@networkn PM'd me to see how I was doing and it reminded me I really needed to post an update. So it's been a month now since she passed away, the kids and I are slowly discovering what our new normal is. They are clingier and all of us seem faster to anger or tears than usual. I've used some counselling and am trying to arrange some for the kids. I think we are all doing okay all things considered, and hopefully things will stay that way.

Lias,

I am late to this thread.

Really feel for you in your grief and loss.

Glad to hear you are managing so far too. All my love to yourself and the kids.

I think the press needs to dial down their nuclear war articles. It is irresponsible and will impact mental health.

gzt: I have to say the one that gave me a start this week was "Volcanic Alert level raised on Lake Taupo". Nope it's ok.. we just started alerts where none existed before. Phew.

If you want some (actually fascinating) reading on this, I suggest giving Dr Sally Potter's PHD thesis a read. It applies a theoretical alert level system to prior periods of unrest at Taupo, and includes a really great summary of what happened around the district during some episodes, how it would be rated, etc.

I have reached the age where I feel like I am living on borrowed time. All around me people are dropping like flies - friends, musicians, actors, politicians - nearly every day someone I know, either personally or from the media, disappears from this life. Nearly all are my age or younger. I keep wondering when it will be my turn. As far as I know I am in good health, but that doesn't stop me from wondering.

Rikkitic:

 

I have reached the age where I feel like I am living on borrowed time. All around me people are dropping like flies - friends, musicians, actors, politicians - nearly every day someone I know, either personally or from the media, disappears from this life. Nearly all are my age or younger. I keep wondering when it will be my turn. As far as I know I am in good health, but that doesn't stop me from wondering.

 

I'll start worrying when you stop handing out zingers in the politics forums, but for now you seem in good shape :) Don't worry about what you can't control. Live your best life :) 

Rikkitic:

 

I have reached the age where I feel like I am living on borrowed time. All around me people are dropping like flies - friends, musicians, actors, politicians - nearly every day someone I know, either personally or from the media, disappears from this life. Nearly all are my age or younger. I keep wondering when it will be my turn. As far as I know I am in good health, but that doesn't stop me from wondering.

 

I do wonder occasionally how any of us would know if another person here was to shuffle off this mortal coil. There are obviously people here who know each other outside of GZ and have regular contact, but for many, we'd simple cease to post one day, and that would be it.

I guess it won't be a concern of the departed.

Ge0rge:

 

I guess it won't be a concern of the departed.

 

That is definitely my take on it. Every day above ground is a bonus.

Rikkitic: I have reached the age where I feel like I am living on borrowed time. All around me people are dropping like flies - friends, musicians, actors, politicians - nearly every day someone I know, either personally or from the media, disappears from this life. Nearly all are my age or younger. I keep wondering when it will be my turn. As far as I know I am in good health, but that doesn't stop me from wondering.

gzt: Sorry to hear that Rikkitic. I don't really have a clue how to respond. I'm going to guess I'm a bit younger.

Not expecting a response. Just something that was on my mind at the moment I wrote it.

Rikkitic:

gzt: Sorry to hear that Rikkitic. I don't really have a clue how to respond. I'm going to guess I'm a bit younger.

Not expecting a response. Just something that was on my mind at the moment I wrote it.