By sharing such experiences, it's not so people say, "Oh, poor girl." it's the hope that others might not have to suffer as intensely. I can't brag about my memory(that's for sure!!!), but remember feelings associated with events of my life. I think it helps me be more empathic when someone else is suffering. You may have noticed that I'm a bit passionate about kids, especially those who may be falling through the cracks.
I repeat, "Why were they sent back to school so soon?
They haven't even had the memorial yet!!! 
Everyone needs time to grieve! To be able put the death in some sort of perspective. To be able to don the mask that shows, "I'm dealing with this."By sharing I was hopeful that you might be the one to keep tabs on them. This single event may very well affect their choices and feelings about themselves for a very long time. Grief is like a boomerang, just when you believe it's all behind you, it comes back with a vengence, leaving you to start all over again. With kids it's even more unpredictable because there are so many other factors involved; hormones, peer pressure, fears that somehow this is their fault, hidden depression, society's ignorance.
Brought them into the circle this morning. My heart is breaking for them all over again.
Dear Maria,
The marathon is near completion. The finish line is on the horizon. Dave and I were able to spend a wonderful day alone yesterday with our middle son Dan, really can't remember when it was only the three of us. We laughed a lot
while shopping for him to return to college. Later we were joined by his girfriend Rachel, and went out to dinner for her birthday. Afterward my sweet husband and I were able to watch a movie ... alone! So, in all it was a nice reprieve from all the 'shoulds' and 'have tos'. I should be doing something else right now, but am going to play hooky for a few more hours before getting back to the grindstone.Love to all in our beautiful and growing circle
Kim
Kim and PP,
