Hi Julie, Too true, sometimes we have to sort through a lot of junky rocks to find the 'gem'. You're one, as is your friend and the people I have 'met' on this site. Jill xo ... View more

Hi Alana, Sorry to hear that the 'old' problems are continuing, I was hopeful that once T was back at work that he would feel better (more like a normal bloke, doing normal bloke stuff) and that would help things on the home front. It is perfectly understandable that you will be feeling drained and very lonely. Friends aren't going to understand the overwhelming effect that living with cancer in the family has, particularly on you, the Mum, as mums are usually the lynch-pin of the family. How did the girls' birthdays go? Was tension too high or were they a 'moment of relief' that didn't last long enough?? Your Pabs Place retreat sounds WONDERFUL and I would love to hear more, it will be good for both of us to focus on something else for a while. I'm glad that Sailor has the 'contact' for you who may be able to help with funding. WOW!! that is fantastic. Good on you for having an idea and following through with it! Hope the new job went well (am guessing you will be reading this at the end of the day given our time differences!). You will have to tell me about that too! Gotta go, have to hit the shower and start the day 'officially'!! Take care, know that we are here and thinking of you. As they say in High School Musical 3 (?) (yes my BOYS like it) "We're all in this together" Jill xo PS I would love to know how to do all the smiley face icon thingys! ... View more

Hi Alana, Looks like you are copping some tough times again (still), how's it all going? Noticed your profile comment. Jill ... View more

Aylaah, Thinking of you and the family today. With kind regards, Jill. ... View more

Sangeeta, Thank you so much for your advice and care, not just to me but to all on this site. Your generosity of spirit when your own loss is so fresh is mindblowing. Thank you, hugz to you and your girls. Jill xoxo ... View more

Thanks ladies, Hugs gratefully accepted! Thaker, thanks for your toothache idea, I've said it many times that Daddy isn't himself and that it is not their fault and yes, he still loves them very much. Sometimes it's hard to FEEL that love, even though you may KNOW it. I asked both the boys on Saturday morning before we went to our next counselling session "what do you think is going to happen with Daddy?". They both answered, in unison, "he's going to get better". My heart sank and I reminded them of the conversation we had had together 2 1/2 weeks ago, when I had told them he wasn't going to get better. They both 'claimed' to have forgotten, I guess it is their way of coping. Our eldest son JK (8 ) started to cry immediately (as did I) and our youngest CJ (6) asked "Is Daddy going to die soon?". I answered that yes Daddy was going to die but we don't know exactly when. CJ then asked "when we are teenagers?", I said, "No, it will probably happen sometime this year". Needless to say, they didn't say much at counselling, basically just cried in my arms or wanted to be held like a baby (CJ). I was physically and emotionally exhausted by the end of Saturday. This disease is so cruel. Jill ... View more

Hi Jo, Wonderful news for both of you. Hope the settlement 'conference' goes well. All the best, Jill ... View more

Dear Aylaah, My sincere condolences to you and your family. Sending you love and strength, courage and peace at this very sad time. Jill. ... View more

Hi Jo, How's it all going? Any luck with the job situation? Jill. ... View more