need a shoulder to cry on (long)

[Melissa]

I really don't know how much stress a person can handle but today I think I am pushing it to the limit! I am so sick of this hurricane stuff and all of the devastation that goes with it. Everyone's nerves are on edge here about Ivan, we are not even talking about it, its like we all just look at each other and nod. It is such a strong storm and the not knowing is what is driving us nuts. Are we going to spend yet another weekend boarding up, packing up all of our stuff and maybe this time getting out of town? There are even rumors indicating that the Bay area counties plan to begin rationing gas tomorrow morning as a result of Ivan's threat to the area. This is beginning to become very tiring, We still have storm debris from last weekend that is waiting to be picked up. We also have friends who still don't have power because of the flooding.

Then...
I Just found out today a girl that I work with at the farm was in a car accident after the storm last Sunday. Her boyfriend died at the scene and she has a broken back and some head injuries but is expected to live. He was thrown about 200 feet from the car and she was found near him. It happened when their car hydroplaned on the wet road.

As if that were not enough... I came home from work to hear that my friend who was my maid of honor in my wedding died last night of an accidental overdose or a bad mix of muscle relaxer and high blood pressure pills. We wont know for sure what happened until her toxicology report comes back but everyone feels it was an accident. She wasn't feeling well last night and her girlfriend left her only for an hour and a half and when she came back she was already gone. She thought she was sleeping at the time but went into check on her. I met her 7 years ago when she hired me as a bather at her dog grooming shop. She was always there for me day or night when my last Newfie Solomon was sick, and she even made special arrangements to have Solomon put to sleep when it was his time in her grooming shop because he hated being at the vets so much. Tonight I left three purple roses at her grooming shop, purple was her favorite color. She was only 41. This really hasn't hit me yet but I know it will.

Oh and by the way can you say a little prayer for my stepdaughter who went into the hospital tonight, she was having contractions 5 minutes apart which they managed to slow down (thank God) because she is not due until the end of October.

SIGH.......This day is over for me because I am having a glass of wine (or two) and not answering the phone any more tonight.

 

[sarnewfie]

oh wow.
i wish i could help somehow.
when things hit, they hit hard.

{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}
if you ever want to deal with snow instead of hurricanes come on up!

 

[DreamTime Newfs]

Wow, what terrible events. If there is anything I can do for you please let me know. Many thoughts and prayers coming your way!!

 

[bo'smom]

Oh Melissa...big, big {{{{HUGS}}}}for you. I wish there was something I could do or say to make the pain go away. I know that you're numb right now, but the pain & grief will come. Just hang on to those you love & let them comfort you. Please take extra good care of yourself during this time. Emily is your best therapy. You'll be in my prayers...

 

[FuzzyDustBunnies]

Got my shoulder all ready for ya! WOW! You've had way more than anyone should have to deal with at one time. I can't imagine what I would be feeling just having to deal with the weather you're having and NOT anything else that is going on.

Saying prayers for you and loads of well wishes. We're here for ya! Vent all you want. It HELPS!!!

 

[ardeagold]

I am so sorry to hear about the multiple tragedies which you're enduring right now. One is enough, but what you're going through is just so terrible. I wish there was something I could say that would help to ease your pain, but I know that at times like this, words are insufficient.

Please know that you're in my prayers..as are the friends and family of the young man who died, the young girl in the hospital, and your best friend.

Also sending up prayers for your stepdaughter and the baby.

 

[Melissa]

Thanks everyone for your support. I know I dont post much but it's so strange, normally I go through life day to day generally being happy with no major incidents but this just all hit me today and it is beginning to be too much to handle. My husband is out of town righ now so I think Emily will be my bed buddy tonight. Your right, she is good therapy.

 

[ina/puusty]

Hugs and love..coming from here. Thank you for posting so we can share this with you.. this is what friends are all about. Rest as can..and check in..in the morning..ok? ina n HB

 

[Newfs Forever]

Softpaws,

I think most of us can feel your pain. We can sympathize, not empathize, as we are not there with you.

I have family and friends in 6 different areas of Florida and have been on the phone with family there constantly. It is just a lousy situation.

And then for you to have to endure all of the rest.
Sending alot of good thoughts and alot of prayers headed for all in Florida.

Stay safe.

Sue

 

[Giddyuppy]

OMGOODNESS, Melissa! What an exasperating time you're having! WOW!!! He only gives us what He knows we can handle, tho. Sometimes, we do WONDER, tho...I KNOW!

Prayers, good thoughts...and I've got pretty broad shoulders. The shoulders on here reach around the world! I'm sure you could take your pick.

btw...Even I, as much as I love storms, would be gettin' out of the way of Ivan. Three so close together doesn't "feel" right, to me. My dogs and I would be "on the road". Not in fear, but in the aspect of having seen enough destruction to last a life time. I've always said..."I'll get flooded out once, clean it up....and the next time, someone ELSE can clean it up."

 

[Strshine7]

Oh, I am so very very sorry Melissa, that is more than anyone should have to endure. You are in my prayers too! I have to agree with whoever said three Hurricanes in a row just doesn't seem right.

 

[Bluedog]

Geez Melissa! I know how stressed I've been the past few weeks, but to compound it with the added sorrow and stress you've had this week, would just about send me over the edge. I think it's time for you to take a respite from Florida. Take a gander at NoahsCove's pics of Alaska in the Newf Photos. What you say we take a trip up for some ice and snow for a change. Think Nancy(bearbearsmom) would like to join us?

Will be thinking of you, your family and friends as we await Ivan. Take care keep Emily close.

 

[nice newfie]

My heart goes out to you while dealing with all this stuff,Talk about if it rains,it pours.As far as that baby being born early goes.I survived the same thing 40 years ago.These days Premies had so much more help.That said,I do hope it stays put til the 30th of Oct.I know how much my parents worried about me while going through it.They were 19 and 23,The Dr's told my parents "If she's still alive tomorrow,we'll worry about her."Mom says I over heard them and stayed just for spite .Karen

 

[newf4u]

Melissa, I am deeply saddened by all the trauma you have endured lately...it is so unfair. Try to keep you head up, surround yourself with people you love. One thing is for sure that in times like this it really makes you realize what truly matters...the relationships we have with our loved ones...friends and family. Find your strength in them. Also daily hugs from your Newf will surely help.

Prayers from Canada.

 

[Sailorgirl]

I'd say you're handling all this way better than most of us would. I'm so sorry for all you've had to endure and I truly wish, hope and pray that Ivan just gets the heck out of there and doesn't add to an already very long list of things you're dealing with. Please take care.

 

[bearbearsmom]

Oh Melissa - I am so sorry that you have so much on your plate on top of all of this hurricane stuff. It is really hard to put into words how depressing this really is. Our house is boarded up except for my office window (I could't take the darkness anymore - I was beginning to feel like one of those mole rats that never see the light of day !!) My parents have all their favored possessions packed up and riding around with them in their car because they live in a manufactured home and have been evaculated twice now. My brother and sister in law, along with their four children, have now lost everything. Charley tore the roof partially off, Frances came along and finished the job and soaked everything they owned and now with Ivan it like OMG, what else !! So many people flooded out. I have been to the grocery store two days in a row and there is nothing on the shelves - no milk, no bread, no meat, no produce. It's really hard to find the silver lining when it looks like nothing but storm clouds !!

I am glad to see your posts Nancy, as I was worried about you !! Flagler County and that area really got whipped by Frances too. I think when all of this is over we should meet somewhere for a nice long weekend !!

Stay safe my friends and Melissa you have my number !!

Nancy

 

[Codes]

Oh Melissa I am so terribly sorry!! This is just too much for any one person to handle. You and your friends and their families are in my thoughts and prayers.

{{{{Big Hugs}}}}

 

[dogger]

Oh Melissa, I am so sorry all of this is happening. Your friend in the car accident has my prayers. She must be devistated for the loss of her beau in addition to her own medical difficulties.
I heard on NPR today about the mood in Florida. It seams like everyone is just on edge, in denial or on the verge. They have even assigned a name for the condition... Hurricane anxiety and rightfully so. I would be a wreck. Just what ever it takes, be safe. Even if it does mean packing up again and hitting the road. It sounds like this is going to be the worste of the 3 in regards to wind speed.
I am sorry for the loss of your friend. I dont know what I would do if I lost one of my Yayas... I would fall apart. I am not big on aquaintances and sudo relationships. I choose my friends very carefully they mean the world to me.
Hang in there and chin up. Crawl into bed with Em tonight and dig your fingers deep into her fur. Have a really good cry and fall asleep to the sound of her breathing. Let Emily help you feel better. After all these wonderful newfs and good for the soul.
You know you have all my best wishes and prayers...

 

[brendapiepiorka]

I am so sorry for all your going thru. First off, I don't think I can relate even a bit to the confusion, fear and disruption you are all going thru with these storms. Living in wisconsin, we only see this stuff on the news. Being their in person must be terrifying. Please feel my prayers for you all. Please leave if it looks like it's going to get to be bad in your area. I being the chicken that I am would probably be headed north by now. And the sudden lose of your your friends,

un real. I have always been told that god has our day picked from the time of our birth so to live every moment to the fullest and spread love and kindness. You really never know if you'll be around in an hour. yesterday while talkin with my daughter on her way to work, she screamed and the phone went dead. A few minutes later she called me back and was sobbing. A semi had been passing in a none passing zone and he forced her to hit the ditch at 55 miles an hour or she would have hit him head on. She dinged the under carrage of her car but was very lucky no driveway with a culvert or a tree was in her path. I sat and cryed after I got her composed enough to drive again. Wasn't her time. And just to make you feel a bit better, I came home and cracked open a new "box" of wine myself. hang in there and be safe..hugs

 

[dbradley]

I wish there was some way I could help you. Life can be rough sometimes, that's to say the least. Good thoughts coming your way.