Hi Robbie,

I just read your post and thought I'd add a few of my own thoughts. My son an only child was bid farewell going on 7 years this April 2017.

I will only tell you a couple of things such as I cried and screamed as loud as my voice allowed me. I've learned to say that I dislike some people merely by some of the insensitive and selfish comments they made to me. I am a very friendly person and I would meet people easily while shopping in food stores and other places. I would show my son Joe's photo because it was uplifting for me to hear. However, I had alone time when I would sit down to write a monthly article for my garden club to attract new members. I placed the photos I took to coincide with my articles in about 4 newspapers and 1 local television shows. I had the support of the founder of the garden club and I didn't share it with anyone. Until the president of the club telephoned me about something and heard something in my voice. Then she asked me what was wrong and I told her. I didn't tell the senior center that I spent lots of time at and knew and still know many members there. After the farewell on a Monday after Easter my husband and I took a couple of flower arrangements to the senior center. The next day was a special outdoor memorial dedicating a plague etc for the 49 year old director of age who had retired after a party. That Thursday I had attended my meeting and a man had my article in his hand when he came over to me and gave me a teddy bear hug. He told me what a member said about my son who had his farewell just a few days previous. I was busy then as membership chair, publicity in the garden club. It's still difficult at times especially since my mother passing 4 years ago and my dad and brother before my son. I do have a husband that loves me; yet there is a lot left to be desired in this marriage. I also became an advisor in the senior center and continued to be involved in the garden club. I've kept my positions as membership chair and publicity. In May 2016 I was installed as president of the garden club and also took on doing programs for the club and did the year-book during the entire summer. I was told by someone from another club at a Christmas part that I was going to burn out. I don't think so it helps me to have a passion to do things that I have qualifications to do. It's rather difficult to get members to easily accept ideas I have. I produced a program and one member followed my directions; I wanted her to shine and she did. Another member didn't follow my directions and she stood in front of the group with her back facing the group holding a book up while reading then turning her head to the group. I should have realized I made a mistake asking her when I invited her to be part of a program with 7 ladies that when she said "I don'twant to be a public speaker!" I have so many people in my life who dumped their issues on me as I may make some feel too comfortable. This morning I laid down in bed and spoke out loud I felt. There are so many wonderful things that have occurred in my life during this summer regardless of all the time I've put into the garden club duties I've imposed on my life.  I have had a great time regardless of the melt down I have had due to the loss of my son Joe who was 42 years young with a life-time that he has lived on this planet. His favorite entertainer was Elvis and I asked him on his wall on Face-book if he had the opportunity to meet Elvis yet. His friends that I only came in contact with at Joe's farewell and his high school and fraternity brothers still come on and post words to Joe. I had no idea how loved and how popular my son was and still is. His life has been and still is relevant in so many peoples lives. In fact one young woman joined the garden club this September at our first meeting. I came to realize and found her high school photo right next to my Joe's photo in the year book. She told me they never spoke but I kn

Dear Robbie,

I too have lost 2 of my 3 daughters (to cancer.) My youngest Lisa, died Aug. ll, 2009. My oldest, Linda died 7 months later on March 1, 2010. The first & second holiday seasons were very difficult but I believe this one (2011) has been the worst. I have asked myself many times, "why my daughters, why 2 of them" as if there were a reason & if there were a reason, would it make any difference, would it bring them back. Life goes on in spite of us.

Sincerely, Shirley Gutierrez

Thank you for responding.  It is nice to know there are people who care & want to help.  Blessings, Vicki Blue

Hey Robbie, just stopping by to say be encourage, You are in my prayers, be bless and have a wonderful day.