Hello Again!

[Joyce (Casey & Cody's mom)]

Hi all - I've been MIA for the last few months. Everyone has tragedy in their lives and must make adjustments. In September, my mom died after a traumatic fall. It was unexpected. After her death, my husband and I decided to move to the Las Vegas area to be close to our daughter. In February, we signed a contract to have a new home built in Henderson. We were so excited, picking out everything for our new home. They started construction around the 10th of April. Then tragedy struck again. My husband had a massive stroke the day before Easter

and passed away a week later. I considered trying to get out of the contract, but since they had already started construction, it was going to cost HUGE amount to withdraw from the contract. SO - in July, we (doodle, dachshunds, Shih tzu) and I moved from central Mississippi to Henderson, NV.  

I had to really laugh. When we got here the humidity was about 35% and everyone was grumbling about how humid it was. I just came from central Mississippi where the typical humidity is in the 80's or even 90's.  But yes, it was HOT.

The critters and I are beginning to settle into our new home and adjust to life without John. We all still miss him terribly, but also realize that had he lived, he would have never been the same, and he wouldn't have wanted to live in a debilitated state. I am grateful for the 45 wonderful years that we had together, for our children, and for the fact that we had time to say good-bye, but he didn't have a long, lingering illness.  I'm not looking for sympathy - just wanted to catch everyone up on why Cody and Casey and I haven't been around lately.

At some point, I would love to get together with other doodles here in the Henderson/Las Vegas area. We have a dog park only about 2 blocks from our house, but I've heard that it may not be a good place to go as there have been some aggressive dogs brought there, so for now, we will stay away.

[Joyce (Casey & Cody's mom)]

Thank you Barbara. It is difficult, but I find sharing my story helps somewhat. It at least lets others know that I'm not ignoring my groups or others. Another that that has helped me a lot is a widows (only) group on Facebook. Everyone in this group has faced the same challenges. We have good days and bad days. My fur babies are the very things getting me through all of this. 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Barbara, I am so sorry about your husband. I am glad you have Lucky! Dogs seem to understand what we need!

[Barbara, Zoey and Zeke]

Thank you.  You are so right.

[Ginny Nightingale]

Oh, so sorry to hear all that Joyce! What a terrible way to start a new life in NV--I hoe having your daughter near by gives you comfort and I am sure the dogs do too. 

Thank you for sharing your story and allowing us to be in contact with you again and to send our condolences.

[Joyce (Casey & Cody's mom)]

Thanks, yes being close to our daughter and her family is a huge help.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am so sorry for your losses.  Truly tragedies.  I love what you said about your husband and it is what I would want for myself.  Making the huge move must have been very hard, but being close to your daughter must be wonderful.  There is a Las Vegas group.

[Joyce (Casey & Cody's mom)]

I look forward to meeting members of the Las Vegas group sometime. I know that there are also several doodles in my community. We will try to meet them, too sometime. But for the time being, I am kept very busy trying to get settled. SO many things to do when you move! Today I am going to the DMV for new drivers license and car registration.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Two losses so close together must be terribly difficult.  Visiting DK may help a little and so will your dogs.  I am sending you hugs and hoping you can connect with a new human friend or two.

[Joyce (Casey & Cody's mom)]

Thank you.

[DonMarie and Picco]

So sorry to hear your story of loss.  The LV Doodle group is an active bunch and very friendly.  I've driven down from Cedar City to join a couple of their romps.  I too am one of those that complain about the humidity when it's still low you will probably be doing the same in a few years!  I haven't experienced loss like yours and can't imagine it but otherwise I hope you and your family enjoy your new home.

[Joyce (Casey & Cody's mom)]

The boys and I are beginning to settle in and feel like home. I live in a very new, developing community. I've met s,everal of my neighbors. Everyone seems so friendly. Looking forward to meeting some from the doodle group.

[Amy and Annabelle]

I am so sorry for your losses. I wish you nothing but the best from here on out. My sisters husband of 40 years was recently diagnosed with aggressive Mesothelioma. The prognosis is grim. But they are making the most of each day together and preparing my sister for life without him.