Thank you all

[BigBigBear]

Your kind words of sympathy, love and support were a comfort to me during the last days of my wife's illness, and after her passing last Saturday morning.

The family and friends from out of town have all gone back to their families, and I'm embarking now on the next chapter of my life, broken of heart and shaken of spirit. But I am grateful for the support I have received here, and from all over. Very difficult weeks lay ahead of me - they will be eased by the kindness you have all shown me.

I would like to especialy thank MuseRider for her kind and comforting messages to me, the other DU'ers who PM'ed me, and Throckmorton, who kindly shared his own loss and the terrible pain he and his family are going through. I hope we can gain strength and comfort together, my friend. Let's talk again soon.

I was asked about donations: my wife's fravorite charities were Sierra Club and Defenders of Wildlife. Her name was Karin Dostal.

Again, from my heart, thank you.

[bigwillq]

1. Very sorry to hear of your loss

I was not aware of the situation. Your kindness, generosity and selfless ness will be remembered always by your wife. You are a better human than I for dealing with what you went through and are still able to see the positive light.
Stay strong and remember you have all of us here at DU to help support you and to lean on when going through a difficult period.

[fertilizeonarbusto]

2. God bless you

I hope your pain eases soon. I'm very sorry for your loss.

[boobooday]

3. I am so sorry

I hope that you do find strength and comfort.

My sympathies to you.

Jeanette

[nini]

4. Continued strength to you

I can't imagine your pain but I'm glad to see DU has helped you in anyway. I will continue to remember you in my prayers for strength in your grieving. we'll all still be here when you need to 'talk'

[Parrcrow]

5. Its time for you to rest for a bit Bear

The next little while will be difficult. For what its worth, you know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.

[MuseRider]

6. Bear

I know you have been busy doing what all must be done. Please remember that we are still here and still willing to offer any support you need. PM me any time. I am sending thoughts of comfort and support. Again, I am so sorry.

[Mikimouse]

7. Best wishes to you BBB, and my hopes that...

you will find comfort and peace in the long term. Keep in touch with us!

[proud patriot]

8. Strength to you my friend

you are in my thoughts

[Fenris]

9. I hope you find peace soon, friend.

I am weary of invoking the name of the divine, but may God protect you on your difficult journey ahead.

[supernova]

10. Good to see you on the board again BBB

It'll be harder now with the quiet and the activity done. But just remmeber this feeling doesn't last forever, and we are here any time.

I'll keep you in my thoughts.

[commander bunnypants]

11. take care friend

We are here for you

DDQM

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

12. I will make a contribution in her name

In the menatime, I think it's safe to speak for the rest of us in saying we are here for you if you need support...or shall I say WHEN you need support.

((((((((((((HUGS))))))))

[YellowRubberDuckie]

13. I'm so sorry for your loss

Duckie

[ewagner]

14. so sorry for your loss

I wish you peace.

I wish you strength and courage.

[never cry wolf]

15. Hang in there buddy, things could be worse

Imagine if you had never met her. Keep in mind how blessed you have been to have had the time with her that you did. Most on this planet never get the chance to share any time with a true soulmate.

In the grand scheme of things, you will only be apart for a relatively short time and she will always be with you in your heart during the interum.

[bif]

16. Peace be with you

Sorry to hear about your loss.

[livetohike]

17. Peace to you BigBigBear and

may you feel your wife's love on the breeze, in the singing birds and on a rushing stream.

Hugs to you

[July]

18. BigBigBear, hope to see you here again soon. n.t

[Misunderestimator]

19. So very sorry BBB...

And thanks for the info on the charities. She sounds like a wonderful woman, and I'm glad that you had many years together.

[lpbk2713]

20. You know you can always lean on your friends at DU.

And thank you for keeping in touch. Best wishes until you're together with Ms BBB once again.

[UrbScotty]

21. Anything we can do.

Understand, too, that I know what it's like to lose a loved one; I've lost a grandparent on April 29. However, I do not know what it is like to lose a spouse.

May God rest her soul.

[brook]

22. It's rough times, I know.

The aftermath of all you've been through - and now finding yourself maybe more alone than you have ever felt can be devastating. Most Hospice organizations run grief groups to help. I have a number of clients who benefited greatly from attending. When you're ready, it might be worth looking into. Meanwhile, be gentle with yourself.

Peace.

[flamingyouth]

23. Good to hear from you, BigBigBear

We've all been thinking of you. Let us know how we can help you through this.

[trof]

24. Here's my hand.

In friendship and condolence.
It's trite, I know, but true.
The journey of one thousand miles starts with but a single step.
Not even one day at a time, but a few minutes or maybe an hour at a time.
My Great Aunt Lucia, in her eighties and in failing health, had a wise saying:
"By the yard, it's hard. By the inch, it's a cinch."
Just take it an inch at a time.

[Mrs. Venation]

25. To Love Without Restraint Is Such A Precious Gift

Your selfless love for Karin is an inspiration to all of us.

[Just Me]

26. Your graciousness is touching. n/t