Lisa,
It's your birthday and I never forget. Happy Birthday.
This year, Pat went to join you. It was just last month and after her 6 year fight against cancer, she left to go back home. When my dad left, you were there to comfort me and help me along. When you left, Pat was my rock and supported me through the long months of sadness that followed. No one is here for me to fill that role this time. I stopped participating regularly in thalpal when Pat was diagnosed 6 years ago, so I could focus on helping her and I don't know if I can once again redirect my focus and come back here. It's going to take time for me to feel any kind of normal and I know I have no ability to offer support when I am constantly sad. I hope you understand how hard it's been in recent years. Watching my wife slowly die has left me feeling empty and alone.