D@mned Deep Depression....

[OnSolidPath]

I am so very depressed. Probably should go see someone--maybe get on medication again....

A very dear friend is dying. He's only a couple of years older than I--we've worked together for 24 years--watched each other's children grow up. Shared meals, easter egg hunts at each other's homes. Helped one another out-- as life threw us curves over the years. I don't think I can bear his loss. The Boss wants me to pretend that nothing is different, that I have to look him in the eye and not cry....

Then there's

Amy Mullins

Zena Lenick

Maddy McCann

Countless others and....

Global Warming

Iraq War

Will has been gone -- almost 3 years, and it still feels like yesterday.

I don't recall another time in my life that I've worried so much about the future, for my children.

D25 filed for divorce this week.

D24 was in an accident--she's fine (thank God) but nice car totaled.

S22 begging for financial support. I've had to say "No" for his own good--but, I worry about him.

D14 away at camp, and it dawned on me that a couple of days could go by before I'd be missed --if something happened to me--then what would happen to my dog? She could run out of water before anyone realized. I think I should try to train her to drink out of the commodes.

I need to quit watching the news.

How can I let go of my friend? My heart is breaking--this shouldn't be happening to him--he's given so very much.

I'm tired of hiding the tears. I'm tired of keeping my chin up. I'm so very tired--all I want to do is sleep. But, my kids keep me trekking on--I just wish it would get easier.

[poolman]

(((OSP))) what more can I say?

[OnSolidPath]

I have to sit across from him tomorrow --our weekly PM meeting. We have these signals we've developed over the years--he and I when others are trying to BS the group.

I'm afraid that I won't be able to keep up the "happy" front. That I'll break down in the meeting--that I just want to hug him and not let go....

[dollygirl]

((OSP)))
Sounds like you need some help and some therapy. If nothing else, just to vent your worries and sadness. Medication too, maybe. Don't wait. You have a lot on your plate.

What you described would make even the most optimistic cheerleader depressed. It's a lot for one person to handle. Not much an internet friend can do for you but please know that lots of people here care about you and hope things get better.

[moogg]

(((OSP))) IMHO, you are overwhelmed. Everything is piled on you and you don't see the sky anymore.

Do whatever you need to do to get through and be able to prioritize again.

[lizzie]

OSP, get yourself to a doctor right away. It sounds like a major depression. It can be managed quite well with medications, but you need to get on them ASAP.

(((OSP)))

Incidentally, I had the first major depression while I was going through a divorce, and the second several years later. This time my psychiatrist says I'm on meds for life, and I"m not arguing with her about it.

[moogg]

fwiw, I have recently started my anti depressant meds again instead of fighting it till I am barely functioning.

Our life is so short, and we deserve to not be in that cloud of mind bending depression...

[steamy]

I don't know where I would be without my effexor. I tried to go off , my body screamed NO!!! It is not a sign of weakness to feel better.....with some meds and therapy.

((((OSP))))

[amc123]

((((OSP)))

sending prayers for you and your friend

[Stariondad]

((OSP))

Please do see a doctor for some help. Looking at your list it looks to me like you worrying about a bunch of things you have no contriol over - and never will. Iraq ? Global Warming ? Daughters' accident and divorce ? Son's fiscal irresponsibility that you are doing the right thing about ? There isn't anything you can do about any of this. Concentrate on the things in life that you can do something about. You IMO are close to being a saint but your not God - hand these issues over to him/her.

JMO


Prayers to your friend.

[2ndWind]

The Boss wants me to pretend that nothing is different, that I have to look him in the eye and not cry.

This part alone has got to have a major impact on your ability to withstand the stress you're facing. Keeping your emotions in is a huge burden and may be causing everything else to look even worse. Definitely talk to a counselor. Anyone would begin to spiral downward with the number of stressors you're dealing with. I'm really sorry about your friend.

[still mamom]

You poor thing ... you are going through a very sad time right now, and my heart goes out to you. Is it your boss who's dying, or a co-worker? Are you all absolutely certain that death is near, or are you perhaps assuming the worst because you're depressed?

In any event, I think you need someone you can talk to about what's happening for you, but I hope you don't find someone who's just going to throw some pills at you and send you off. It sounds like you're in a situational depression, i.e., sad because you've got good reasons to be sad - you've had some serious losses recently, and now contemplating another. The fact that you're feeling depressed is probably a sign of mental health, rather than illness. (As opposed to feeling sadness when there's no objective cause.) Anyway, maybe you need some temporary help to get through it, but I hope you seriously weigh the risks and benefits before deciding to go the anti-depressive route, and I hope you find a someone to help you get through the grief, and not just mask it.

(((OSP)))

[CheroCreek]

((((((( OSP & Friend )))))))

All I can say is that when I feel down I do whatever seems to bring me out of myself. Plus, I try to think of something that is right for everything that is wrong. this doesn't always work completely but it always seems to help at least a little.

Blessings and Peace

[2ndWind]

It sounds like you're in a situational depression, i.e., sad because you've got good reasons to be sad - you've had some serious losses recently, and now contemplating another. I hope you seriously weigh the risks and benefits before deciding to go the anti-depressive route, and I hope you find a someone to help you get through the grief, and not just mask it.

I respectfully disagree, mamom. It sounds like clinical depression and if (as you mentioned, OSP) you have had depression before, you are more prone to it reoccurring. Recurrent Major Depression is not something one can shake off. The antidepressants don't mask anything; they help change the brain chemistry so therapy can have an impact. No one has to stay on antidepressants any longer than they're needed. Yes we are a society that overmedicates but this doesn't sound like one of those instances.

My SIL told me once (she's shy) that since she has trouble at social gatherings, she wanted to try an antidepressant to help her talk to people-- she had seen an advertisement claiming this. I think that were she to get a prescription, that would be unnecessary medication.

[ghead1]

OSP, I am so sorry you are this down. You sound like you are overwhelmed.

Please feel free to post about how you are feeling, just getting it out in the open could help. Being asked to put on a happy face at work must be very difficult.

Are you sleeping OK? Much of what you describe can be worsened by a lack of sleep. Maybe instead of watching the news, take a short nap after work, or a little walk. (I have become a news junkie since 9/11... I know how hard it is to turn it off, but sometimes you need to let go of all the crud in the world and just curl up in a cocoon around your heart).

Ditto to those who suggest a talk with your doctor, maybe even some counseling. It sounds like you have a head start on the grieving you will do for your friend, and you have had a lot sadness and grief in your life of late. You must take care of yourself... and if you are so depressed, find someone to help you do it.

(((OSP)))

[zuzuzu]

osp, ditto those who suggest limiting the exposure to the ills of the world and possibly meds for the short-term.

I also echo Chero's idea to consider the positive each day. I've heard of doing a "thankful" journal each morning to simply appreciate the things that are good that we overlook or take for granted. I'm not trying to minimize your pain at all and I'm so sorry that you're faced with these challenges. However, perspective may be something that you can manage so that you achieve balance more effectively. Support from therapy, friends, meds, exercise, whatever it takes to help you each day must be sought.

Life is too short to feel so bad...... I hope things improve. Sometimes life really is awful and there are no fixes for that, but I pray that the sun shines again soon.... {{osp}}

[RealTime]

OSP -- Don't worry about the dog. In an extreme situation, the creature will drink out of the commode.

As would I.

[Tuffy]

I'm sorry to hear about everything.

I would start with counseling (do you need to get pre authrized per your insurance) and decide from there if medication is needed. As you were depressed before, I'm hoping you had a theripist and psychiatrist you worked well with. Be open about your symptoms and duration and let the professionals decide if you need medication.

Big ditto on avoiding news for awhile. You can't take on the world's problems so let the world take care of itself. As for your adult children, they will have to find their way.

Ditto on the journaling, it helps to get your thoughts out.

[ghead1]

This is one of my favorite poems OSP... echoing Chero's advice. I find that if I think hard enough, I really can find something to be happy about.


When I lie in bed at the end of a day
That was long and sad and the clouds were gray,
I find it helps if I stop and say,
"What were three good things that happened today?"

It might have been a stranger's smile,
Or a letter that came over many a mile,
A friend at the end of a telephone dial,
Just something that made the day worthwhile.

It could be a bargain I chanced to buy,
A craft or hobby I'm going to try,
A book that could make me laugh or cry,
A poem or story that made time fly.

It may be the maples touched with gold,
A hummingbird where the sweetpeas grow,
An orange sunset with the mountains below,
The sound of rain, or the water's flow.

It might be a memory from the past,
Some special face that I thought would last,
Or a mountain meadow so wide and vast,
Or a kindness done when I needed one, fast.

No matter how bad my day may be,
How rough the road, how wide the sea,
I thank God on bended knee,
For three good things that happened to me.

By: Rita Kullar Fischer

[willowtree]

OSP, I'm so sorry for all the things ganging up on you as of late.

I know I can relate to the feeling of there being nothing good out there - all bad news, all bad diagnoses, all bad future. It's hard to feel any different when you have the fog cloud of depression over you, and try as you might to find that silver lining in the clouds, it just doesn't want to show itself to you.

So know that lots of us have been there. For me, it did take medication to show me that the cloud was not as thick and dark as I swore it was.... but once I got that in my head it was easier to remember the next time I was feeling the weight of the world's problems.

I agree with those that say to *try* to count the blessings you do have - it certainly helps me. But easier said than done, sometimes. I have found that helping others in need sometimes helps me to count my own blessings. OTOH, if you are clinically depressed (sure sounds like it) then that can sometimes add more woe. Another thing that helped me was to concentrate on things I loved to do - decorating my home, planning vacations (even if I didn't intend to really go), gardening.

You've suffered one of the worst losses imaginable, and even three years is a relatively short time. ((((((((((OSP)))))))))

[mumsie]

(((OSP))) I'm so sorry to hear how overwhelmed you feel right now.You've gotten lots of good advice, just remember to do whatever necessary to take care of yourself and continue to put one foot in front of the other.

[Tiddly]

OSP I sent you a private message. Hugs & Prayers!

[ghead1]

"I'm so very tired--all I want to do is sleep."

I was re-reading your OP... and I didn't really catch this the first time.

Tell your doctor this. I don't want to make this thread about me... but I just happened to say this exact thing to my dr last week, and his eyes popped open. We have been searching for "what is wrong" for months (something is, not sure what) and he said "that would explain everything"...

Sometimes the answer is hiding in plain sight.

A medical solution won't help your friend, or stop the war, or fix your daughter's car... but it might help YOU cope with all of the above.

feel free to PM...

[zirelda]

Hugs to you OSP. And personally I think you should let the torrent out for a while. Sometimes that helps. And you need the ability to let it show. We aren't sticks of wood or rocks. We're human and trying to keep something like that inside, isn't good.

I spend time in the well occasionaly and oh my is it hard to climb out. Can't read the news, I get so stressed out over all this crap that seems to be happening everywhere. Not that I can make it better but it's scary and it's scary to think we have kids out there. This month, I was diagnosed with Diabetes type 2 (self inflicted kind), my tv died, my hot water heater died (on my birthday no less), and my fridge is headed out next.

That's nothing compared to what you're dealing with right now but enough to make me want to go to bed and not get up.

Hang on to the happy stuff, get rid of the negative stuff and cry all you want.

My two cents for you. I hope things start looking better soon.

[Phoebe]

OSP, I am so sorry to hear this. I have no words of wisdom. You have my support and you are in my thoughts!!

[OnSolidPath]

Many, many thanks everyone. Had a pretty severe meltdown last night-- I had been told earlier in the day that there was nothing more that the doctors can do for him. Went into work today with swollen eyes and face. I think I changed my pillow case twice last night. Definitely "let it all out" so to speak.

Some of you may remember, I wrote about this friend a little over a year ago when he was first diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. At that time, they gave him 6-8 weeks. He went through four rounds of chemo--after the first two, his blood markers had returned to normal and he began putting on weight, his color looked as good, as his outlook on life.

The past month he's taken a turn for the worse and the doctor's say nothing further can be done for him. He's fighting the good fight, but fading fast none the less.

The hardest part is facing him and pretending that all is fine--we make plans and bid jobs coming down the pike, and I find it hard to carry on knowing in all likelihood he won't be there to see the jobs come to fruition.

The world looks to be a bleaker place without him-- I honestly can't imagine
the office without him there.

I do count my blessings on a daily basis, and compared to many, I've gone through life (thus far) as if I've been kissed by a Muse. Life for the most part has been far better for me --than I deserve.

I do seem to let things pile up when I'm down--and with all the bad things in the news, I begin to feel like there only evil and despair to be found. Thank you all for the kind thoughts and hugs to remind me that the sky is still blue--it just depends where you look.

(((DOL)))

[poolman]

Good to hear from you (((( OSP)))) It is always hard to lose a friend but cherish the good moments you shared. I lost a very close friend last year who was like a second father to me and I still miss him.

[single dad]

There are things we can control and things over which we have no control. Discovering the difference is a good first step toward "coping" successfully.

Feeling "down" about Maddy's disappearance, or the recent spate of missing wives and girl friends, or the price of oil, or the Iraq thingie, or the illness of a close friend, such are things over which we have no personal control. We can control how we react to these things, and there are ways to apply ourselves toward solutions to these things. This is life. Reacting to life within a normal range of options. But when we cannot react appropriately, something is out of whack.

If you find yourself "down" to the point of not being able to function normally because of these things, and things pile up because of this "feeling down," seek professional help immediately.

A little seasonal sadness, or feeling "down" upon learning of the illness of a loved one or close friend seems normal to many, but over a period of time it if it looms large it can be a sign of more pronounced depression. Likewise, feeling "down" over a period of time (more than a few days) is something that cannot be simply wished away. Depression is not just about feeling sad. It is a medical condition that needs to be dealt with and the sooner the better. It is not normally something your family doctor can deal with unless he/she is trained in psychiatry and pharmacology. Handing you a prescription for an anti-depressant is what many family doctor's will do. Not generally a good idea. Depression is serious business. Right up there with cardiac problems and other major medical problems. Untreated it can kill.

Not to sound too harsh on this, but too many still view depression as simply a "mood thing" and a matter of getting happy again. Too many hold the opinion that one simply has to think pleasant thoughts, or do something nice for themselves, and the problem will go away. If it is a matter of immediate sad feelings for a sudden loss, fine. Perfectly normal. But if it persists to the extent that it becomes a major focus or causes problems in dealing with job, day to day routines, family, self, then it is a big deal. There is still a general feeling that depression is an attempt to garner attention, or that being depressed is a sign of weakness. Depression is not a character flaw, nor a weakness.

If you are feeling inordinately "sad" about things over which you have No control, and feel "sad" or overwhelmed for more than a few days, get yourself checked out soonest. Could be as simple a solution as getting into therapy and re-aligning your priorities, or learning coping skills, or understanding basic things about control and life in general, or it can require a more aggressive approach, such as properly prescribed and monitored and tailored medication. In the extreme it can mean hospitalization and a battery of tests and treatments. Trying to handle it on your own is a lot like trying to do an appendectomy on yourself. It can be done, I suppose, from a simple clinical angle, but the results are usually prolonged and painful, and complications are a given.

Feeling sad about the imminent departure of a loved one is OK. Having that "sadness" become overwhelming or the focus of your day-to-day life is not OK.

[Booktender]

Haven't read anything else yet. But need to say:

STOP!

You are depressed. You need to go to the doctor now

"it dawned on me that a couple of days could go by before I'd be missed --if something happened to me--then what would happen to my dog? "

This is a Very Serious Thought.

If you have not done so already, pick up the phone and call right now ok?

Let me know how you are doing.

[Booktender]

A local support group for people with friends/family with cancer would be good also. I think your Boss' recommendation that you look your friend in the eye and hide your thoughts is full of crap. Cancer just beat up my gentle Daddy and took him away and murdered him last month. Sharing our pain with the person who is sick is important for both of you. Sounds like your boss needs a little session with EAP...Harumph!

[OnSolidPath]

Excellent post SD- Thanks.

Yes, I know it's more than just the "blues" I do have an appt. with my Doc. next week.

Bookie- My Boss is hurting every bit as much as I. He thinks of this
co-worker as a brother or family member. I think the Boss is only asking what our friend has asked of him in private

[Tiddly]

Good for you OSP for making an appointment !! I hope you'll get some help from your Dr. soon. Hugs!

[lexicon]

Wishing you speedy smiles OSP. Depression stinks and is/can be the result of so many factors: situational experiences, genetic, hormones, stress. Foremost, turn off the TV! Most news is so depressing anyway. Go for a walk, swim,...be around others.

Hope you're feeling like your ole self soon !

[Booktender]

Confirm that. If it's what your friend wants it's one thing. If the Boss is assuming then your Boss is putting too much hurt on all of you including him. And your friend may change his mind as well as time goes by. Our work families are so important. Sometimes we don't have a work family but when we do it's double the joy and double the pain isn't it?

[Phoebe]

Forgive me for being nosey at a time like this. I realize the heartache and the sadness associated with this. However, I am wondering what is the plan for the business or your job when he goes.

Personally, I think dealing with death is also dealing with life after a person passes away. Will you carry on their wishes? What can you do to keep the memory of the person alive?

I think about my grandmother often. Especially around my children or family dynamics. I would ask what would Grandma do. Also, in regards to cleaning the house, I would wonder how would Grandma like this done or how would she do it. That is what keeps me connected and that is what she would want for us.

[magic-cat]

(((((OSP)))))) Definitely see a doctor. NOW, okay?

I ditto all the wise words above, and will add only this:

Turn off the news. Shut it out. Don't even read the paper for a couple of weeks. If anything incredibly important that's going to affect your life happens, word will reach you.

I couldn't believe how my mental attitude changed when I tuned out so much of the "static" information of the world.

But... GET YOURSELF TO A DOCTOR. Pronto!

[4Wardmarch]

That I'll break down in the meeting--that I just want to hug him and not let go....

So hug him and tell him that you don't want to let go.

You're a very cool lady, I'm very sorry you are so sad right now.





(maybe divorcing daughter and cash strapped son can share digs for a while and keep each other company? And while no one may notice that you are 'missing' for a couple days, no one will also notice that you are running naked through the house eating pizza and ice cream, should you be so inclined, listening to corny music and I Love Lucy reruns, while reading trashy novels :eek: --and when was the last time you did that?)

[magic-cat]

....that you are running naked through the house eating pizza and ice cream, should you be so inclined, listening to corny music and I Love Lucy reruns, while reading trashy novels :eek: --and when was the last time you did that?)

Wow! I thought I was the only person alive who enjoys those old "I Love Lucy" reruns!

So following 4Ward's train of thought, here's the plan:

1) Take a few days off

2) Get the take out number for Pizza Hut & the local Chinese restaurant

3) Stock up on Pralines-n-Cream ice cream and chewy oatmeal cookies

4) Rent some of your old favorite videos

5) Program your TV to switch on "I Love Lucy", "Gilligan's Island", and anything else that's old and corny

6) Go on Limewire and pick up recordings of Etta James' "At Last", Bobby Darrin's "Beyond the Sea", and (eeek!) David Cassidy singing "I Think I Love You" and "How Can I Be Sure?". (originally by the Rascals). Extra Credit: Learn the words and sing along.

7) Grab two or three Judith McNaught novels

8) Turn off the ringer on your phone


(But first.... GET THEE TO A PHYSICIAN!!)

[Tiddly]

Great advice MC!

[OnSolidPath]

Went over to see him last night, and again tonight. Last night was bad--yet the one tender thing that struck me --with how deep our bond runs was that when I came to the door he said " Ah, thank God it's you." He went on to say that he just needed to sleep and wanted me to stay. I knew that he meant that he was comfortable enough with me there to just lay down and get some rest, and that I wouldn't feel slighted or that he had to entertain me in some way--just a shared, warm silence sitting next to him while he dozed. No awkwardness. After about an hour, I got up to head home, touched his arm--he stirred and mumbled something I didn't catch--I just said "See you tomorrow Gene--sweet dreams."

Today was entirely different. He received treatment for his ascites, and it provided him with a great deal of relief--he was his "old self" very animated, very funny. About 10 of us "old timers" were gathered under his roof telling tales on each other of the past 24-25 years. It did my heart good to see the overwhelming love in that room and I know he treasured the moments as much as we do.

Tonight I'm counting those blessings.

[OnSolidPath]

So hug him and tell him that you don't want to let go. And while no one may notice that you are 'missing' for a couple days, no one will also notice that you are running naked through the house eating pizza and ice cream, should you be so inclined, listening to corny music and I Love Lucy reruns, while reading trashy novels :eek: --and when was the last time you did that?)

How am I doing with all of this? I've made myself turn off the news. (not easy for me to do) and got some great giggles from a couple of great DOL ladies- 4WM and MC. Thanks.

My plan to slather the hardwoods in baby oil and do the nakid slip-n-slide thing in the hall, was not my greatest light bulb moment. Left bruises on the backside.:eek: :D

I'd be better off with the pralines and cream and Lucy reruns....more padding:D

Again, thanks for all your help and concern during this difficult time.

[CheroCreek]

Hmm . . . beware of splinters, OSP.

:)

[Tiddly]

BLESSINGS! never forget those OSP!

[Southernbelle]

OSP, Ditto Blessings. Remember all the great things in life and how blessed you have been. Go to Africa like I did and you will never complain again, it was the best wake call I have ever had. Put your worries in Gods hands and see the magic he can do with them too.

Antidepressants might be the anwswer for a short while but if you can handle it then do it on your own. I had to take them for several years before people started commenting on how I didn't feel the things they felt. I was numb to everything and didn't realize it. "They all wanted what I was taking". It was funny but it wasn't if you know what I mean. Take care of yourself because there are so many people depending on you to say and do the right thing.

I am also so sorry for your friend. Friends are so special and had to replace. Your going to feel empty for a while and "you will end up saying all the right things too". Believe you are a good person and that's all you have to do.

I am glad you have found laughter in some of the posts, that's a good sign. Now go and slide side ways through the house commando and enjoy it!!!

[OnSolidPath]

Thanks SB for the support and for checking in.

We had our weekly meeting this morning. My gut tells me it was the last one he will attend. I admire this man, his drive, his fortitude, his will to survive, his commitment to the rest of us... Just to lightly name a very few of his admirable traits.

I had him sign some papers--power of attorney, and final/advanced health care directive. He doesn't want to be hooked up to machines--we trust each other and he would sign anything I'd put in front of him as would I --if we were to trade places. I won't do him or his family wrong. The Boss and I made sure he had a Will in place.

Sorry, but, his wife is truly a ditz-- a sweet ditz, but a ditz none the less. He made his S25 executor--thank goodness....

[poolman]

It's great that he has friend like you to help him through his final days.

[steamy]

OSP, I think you are being a wonderful friend. Please allow yourself to recognize that. HUGS

[CheroCreek]

(((( OSP ))))

Blessings and Peace

[Tiddly]

OSP you are a blessing to him and his family!

[poolman]

for the sake of not starting a new thread,

I met an older couple 27 years ago and we became very close friends. We went boating, played billiards, cooked on the grill and just enjoyed each others company. He was strong as an ox but got hit with a sudden tumor that took his life a few months ago. She has battled cancer for over 20 years and now has Alzheimer's. It is sad to see friends leave.

She knew who I was when I called, so I plan to keep calling her.

[poolman]

I have no clue who is lurking outside but the pooch is about to go crazy barking at every window. Unusual for him but I can tell he is warning me.
Someone strange is in the neighborhood.

[Booktender]

Hey OSP! I'm just checking in to see how you're doing.

[Legal Editor]

Life can be very cruel and hard. You sound like a good friend.

Legal Editor

[Tiddly]

How are things OSP?

[OnSolidPath]

Times are heartbreaking-- last night he thought I was his Mom-- He was cat napping and I touched his arm and whispered "I love you." He stirred and said "I'm sorry Mom- I love you."

They took him to the hospital about 3 am last night- he couldn't keep the pains meds down and was in agony--the Boss is with him now--he checked in with me this morning and the Boss is fairly sure he won't be coming home again. Proud of these brave men in my life.

[Tiddly]

Prayers that he will not suffer any longer, OSP. Prayers for you and your friends to get through. God bless.

[Booktender]

I love your co-workers.

[CheroCreek]

Blessings and Peace be upon them all.

[willowtree]

Prayers of comfort up for your friend, your friend's friends and family, and you.

[OnSolidPath]

Eugene

November 5, 1952 – August 8, 2007

With deepest sorrow and regret we announce the passing of our Operations Manager of twenty eight years, Gene.

We announce this in the shadow of a loss that is too near to our hearts to be realized, and too poignant to be expressed in words. Our world is all the more the poorer for his going, for he was a gentleman of rare intellect with the greatest gift of gab, a mentor to all with tremendous humor. All of us are deeply moved by the tragedy of his death. There is no measure for the loss we have sustained—the large heart of the man, and the genuine worth of a most courageous soul.

Rest in Peace my beloved friend.

[still mamom]

My heart aches for you, OSP. You have my deepest sympathy.

[amc123]

((((OSP)))), I pray that God will comfort you, Eugene's family and your co-workers.

[poolman]

You have my sympathy for the loss of your friend. At least it was not prolonged. Hugs OSP and friends of Gene.

[standingstill]

(((((((((OSP)))))))))) I am so sorry for the loss of your friend.

[CheroCreek]

Adando Eqa

nasginai ulenitohv, wado
nasginai ayohuhisdi wado

[willowtree]

I'm so sorry, OSP.

[Tiddly]

I am so sorry OSP... my prayers are with you and Gene's family.. I'm so glad he did not suffer more. Hugs & Prayers sweetie.

[OnSolidPath]

His service was yesterday- it was beautiful--befitting the caliber of the man we love.

400+ attended. It was good to see so many "old" faces, people whom have been long gone from the company --person after, person remarking on the wonderful mark he made on so many lives.

I think the company/the Boss did him proud.

[poolman]

It's nice that he was honored in such a glorious fashion.

[Tiddly]

I''m glad you made it through OSP... Hope things get easier for you and his family!

[Phoebe]

Please accept my belated thoughts and prayers. Thank you for sharing this with us. (HUGS)

[ghead1]

I'm sorry for your loss OSP. Take care

[SO713]

Oh ((((((((OSP)))))))))))

Thinking of you. What a great friend you are/were to Gene and his family and your co-workres.

Please accept my condolences. I am so sorry. Praying that God give you strenth to cope with this loss and give you peace to move ahead with the cherished memories of this dear departed Gene who gave so much to everyone in your office and left a life time of memories to cherish.

[zuzuzu]

ops, this brings tears to my eyes and reminds me of how precious our loved ones are to us. Life is too short to experience the kind of friendship you had with Gene. I pray your grief is gentle to you..... the pain will pass, but all in its own time.... {{osp}}

[OnSolidPath]

reminds me of how precious our loved ones are to us. Life is too short to experience the kind of friendship you had with Gene


Yes, life is too short. Spent a great deal of the day holding his wife's hand, filling out papers for his life insurance, her COBRA coverage, explaining his 401(k) Fielding calls clients and vendors still calling in to express their condolences....

His life was too short --far too short.

[Booktender]

Don't forget to grieve fully and well. Everybody has to feel their feelings. No exceptions. (although it is acceptable to postpone crying until later in the day if you can.)