Feeling emotional today for various reasons...

[disneydreamgirl]

It seems like there has been so much hardship in the world of late. My son even asked me today what was going on with the world. I had no real answers for him, but we talked about how it is important to live each day with honesty and integrity and love and kindness, not holding back and making sure that those we love know how important they are to us. I know that partly I am a bit melancholy because our cat passed away on Saturday night. Bootsie was our first family pet and my son was heartbroken when we told him she was gone; my husband was completely in love with her. When she chose us years ago as a stray who came to our back door, she needed us more than we needed her but in the long run we gained so much from her. We went to the vet as a family to say goodbye, taking home only the blanket that we wrapped her in. My son clutched it all the way home while he wept and then would not let go of it until the following morning. A night of sleep and the light of day really can serve as a help to move forward and he has started to.

Another reason for my current state is the shock that does not seem to be abating over Lorie (MinnieLor) and her husband passing so tragically. I met Lorie in person while at Disapalooza in December 2009 when we stayed at POP at the same time and a bunch of us carpooled together to events. It was great to meet her and she really struck me as such a genuine person, which is obviously how so many others felt about her as well. She was such a presence here and I appreciated her comments and tips and encouragement to others. She will be sorely missed. I have been watching some of the CNN coverage and cannot believe the scenes of devastation in Joplin and how the weather is still such a wildcard for them. There is no good night of sleep on the horizon and the light of day must have been such a massive shock for the people of Joplin...that stated, they are clearly resilient, guided by faith and have shown great courage in such a trying situation. Their experience really brings home that we should all be living life to the fullest, no doubt.

Reading back what I have typed, it becomes quite clear to me that I need to state how grateful I am for my loved ones, for those I have known and for those I will come to know and appreciate in my life. Like Lorie, I recently started a running program and I know she was training with the goal of participating in a Disney-sponsored race. Lorie will be a source of inspiration for me while I get healthier and in a number of other ways, not the least of which is the fine example she set with the respect and kindness she showed to others. I am also grateful for the Disboards as I would never have met Lorie without this forum nor would I have met or interacted with the great many of you on these boards that I am also grateful for.

 

[jlindemer]

 

[maroo]

I just posted this on the long thread...but feel like I should post it here...

In Lorie's words herself...from her info section of her Facebook page...


Her three quotes:


Favorite Quotations

~Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take but by the moments that take your breath away~

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

DLF>DNF>>DNS

 

[disneydreamgirl]

I just posted this on the long thread...but feel like I should post it here...

In Lorie's words herself...from her info section of her Facebook page...


Her three quotes:


Favorite Quotations

~Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take but by the moments that take your breath away~

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

DLF>DNF>>DNS

Thanks so much for sharing these.

 

[Disney Dad Canada]

It's been rough in our house lately as well. Mother's day is really hard on my kids, especially my girls, who were only 3 when their Mom died. The school does their best to help them, telling them to make the Mother's Day cards for "Nonna" (my mil) but it's still not easy. June 6th would have been my wife's 35th birthday, and we remember her by going to her favourite restaurant, Red Lobster.

Things are looking up though. I had a great 4 day weekend with the kids (it's Victoria Day weekend here in Canada), and I start my new job next Monday.

Just remember to focus on what's really important in your life, your family and friends. Material possessions can come and go, but the great people in your life is what makes it worth remembering.

 

[sjsjbrook]

I totally understand your feelings. Been feeling sad this week too, adding to it was the loss in our Disney Community. Reading the tributes and seeing all the love in the community had brought me tears, but hope as well. It is nice to know there are people out there that will send love, pixie dust, words of support and positive energy your way.


I also think that the lack of sun we have seen this month in southern Ontario, has brought on some of the blues. This weekend helped with some actually sun.

Hugs and pixie dust to you.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I totally hear you, OP, and I'm sorry for the loss of your precious kitty.

 

[TrekBoy85]

I wonder if this is one the greatest dis-advantages to having such a connected world. Along with all the great things the internet, smartphones and television bring, we are opened up to feel the pain of so many other people in the world. Our online communities have become as important as our physical communities, so much so that when our online communities lose someone, we feel it as if it was someone in our family - because it was. Combine this will all of the things that we have to deal with in our personal lives and things can seem pretty grim.

I personally don't mind it so much. Don't get me wrong, I don't like to feel sad, but I have learned to greatly appreciate the events taking place all over the world. It helps me keep my life and my goals in perspective.

We counteract the sadness and the pain, using the same tools. How many people get a daily boost from visiting the Disboards or hearing a weekly podcast, or communicating with old and new friends across the world everyday through facebook and twitter, or taking virtual trips to their favorite places in the world using message boards, flickr and Google Earth? 20 years ago, attempting to raise 1 million dollars for a charity would have taken a major event. While the going seems a little slow, people from all over the world can now contribute to one goal over time, instead of a one day telethon. People in various parts of the world are standing up to the governments that they feel unjustly rule over them...attributable in no small part to the power of our 21st century communications.

Hoping EVERYONE feels better soon!

 

[disprincessatheart]

Op - just Wanted to let you know you are not alone! I've been really upset this week, even though i did not know lorie. I was home alone last month with my 16 month old and our dog who was our baby for 8 years when a tornado came thru our small town. It tore thru town about 1/4 mile from our house. Every time I see the damaged houses it reminds me of how lucky we were to be passed by. Learning that Lorie and her husband had returned from a Disney trip the day before makes it all the more sad to me for some reason.

I think I will use their tragedy as inspiration like op mentioned and get in shape in honor of lorie's marathon training.

 

[disneydreamgirl]

Wow, was I ever long-winded last night! Thanks to people for even reading, never mind commenting...I just felt like I needed to put my thoughts out there. Writing out my thoughts really is cathartic and helps me to regroup at times.

Jen – Thanks for the virtual hug via smiley.

Maroo - I pledged and felt really good doing a positive thing. The quotes that Lorie had posted are great.

Disney Dad Canada - You're a great dad, clearly...it must be tough for you as well as your kids to have lost your wife at such a young age. You obviously make a real effort to keep her spirit alive for them...they will be so grateful for your efforts! …and Good Luck at your new job.

sjsjbrook - You have a great point about lack of sun and the doldrums, as well as the hope that connecting with others, at times like this, provides.

Amy - Thanks, she had been ailing for some time, so DH and I were prepared. DS, although we tried to prepare him, found his first real loss of a beloved pet terribly hard and it brought so many deep questions from him. It was a challenge to answer them and I think when we are faced with responding to another's questions it can really make for soul-searching moments.

Brent - You are right...the world has become so much a smaller place and it is a good thing. Without connectedness, we suffer as humans but there is a contradiction at times in that while we are connecting online many are not connecting in their own neighbourhoods. Smaller-town America has so much to offer in the way that their communities connect and lift each other up. As you pointed out, I absolutely get a boost logging on here personally and agree that positive change is being spearheaded the world over because people recognize and care about more than just their own backyard.

disprincessatheart - So glad you were spared a month ago...that must have been terrifying for you. I have no frame of reference as our weather is rarely even close to as extreme as that. I felt so anxious just watching the coverage on CNN from Joplin, I can't even imagine living through it! As for getting healthy, you go girl!

I really appreciate all of you taking the time to share and connect. I promise to adopt brevity after this post.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

Life can be sticky sometimes. I'm glad you found some comfort here in this thread.

 

[kaligal]

There is so much suffering in the world that if you let it all get to you...you'd just go mad.

I am a daily witness to abject misery and it can really drag me down.

We all have to find our own way through it. I hope you find yours soon.

Sorry about your kitty.

 

[BilltM]

Based on seeing Lorie's (MinnieLor) previous posts with her fur baby pups pictures, I would guess, she was more worried about the pups than she was about anything else. Just my thoughts.