Hey, guys. I know I haven't been around lately, and I know you guys probably didn't notice my absence. I've been dealing with a lot of bad stuff lately. My cousin passed away in July due to complications with pneumonia. He was physically handicapped and was in and out of the hospital for much of his life. We prayed he would come out of this like he usually did. His mother and father were with him every day of his life for 27 years. They loved him more than anything. My uncle's oldest son died two years ago, just after Christmas. Last month, my uncle passed away and my father is devastated. They grew up together and were best friends. This has caused some major drama between my father and his sister. She lied about several things and said terrible things about me and my mother. My mother's "best friend" said that she didn't want to talk about it and was completely unsupportive. She eventually changed her tune, but it was too late. So, yeah, that's basically why I've been so inactive lately. My birthday was on September 5, but there was just a heavy sadness the whole time.

For what it's worth, it's good to hear from you again here.

Sad to hear it. Sounds like illness runs in your family.

Sorrowless said:
Sad to hear it. Sounds like illness runs in your family.

My uncle had a heart attack. I think he died of a broken heart.

JoeX said:
My uncle had a heart attack. I think he died of a broken heart.

I guessed that might have been the case. I drew that conclusion from the 3 recent deaths you mentioned. Sounds rough.

JoeX said:
Hey, guys. I know I haven't been around lately, and I know you guys probably didn't notice my absence. I've been dealing with a lot of bad stuff lately. My cousin passed away in July due to complications with pneumonia. He was physically handicapped and was in and out of the hospital for much of his life. We prayed he would come out of this like he usually did. His mother and father were with him every day of his life for 27 years. They loved him more than anything. My uncle's oldest son died two years ago, just after Christmas. Last month, my uncle passed away and my father is devastated. They grew up together and were best friends. This has caused some major drama between my father and his sister. She lied about several things and said terrible things about me and my mother. My mother's "best friend" said that she didn't want to talk about it and was completely unsupportive. She eventually changed her tune, but it was too late. So, yeah, that's basically why I've been so inactive lately. My birthday was on September 5, but there was just a heavy sadness the whole time.

My deepest condolence for you and your family. Sadly I know what it's like to lose a family member. So, I really do hope for you. Just know (even if this sound generic) it does get better. You only need to be patient, and remember the good times you had.

Unlike what Kaiju had said, I don't know what it's like to lose a family member or loved one to illness, but I do know the feeling of losing a family member to stupid decisions. After my parents had divorced, my mother had lost touch with herself and basically broke down emotionally. She went from boyfriend to boyfriend just so didn't feel alone. Her current husband (under no circumstances will I call this sack of shit my stepfather) is an retarded asshole who hit (and is still probably abusing her) her. To think I had to sever connections with her because she can't better herself and remove herself from the abusive relationship is almost akin to losing her forever. I love her, but I can't start my life with a weight around my ankles.

I didn't mean to give my example above for sympathy, but rather as an expression of empathy. I feel your pain, and while some here may be able to relate to you better, I just wanted to make sure you didn't feel alone. We're here for you if you need to talk to someone.

You guys are awesome. :) Thank you so much, everyone!