Condolence: Hi Diane. It's OK. Wasn't expecting a response. What you said the first time pretty well covered it: there was a sweet soul here that is no longer with us. Grateful that you did, tho.
It's probably "healthy" to acknowledge these things sometimes, no matter how it feels. Or something.
I know tomorrow is a sad day for you, and I've heard that in time it gets easier. But I just don't believe that right now.
Not ashamed to say I've been struggling with this. Most of that comes from my own denial, I'm sure. It's all a part of life, we all have to deal with it. Your mom and mine went through it with their folks, and it sucked for them too, I remember.
So I get it. I acknowledge it, and I understand it. In a logical sense. What does that mean on an emotional level? Let's be real here, for a sec: doesn't mean a whole lot, does it.
We've got to come to terms with it and carry on. What else can we do?
Ugh. Words. There aren't any. I'm at a loss. I'm sorry if it sounds like I'm ... IDK, "whining" or something. I probably am.
Listen, God bless you and your family tomorrow. Keep your chin up, and take care, OK. Thanks.

Condolence: Hi, Steven.

Sorry, I didn't realize you had responded so I apologize for not getting back to you sooner.

Yes, they loved their birds. I think of them both because of that. I hated they lived so far away from each other but I know their phone conversations made the distance narrower.

Thinking of you today.

Take care,
Diane

Condolence: Thank you, Diane. I was sorry to hear about your mom, as well. Momma took it pretty hard. I know you all did, as well ...
Duh. Hey, you know what, I am so sorry. I wish I had the grace to say something that doesn't seem obvious, or hollow. There just aren't words.
As you say, they're together forever now. I just hope there are lots of birds for them to enjoy, too. (They loved watching their birds, didn't they.)
I don't know what else to say, Diane. Nothing really covers it, does it. We've just got to remember, they are in a much better place.
Thank you again for reaching out and condolences. God bless you.

Condolence: I found your sweet mom's obituary last night. I am so very sorry for your loss. I have good memories of her when we were all kids.
I'm sure her and my mom are together now, forever.
In sympathy,
Diane

Condolence: Hi,Julie. I think I can speak for the family on this matter only: we appreciate your condolences and the place in your Heart that it comes from.
Also, I'm happy to hear Betty is OK. She was always very kind to me, and she will always hold a place in my Heart. Your whole family, as well.
I've been meaning to respond to your condolence here, but to be honest ... I just couldn't find the words. Nobody knows the words. I don't know that there are words.
I've listened to and read all the "words of comfort, peace, and serenity" that I could find, multiple sources.
"This is a part of Life we all must face eventually."
"She's not in pain anymore."
"She's in a better place now."
There's more.
I know there is a lot of Truth to those words, too. I do. They just ... I don't know how to say what I'm trying to say here.
I've known people who have lost loved ones. And my words of empathy have been sincere. I've tried to keep it simple, because they never seem to ...
Well, you know what I'm trying to say.
There just aren't words that cover it, from any perspective.
I'm aware that there is absolutely nothing anyone can do about this, but I'm just going to say it: the human condition sucks sometimes.
I've come to the conclusion that there are things in Life that we just can't prepare for ... things that we're never truly "ready" for.
We can try as best we can, and there's nothing wrong with that at all.
We can steel ourselves mentally, and perhaps emotionally and even spiritually.
At the end of the day, though, when the storm comes ... it's got to bring some rain.
I wish there was something I could do to change all that, but there's not.
As with most things in Life, I think the answer may be to take it one day at a time.
I am instinctively averse to baring deep emotional turmoil in a quasi-public forum, so I won't say much more. Anything I have said ... well, it is what it is. I won't apologize for the storm inside at the moment, but I do regret if you have actually read all of this and strained your eyes.
I'm sorry for being so wordy. Not completely sure why I said so much in what was intended to be a simple thank you. I have no excuse.
Please tell Betty hello for me, if you would. And thank you again for your kind words.
God bless us all.

Condolence: My mom and I are so sorry for your loss we loved your mom she made me laugh every time we went into church she will be dearly missed. If you need anything please let me know love you guys