Hang in there.  We’re proud of you.

If I could have skipped the holidays, I would have myself. Unfortunately, all the first without my sister holidays were the first holidays for her son.

Personally, I would advise that if you get an invitation, even if you aren’t feeling up to celebrating, that you take them up on the offer. You don’t have to get the tree, decorate and all that jazz but being with people will help. If you think about it, a holiday is just another day, and you will find a way to pull through. Just do what you are doing now and take each day at a time.

As for birthdays, when my sister was suppose to turn 26, the family released 26 balloons. We chose to celebrate her life rather than the fact she wasn’t there. We went to the beach, near the area where we dropped her ashes in the ocean. It was a nice day, even though it was a sad day. I know it is still February, but you will start thinking about his birthday before you know it. (Actually, it sounds like you already are.)

People are always going to question how you go on, but I think it is just that they can not imagine it themselves. If I was in someone else’s shoes with my situation, I probably would say, “I can’t imagine how I would survive that.” Now, I try to avoid that sentence. I think people do what we have to do.

That video that Dana did was amazing.

That video was the one thing that made me break down, really break down, the first time I saw it.  I got chills up and down me watching it again this morning.

I wish I could explain to you - or that it would matter if I could - how awe struck I am sometimes just watching you walk through this.  You always hear about “one foot in front of the other” and that it’s just what people do… but to see you.  To watch how you do it… it’s heartbreaking and amazing and desperately sad and inspiring - all at the same time.

Dawg. :}

I agree with you, I believe it’s love that gets us through times like this.  It helps us stand when we feel our legs are falling out from underneath us.  Love helps us breathe when it’s so painful to take that next breath. 

For me, the “year of firsts” was the hardest to get through.  The “first” birthday w/out him, the “first” Christmas without him, etc etc. 

I you and know that you can call on me anytime if/when you need too.

*hugs*

OK, I wrote this long long comment this p.m. and it’s gone…

Anyway, it meant to say that I wish there was more that I could do then “just” comment here. And also let you know that I feel that missing your wonderful Puppy Dog is also a tribute, proof, whatever you would want to call it, that you loved loved loved him very much (which by the way nobody ever reading this blog would doubt, at all!)…

I can imagine it must be hard. Though it’s different, my father has passed away 11 years ago and some moments thru the years remain difficult… and it never really gets that much easier… At the most I’ve learned to just work through my emotions instead of being scared of them, which I used to be…

Many Hugz from Dutchyland!!! Muah!

I felt compelled to respond but I have never been in your shoes. I think Lynda gave excellent advice.

I first found your blog right after that terrible day. Every day since I’ve been inspired by your courage and your ability to find humor among the darkness. Hang in there guy.

It’s good that you know LOVE and have some in your heart. If you can’t do the Holidays this year, oh well.

I don’t know how you feel about it, but maybe getting a gift for some other kid, ( you know, a stranger, a poor or “unfortunate” child) could that give you a lift? It always does that for me, but I don’t know if that would exacerbate your loss. I just now it makes me happy to see a little kid happy at the Holidays.

Dana,’s video is so beautiful!  All of the love that she put into singing this song for you and Puppy Dog is truly lovely.  I’m crying tears of sadness, but happiness too—that you do have so many people who love you and want to lift you up.

It does seem like yesterday. Although I only saw him thru your blog, I miss him. I’m glad you feel our love. I truly believe Puppy Monster’s love helps us all get thru every day.

I may never meet you, and I will probably only ever know you through the internet. But you have given me strength to move on, even though I have to do it without my son. You are not alone.