I have lost a two dogs, in my adult life, one 7 years ago and one 5 years ago. Losing my second pup was crippling and I told myself, I never wanted another pet. I grieved for them both, over the years, ugly cry and all. In Oct. 2020, I lost my father and a day doesn’t pass I don’t think of him, a pain beyond measure, that has greatly affected my mental health. I am still a functioning adult most days, but grief is different depending on the relationship you had with the person, or animal. I have cried for dogs, even within this past year, and I know that it’s my love for them showing through emptiness. My husband and my daughter/doggy Zelda, have given me strength, on the tough days and remind me to be present. I dreaded the thought of losing either of my parents but for it to actually happen is was a very different feeling. Appreciate, the time you have and remember to enjoy the present with them.

That is so heartbreaking to hear. Sorry that happened to you. In the first year of dating my future husband, I jokingly punched his shoulder when we were teasing each other and he got quiet and asked me why I would do that. I replied, I was just playing and he explained he was abused as a child and he would like for me not to do that. I was horrified and saddened by actions, I never thought my perceived playfulness was a flashback to a traumatizing memory. I made a promise to him and a silent one to myself to never do that again- to anyone! I really hope you find someone who listens to you, respects your boundaries and cares for your safety.

Holy Shit!

I am 34 and married, I don’t want children - we don’t want children! It is very reasonable, to not want to date someone with children. When I first started dating my husband, he said he could never date someone that had a kid. It wasn’t so much the responsibility of caring for a child but not wanting to have doubts on whether the woman he would be potentially dating had feelings still for the kids father. Children are a big responsibility and it’s okay to want that in your life.

One just popped up on Mercari!

I hope all these suggestions work for you! I have three kittens, one jumped in as soon as we put the kitty litter in the pan! It was amazing to see, the other two took a few times to figure it out. I am dog person and cats are really interesting to learn from and learn about.

CluCoin

Congratulations on your journey, you are literally working your ass off!

Wait, did we go to the same high school!?! My physics/astronomy teacher could also draw a perfect circle freehand as well.

My father passed in October and in has been a roll coaster of emotions. My husband, also lost his father 5 years ago and dreams about him ever so often, he believes it is his dad’s way of visiting him from Heaven. I am not in the same boat with my beliefs.

Weeks ago I dreamed of my dad, truly nothing special, just him watching a live concert. He loved watching and listening to live music. As I watched my dad from afar in the dream, just seeing the back of his head, I moved to get a view of his face and I see him smile and lean into the person he is next too. In those few seconds, I am delighted to see him and with quick resolve I remember he is gone.

With tears in my eyes, I look away from him and I am jolted back to reality. The tears were very real. I hate dreaming of him. I don’t want to dream of him, I just want him back.

I have not dreamt of him since, or at least, remember them. I am okay with that because each dream has been very difficult to recover from. I don’t wish this loss of a loved one on anyone.

This is incredibly important tip for females to remember.

My insurance lasted 2 weeks after I quit. I have not looked into COBRA.

Talk to her often. Facetime, Skype or the such. I miss my dad so much. I just want one more phone call.

My father passed away on the 18th of October. I avoided visiting him because of his age, diabetes and other aliments. He wasn't in bad shape, just wanted to be cautious because my husband got Covid and had long term effects. I had not hugged my dad since February. I understand completely your pain. As a daddy's girl, it hurts so much.

Covid did not take him but it took away opportunities to see him.

I lived in Oklahoma until I was 18. I hated living there. The overly religious bigots from there, just killed my liberal atheist heart every day.

I live in south Texas now.

Now, I am half Hispanic but look white. I met my husband here in Texas and "looks" Hispanic. When we travel to Oklahoma to visit family, there have been many times my husband is the darkest-skinned man in a store or restaurant. The looks we get are obvious and it is incredibly uncomfortable to notice people staring at us.

My first encounter of blatant racism occurred in Oklahoma. Years ago, a police officer pull us over late at night outside of Norman. After asking for my ID and my husbands, he asks for me to step out of the car. He tells me to get in his car and wants to know "how do you know the man in your car".

The line of questioning was invasive and rude. I started to get worried for my husband. Thankfully, we were able to drive away, without any further issues.

Being with my husband, has opened my eyes to white privilege and that racism is alive and kickin', where ever we go because Texas folks are not exempt from such behaviors.

Sorry you had to go through that experience. Nobody, especially a child needs to feel that hatred from any adult.

Not everyone is that way, just remember that.

I have called the last two days and they were closed.

Thank you.

Don't give me hope.