on long enough once all the complications began that he, his wife and family began to adjust to the realization that he was dying. They were able to talk about final wishes and his wife was with him when he died. There will be a memorial service at some date in the future.

For anyone with Parkinson's disease or who has a loved one with Parkinson's please be aware that if they go into the hospital for any reason they should be under the primary care of a doctor who specializes in Parkinson's.

Dear Kathy, that is such sad news. I cannot imagine what you are going through and I will be thinking about you.

I am so so sorry. My uncle died of Parkinson complications, and I know how difficult it was.

So sorry to hear this Kathy.
Our condolences to you and your family.
Jan's Dad has Parkinson and we are monitoring it
very closly.

Dear Kathy: My heart goes out to you and your family. The holidays are such an emotional time. To cope with the loss of a loved one at the same time can seem unbearable.

The best advice I've had on grieving is to let ALL the emotions surface. Tears are good - they seems to release some of the sadness that builds inside of us.

I advised my friends and family to buy stock in Kleenex - I use lots of them! (See, eventually we find something to smile about - so hang in there).

Hugs to all of you,

Kathy - so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. Our thoughts, prayers and :hug: go out to you and your family.

Margo - buying stock in kleenex is a good idea, I've certainly used my share these last couple of months after losing my Dad - thanks for that little smile.

Kathy, my heart goes out to you and your family. It's especially hard to lose someone you love this time of year. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Kathy, I'm very sorry about your brother. Parkinson's is a terrible disease.

Better times ahead. All the best.

Kathy, I'm sorry to learn of your losses in 2008. I hope 2009 will be a time of recovery for you and your family with warm memories of your loved ones easing the way.

Kathy-
Prayers and good wishes are speeding their way to you from the midwest. Losing loved ones is so hard - particularly so in this season. Please know that we are all keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. And if you reach out your hand we will be holding it.

Kathy, I am just so sorry for all the heartache you've had in the past months. 2009 will be MUCH better for you and Bill. Sending lots of condolence wishes your way.

Dear Kathy,

Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and hoping you find peace and release in the new year.

Fondly,

I'm thankful for so many consoling friends here on LCT. Thank you Karen, Diane, Jim, Margo, JoAnn, Betty, Wendy, Donna, Sue, Marcie and Another Kathy for your messages.

Margo, yes, I had a few good cries on the 31st (our home is full of Puffs rather than Kleenex.) It is a good thing we had no plans to go out on New Year's Eve.

Yesterday afternoon my sister-in-law phoned. She is doing much better than I expected. I'm very thankful for that. Also,yesterday was our 44th wedding anniversary and Bill took me out to one of our best restaurants to celebrate so 2009 is off to a beautiful start.

Yes, we have spent a lot of time reminiscing during the holidays and this has helped a great deal.

Kathy - belated condolences on your brother's passing. :( Glad to hear though that Bill was able to take you out and forget about your troubles for a short while.

Kathy, Condolences for your losses in 2008. Hopefully your brother and mother are now at peace.