Aaaand the hits just keep coming.

[Steve]

An update from my neck of the woods. Still accepting life without my Dad. Last Friday night/Saturday morning Coreen - Dad's GF - and her son Erik waged World War VIII in the apartment. I say eight and not three because in my time knowing them since last May they've already had World Wars Three through Seven. They both talked suicide as the argument waged, their computer was nearly damaged, and finally Coreen just took her insulin and went to bed.

Fast forward to 11am that morning. I get up after getting more sleep following the fight. I check on her. I find Coreen unmoving and unresponsive with foam on her lips. I call 911, and the paramedics take her off to the hospital (the same one my Dad died in to boot). By the next day it's clear what the cause is; diabetic coma. She's completely unresponsive and is on a respirator. There appears to be no hope.

Erik is now facing losing his mother and knowing their final words were, well, very very nasty. He and his youngest sister Kira are disputing the ownership of Coreen's car. Just as Dad and I were enjoying a happy time in our lives, so Erik was seeing his life finally getting on track with a job for an animation studio in Celebration (Disney's little town near the Disney attractions).

Oh, and it's getting freaking hot here in Florida, and I cooked today at work due to no freaking shade.

*sigh*

[frigidmagi]

Oh that's awful man. I hope you're alright.

[JimmyTheCannon]

Oh, wow. That's rough. Hang in there.

[Steve]

Coreen died at 3:30AM Sunday morning.

[LadyTevar]

Well... damn... :(

I'm sorry, Steve.

[rhoenix]

All I can say Steve is that though my situation was different three years ago, it was no less painful, and required no less in the way of picking up pieces to try assembling a picture that made sense afterward.

Three years ago, when the dust settled, I had no family other than myself.

All I can tell you at this point is that this is going to hurt, and it will hurt for a while. However, it's up to you how your life proceeds from here. When things like this happen, to the point where your entire perspective on reality is shattered, all you can do is give yourself all the time you need. Take care of yourself, even though at times you really won't want to. Find something to hold onto - a group of friends, a favorite place, something that can bring you some measure of peace and happiness amidst the pain and loss you feel right now. Otherwise, they will conspire to consume you alive, and make you think it's a good idea.

Don't lose your grip. Hold on, and know that you are still needed by those who care about you.

[frigidmagi]

We're here if you need to talk Steve.