Dear All Alone, I, too, have a one-year anniversary coming up. I lost both of my parents as the result of an automobile accident in mid-August of 2007. I've gone through this past year in a bit of a fog. I'm an only child and the three of us were very close. I was blessed to have them as parents. They were so caring, so selfless, so loving and did it all with warmth, compassion and a sense of humor that was so refreshing. I'm filled with gratitude and awe that they were chosen to raise me. How lucky! They were both in their 80s. My mom was successfully treated for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma -- over 14 years. Two years ago they found a liver tumor and thanks to radiofrequency ablation -- she came away still moving forward with a quality of life that was quite impressive...we'd go out for manicures on a regular basis. My father had his first heart attack (minor) at 82 and just last year received the sad news that he had stage 3 lung cancer (inoperable). He received six weeks of radiation and came through that surprising well. What was is store for him, told to me by people whose relatives went through the same -- was something I'd never want to see him experience. So...should I be relieved that things happened the way they did? Logically, yes...emotionally...no. I miss them so much. I just wanted to write a little about what I've gone through this past year. I realize I'm not alone...so many of you have got through this and for many it's been a long, painful process. I just want you all to know my heart and prayers are with you. I truly believe all of our loved ones are still with us , watching over us. megw
