211079✽
trying to do everything they ask of him and his spirits are up - one of the nurses gave him a hair cut and he seems to feel like he can regain his arm and leg strength back - whether that is possible or not - we do not know - but he is improving and we will see with each day - how much he does regain. We are still going through the paperwork process to get the doctor to fill out for the insurance and the payroll - so our money has stopped coming in for the last month and I feel abit overwhelmed - he will only be getting a partial sick leave as it is - so this will be a big adjustment - with having to spend almost $100 a week for traveling back and forth - one might ask - how can we manage much longer? But one day at a time - so far - we are doing it. We got the first of the bills and it is 1/4 of million so far, now we should get the bills for the University and that should be double in a matter of days, too. Thank you all for all your pryaers, your support and love - we do appreciate it - Rick loved the cards and angels. I am taking a parital day to clean and do things that I need to do in this area of the state and might try for a visit this afternoon, but then - I might have to take the full day to deal with all that has been left undone for this past month, too. I appreciate you each. Sorry I just haven't had many waking moments to be with you each. But I do think about the worldwild CUTE family all the time and it gets me through a day. Unconditional Love, Shirlene
Comments (59)
211079✽
by
shirlener88
01 Mar 2010
+4✽
These three pix on from Rick neurological critical care unit room - they are looking into Salt Lake City - from the north east side of the city - if you look close you can see the capital building on the right of the pix - the downtown beyond the top of the building next to the University Hospital - but that is about four miles away - Hehehe!
3 comments
Love the photos, especially the mountains. You folks have 'real' mountains out there; ours are just 'foot-hills' in comparison.
Jacqueline
Jacqueline
Yes, we are surrounded - the University is built on one of the mountains - called the Watach Front of the Rockies and those in the distance are called the Oquirrh Mountains. It is so wonderful to see the beauty of the mountains with snow on them - we have one close to where I leave that has a smiley face on it - it is called Mount Lomand. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ogden,_Utah)
Very beautiful pictures, thanks Shirlene
211079✽
by
shirlener88
01 Mar 2010
+7✽
Here are some pix from my Birthday Party - that my kids and grans had for me - it was so special and the only one missing is my dear husband. (Scott, SIL; Sheila, daughter, me; Travis, son; Deb, his girlfriend; the kids are my grands Rikki & Katie and Deb's son Kaden - the dog is Duke).
6 comments
Love your party pictures (includeing Duke). It's nice to see everyone smiling on your special day.
Love and blessings,
Jacqueline
Love and blessings,
Jacqueline
Shirlene. nice pictures of you and the children. Thank you fo sharing
Lovely pictures of your family. Thanks for sharing these. Lynn
What lovely pictures of you and your lovely family. I am so glad you had a little time to spend around close family on your birthday.
It looks like you had a good time ! It brought you some warmth !
Is it your son, the taller gentleman ? You must have fed him a bit more than the others, he almost touch the sealink !!
Is it your son, the taller gentleman ? You must have fed him a bit more than the others, he almost touch the sealink !!
Thank you all and yes, my son is the tall one - Hehehe! He was small as a child, but he did take after my brother and his father (who are both very tall).
70914✽
by
jacquipaul
01 Mar 2010
+6✽
Glad that things are going along well, and that he is recuperating. Don't expect to pay off the hospital bills in the near future; all you can do is do your best. Hope you're able to get enough rest; you need to take some time for yourself, to keep strong.
My prayers continue for you, the family and the medical personnel.
Love and blessings,
Jacqueline
My prayers continue for you, the family and the medical personnel.
Love and blessings,
Jacqueline
1 comment
Jaqueline, thank you - I will do it one day at a time.
12985✽
by
celticlady1031
01 Mar 2010
+5✽
I'm so happy to hear things are getting better for you and Rick. Wonderful birthday pictures. Great way to lift your spirits. Even Duke looks like he had a great day. The bills seem daunting at the moment but there has to be a solution on the horizon. Unconditional love right back at ya.
1 comment
Mickey, thanks!
18960✽
Shirlene it is so good to see you again. We all missed you so much. We hope and pray everything will work out for the best. Very nice family. Treasure them. LOVIES
1 comment
Marthie, thanks - I sure do. It is weird now to think of me as being the eldest in this family, though.
96286✽
by
dailylaundry
01 Mar 2010
+5✽
Thank you, Shirlene, for the update and pictures. It is great to see you smiling and celebrating your birthday! I am happy that Rick is improving and that his spirits are so good!!! Take good care of yourself!! Hugs, Laura*
1 comment
Thanks Laura, this was a good day to be with family.
11795✽
by
americangirl
01 Mar 2010
+4✽
The pics are great. Looks like everyone is enjoying themselves.
I'm hoping things go well for you and Rick. Thanks for the updated posting.
:o)
I'm hoping things go well for you and Rick. Thanks for the updated posting.
:o)
1 comment
Lynn, thank you - I hope so, too.
743327✽
thank you for the update and for sharing the birthday-pictures. it's happy and good news Rick is recovering bit by bit. and it's so sweet of your kids and grands they organized your birthday party. Great to see you smile on the pictures.(hope the bill problems will be solved too.)anyhow, thanks for being here on cute. Take care for yourself and your loved ones. hugs, support, prayers and love will keep coming your way!your friend gerry
1 comment
Gerry, thank you dear for you daily thoughts and prayers - I do appreciate them. I adore the CUTE family!
2516✽
by
annatjievdw
01 Mar 2010
+7✽
Dear Shirlene, I am thinking a lot about you and your family. Thanks for the good news. Lovely photos. I really admire your strength in this time and wish you God's speedy recovery for Rick. Send him my love too. Hugs and kisses. Annatjie
1 comment
Annatjie, thank you so very much - it is with the love and support of all of you - that I get my strength and through God himself.
52685✽
Lovely family Shirlene. I will still be praying for you and Rick too. Hope and pray everything turns out ok for the both of you. In all things.
1 comment
Kathy, thank you - I do appreciate it - for sure. Love!
58029✽
shirlene, thank you for the update. It is good to hear that Rick recovers bit by bit every day. You and your family are often on my mind every day. I hope there is a solution for the bills. Thanks for sharing the photo's of your birtday and the surrounding. Please take care.
1 comment
Carla, thank you for your ongoing concerns - we will get through this - one day at a time - love the hugs. Shirlene
145305✽
Shirlene, thank you for the update. I'm so glad Rick is improving! I hope the money problems will be solved. How nice your kids and grans had arranged a birthday celebration; you all look happy! Take care of yourself!!
1 comment
Martine, the family have been very supportive and I am grateful for them - in these times - that is for sure. I love each of them - I get alot of support from my CUTE family, too. Thanks!
51302✽
by
designgirl
01 Mar 2010
+5✽
Glad to hear Rick is improving. I have been asking if anyone heard from you. There have been some updates. You and Rick are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care my dear, Hugs Lynn.
P.S. I can't believe the cost of care in the U.S., thank goodness we have health care here in Ontario.Hope we never have to use it. Lynn
P.S. I can't believe the cost of care in the U.S., thank goodness we have health care here in Ontario.Hope we never have to use it. Lynn
1 comment
Lynn, thank you for your support - wished we had a good health care system here - but it is failing most of us - right now - but it will work its way out - I hope.
88650✽
Dear Shirlene,
I'm glad to hear from you, and glad to know Rick is improving. It's unbelievable that amount of money for the hospital, I do hope the health care system there has some kind of plan to help with the costs. Please know that you and Rick are always in my thoughts and prayers. Love,Yoriko
I'm glad to hear from you, and glad to know Rick is improving. It's unbelievable that amount of money for the hospital, I do hope the health care system there has some kind of plan to help with the costs. Please know that you and Rick are always in my thoughts and prayers. Love,Yoriko
1 comment
Yorko, thanks - our health care system is failing most of us - right now - but nonetheless - it will work its way out - I believe. Thanks!
62461✽
Thank you for the update. So glad that Rick is improving. I know things seem over whelming but I hope that the money/bills work out with the insurance. The pictures are great. Looks like a very loving family. Prayers continue for you.
1 comment
Carolyn, thank you - I don't know what I would do without my family, too.
27382✽
Good to hear that Rick is on the mend, Shirl.
That is a lot of money, each week, to spend on getting to and from the hospital. How far do you live away from it?
I do hope you can work out the finances soon. That is just another load to carry around, that you don't need. Maybe your church can help.
Take care.
That is a lot of money, each week, to spend on getting to and from the hospital. How far do you live away from it?
I do hope you can work out the finances soon. That is just another load to carry around, that you don't need. Maybe your church can help.
Take care.
1 comment
Ricky, thanks - I will see what I can do - one way or the other - God is guiding me - I believe.
35675✽
Thank you for the update. So many, many prayers going up for you and Rick.
1 comment
Gerry, thank you ever so much!
15907✽
Shirlene dear, thank you so much for taking some of your precious time to let us know about Rick. I am so glad that it is going better, but as you say one day at a time, and before you know the months will fly, and Rick will start to make his progress. So glad that he is feeling positive.
I do hope that you will get the things with the bills sorted out.
I will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers. You are a wonderfull lady, and God will look after you.
Love, hugs and God bless you all.
Marietta
I do hope that you will get the things with the bills sorted out.
I will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers. You are a wonderfull lady, and God will look after you.
Love, hugs and God bless you all.
Marietta
1 comment
Marietta, thanks - I do do appreciate all your good wishes.
44905✽
by
dlonnahawkins
01 Mar 2010
+4✽
Oh, Sweetie, it is good to hear from you. And love those pictures. It looks like you had a good b'day, and wish we could all have joined you - boy that would have been some crowd. It is a true blessing that Rick is improving, and we hope that this continues. He has a strong will, and he will probably surprise all of us. Special Hugs.
1 comment
Beth, I would have loved to have you all with me - of coarse I do in spirit all the time - but a picture would have been so sweet - but then you would have hidden from the camera, I bet. Hehehe! I do hope you are right about Rick, too. Love!
14513✽
Glad to get the update. looks like you have a wonderful family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers
1 comment
Gayle, thank you - I am truly blessed to have them all close.
10191✽
by
nanniesara
01 Mar 2010
+3✽
Thanks for the update on Rick. My mother always said where there is a will there is a way. And believe me that is so true. She raised 6 children after our dad died when I was six months old and my oldest sibling was 13. Mom only had a 6th grade education. And believe me she kept the faith in God and with his grace we all grew up fine. We always had what we needed. God is good and he will get you through if you keep the faith. Sara
1 comment
Sara, thank you so much for sharing your experience, strength and hope.
92391✽
Shirlene, You and Rick are both still in my Prayers, and I'm so glad you both have a good outlook. I pray that God will help you financilly also. Hugs, Judy...
1 comment
Judy, I know there is something in this for us to learn from - thanks!
145791✽
Things will get better in time Shirlene, but u must keep your spirits up also. Everything will fall into place in time. Let God handle it. He says cast all your cares on HIm, but u must have faith. Thinking og u Lillian
1 comment
Lillian, I am doing just that - thank you for all your ongoing support.
115778✽
by
asterixsew
02 Mar 2010
+3✽
Hi Shirlene, thanks for the update and good to hear that your husband is improving. Take care yourself still thinking positive thoughts for you both
1 comment
Caroline, thank you for everything.
46153✽
Thanks for the update. You and Rick are still in my prayers. Don't forget to take care of yourself too!
1 comment
Deb, thanks - I got a good day of rest, today - besides some cleaning done, too.
6578✽
Shirlene, so glad to see an update...hoping and praying that things will keep moving in a positive direction ... lots of hugs and praying for you, Rick and all your family...
1 comment
Claudia, thank you dear.
234507✽
Dear Shirlene,
How wonderful to see you smiling and happy with your family and I am so glad to hear that Rick is improving daily and that's great news.
I cannot believe the medical bills - do you have a private medical fund? I know over here in Australia we very rarely have to pay that much for an operation and care etc. I pray that something can be organised for you in that regard.
Keep up your spirits and know that we are all here for you. Love and blessings Chris
How wonderful to see you smiling and happy with your family and I am so glad to hear that Rick is improving daily and that's great news.
I cannot believe the medical bills - do you have a private medical fund? I know over here in Australia we very rarely have to pay that much for an operation and care etc. I pray that something can be organised for you in that regard.
Keep up your spirits and know that we are all here for you. Love and blessings Chris
1 comment
Chris, thank you for you concern - we do have insurance - but we still have to pay a portion of it - no funds set up for that and at this point we still are waiting for paperwork to be filled out for the partial sick leave - it will not pay the bills - that is for sure - so we will just see what God has in store for us - down the road. Hugs!
4891✽
So pleased things are improving for Rick and happy you were still able to share your Birthday pics with us stay strong forever in our Prayers Hugs Shazells
1 comment
Thank you so very much.
85867✽
Shirlene, glad to know that Rick is better. Don't worry about hospital cost now. Let your insurance handle it for now. The frustration will come later when they try to get out of paying for things. You should also contact your husband's company and let them help fight the insurance co. They should be on your side. Keep us posted!
1 comment
Kay, thanks!
57491✽
by
lindaavolio
02 Mar 2010
+5✽
Hi Sweetie...so glad to hear Rick is improving. The pictures of your family are GREAT. Take one day at a time and let God work his magic.
I will keep you in my prayers & thoughts daily.
Hugs,
Linda
I will keep you in my prayers & thoughts daily.
Hugs,
Linda
1 comment
Linda, thank you dear - I know we are being watched after - as I can feel it.
9141✽
Thinking and praying for you and your husband! You have such a wonderful stength! Big hug Kim
1 comment
Kim, thank you ever so much. Shirlene
8654✽
by
suzettebritz
02 Mar 2010
+6✽
Shirlene, it's so good to see you and the photo's here! The good news, Rick's slowly but surely recovery, is what is most important now! I hope the money matters will sort itself out soon. Just wish there were other travelling options...Stay strong and take good care of yourself! Love Suzette
1 comment
Suzette, thanks so much - wish that I could just snap my fingers and get there and back - lol.
5753✽
Thks for the update,these are real tough times for u .Hope everything falls in place soon TAKE CARE.LOL Tanuja
1 comment
Tanuja, thank you dear. Love, Shirlene
23265✽
Hi Shirlene, happy that things are on the mend now. Thanks for showing us all your pics. What a happy family!!!! Oh and the mountains are beautiul too!!!
1 comment
Michele, thanks dear one - I appreciate it.
10494✽
I've been wondering how you are. My nephew was at the University Hospital for months fighting to save his leg after a car accident. The bill was nearly a million when all was said and done. The UU Hospital has some of the best care that there is. You have a lot on your plate. How can we help? Try not to stress to much and take care of yourself. God bless
5 comments
Twee, we might have to get together sometime - do you live up north in Logan? I live in Riverdale, just outside of Ogden. Now, that Miss Loretta is gone - I need another embroidery buddy close by. Thanks!
Oh I hope the two of you can get together. It would be lovely.
Yes, it would - thanks Kerry!
That would be great. I live by Tremonton, about 50 min. north, but I run to Salt Lake about once a month for this and that. I could learn tons from you. I've seen some of your projects they are incredible. It would be fun to spring board ideas.
There is nothing nicer than meeting cuties in the flesh. I hope you get together soon.
25533✽
by
claudenicolas
02 Mar 2010
+6✽
Dear Shirlene, glad to have news and to know taht the health of Rick is betterPrayers for you two,
hugs ,love and hope
Claude
hugs ,love and hope
Claude
1 comment
Claude, thank you so much dear one.
34246✽
I am glad to see asmile on your face....GOD gets us through one day at a time.....Take care of yourself through all of this....Heres my belated birthday hug for you...Beautiful family...deanna
1 comment
Deanna, thank you so much - it felt just wonderful, too.
122864✽
I am so truly relieved to see your message and your email to me. I cannot imagine facing such a hardship that you will have financially, because of medical expenses.
I think it's time your Government got its act together and started providing better & cheaper health care to ALL Americans, without you having to lose your homes to pay for such an essential service.
It makes me so mad when I hear or read about the disgraceful state of the USA's health care system and how so many Americans suffer or have to go without treatment because of the costs. I have several other American friends buckling under the same medical burdens.
I wish I was in a financial position to help but since I am not and can not, I will pray for a miracle to ease your burdens and I ask all Cuties to pray with me.
In the meantime, as stupid as this sounds, please try not to worry. He will provide for you.
Love and prayers, always, Meg
PS. I don't think it would hurt to make a wish on the GENIE while we're at it!!!
I think it's time your Government got its act together and started providing better & cheaper health care to ALL Americans, without you having to lose your homes to pay for such an essential service.
It makes me so mad when I hear or read about the disgraceful state of the USA's health care system and how so many Americans suffer or have to go without treatment because of the costs. I have several other American friends buckling under the same medical burdens.
I wish I was in a financial position to help but since I am not and can not, I will pray for a miracle to ease your burdens and I ask all Cuties to pray with me.
In the meantime, as stupid as this sounds, please try not to worry. He will provide for you.
Love and prayers, always, Meg
PS. I don't think it would hurt to make a wish on the GENIE while we're at it!!!
2 comments
Meganne, I so agree with you. I do believe that the government is trying to change the law so all can get healthcare. Let us hope that might happen for so many people who need it.
Meg, thank you - I don't know about all this healthcare issue - it feels like a worse thing that I fear is coming - before it can be better - but I am not dealing with that today - I am dealing with what I have here and now. One thing I know - is that it cost too much to drive as often as I want to travel back and forth to the hospital and I am so tired - it has been a month and if feels like six! I want to work on some embroidery or something besides driving in traffic so much. In the meantime - I am late with starting my day with Rick and need to run for now.
11473✽
Shirlene:
So glad to hear that Rick is improving. I can't imagine how difficult this process must be. Love the pictures of your birthday party. I will continue to keep you in my prayers. Take care of yourself and Hugs and *4U
Cindy B.
So glad to hear that Rick is improving. I can't imagine how difficult this process must be. Love the pictures of your birthday party. I will continue to keep you in my prayers. Take care of yourself and Hugs and *4U
Cindy B.
1 comment
Cindy, thank you so much - I do appreicate all the love and especially the prayers - love, Shirlene
30638✽
we all keep praying for you and Rick Shirlene
and we hope to hear more good news soon
hugs Sonja
and we hope to hear more good news soon
hugs Sonja
1 comment
Sonja, thank you so much dear one.
4290✽
by
debbierussell
02 Mar 2010
+6✽
Hi Shirlene! What a happy birthday you must of had with all your family.Pitty Rick could not be there.But it's great to hear he is on the mend.As you say take each day as it comes. You never know whats around the corner.You might win the lottery HEHE.You & your family are still in our prayers.:) :) hugs & **** Debbie
1 comment
Debbie, thanks so much - I doubt the lottery thing - I don't buy tickets or drive out of state to buy them, either. LOL - but I wouldn't mind it - if it happened. Thanks for your prayers.
32767✽
Shirlene I just returned from a trip I am so happy to hear Rick is improving we will keep up our prayers and God will hear us .He will suply your needs just keep you faith and trust and eyes on him .he is there for you me sweet friend.
love you
Lenamae
love you
Lenamae
1 comment
Lenamae, thank you so much - I needed to hear that! Hope your trip was a good one and that your MIL is healing, too.
10530✽
Shirlene, so thankful to hear that Rick is getting better with each day. I'm sorry you have to worry with all the paper work etc. Stay strong in the Lord as He will walk each step with you and Rick. I know it's not easy when things load up on you so will continue to pray for you both and also that insurance and sick leave will come through for you. In His Love, Judy *4U
1 comment
Judy, thank you dear - just what I needed to hear - I trust that things will work out - it is just that half pay (partial sick leave) is so little - it makes me wonder how we will make it through it, not that God will provide me with a way - just that I can't imagine how we can manage on it. But I am sure we will, isn't that silly? Thanks for the prayers, they mean so much.
158718✽
Shirlene, I am so happy to see your smiling face and that you got a moments reprive for your birthday. Stay on the course and God will provide. You and Rick are constantly in my prayers and God knows all of your needs (and wants) even before they are formed as words on your lips.:)
1 comment
Jerrilyn, what a pretty new picture of you. Thanks so much for your support - it means the world to me. I know that what you say is true - I do feel it. Every now and then - I slip a bit - I am sorry.
57801✽
by
edithfarminer
02 Mar 2010
+4✽
So sorry shirlener, you have this extra worry. Let us hope all will be sorted soon for you.
Glad Rick is doing better.You also take care of yourself. Hugs Edith
Glad Rick is doing better.You also take care of yourself. Hugs Edith
1 comment
Edith, thanks dear - I appreciate it.
5304✽
Shirlene, Thank you for update.praise be to God Rick is improving!
hugs lucilia
hugs lucilia
1 comment
Lucilia, thanks - I appreciate you all.
6832✽
I'm so glad Rick is improving. It's just so unfair what the insurance and medical industries are doing. At a time when we should be focusing on recovery to be hit by the bills is just overwhelming. I pray that you will be able to weather this storm without being overly stressed. Please take care of yourself. This will all work out..God and all the Cuties are on your side. Hugs to you and Rick.
1 comment
Mary Jo, thanks dear one - I so much appreciate you each. I feel it, too.
11877✽
by
bokkieborduur
03 Mar 2010
+4✽
Shirlene you are still in my prayers, good news that Rick is recovering. Hope the best for both of you Love Marie
1 comment
Marie, thank you - you just don't know how wonderful it feels - to have so many praying for you and how good to know so many are supporting you - thanks so very much. Love, Shirlene
4685✽
by
marymilf41
03 Mar 2010
+3✽
well it sure is nice to hear from you and very glad to hear you had a good party in the middle of all the problems you look very happy and i am very happy that rick is doing better and every day will get easier for you and him just hand in there god will get you all through this just keep leaning on family and friends when you need i wish you all the best hugs mary
1 comment
Mary, thank you - I am very grateful that we were here - in Utah when this all happened - I do have my daughter do alot for me and right now - my son is out driving Rick's car - that has been in the shop forever - to make sure that they worked on it right - so without the two of them - I am not sure how I would be dealing with it all - Hehehe!
211079✽
8944✽
by
maryanns66
03 Mar 2010
+4✽
Shirlene, I hope each day for you and your DH is better than the day before. And I pray the Lord continues to stay close and bless your lives with his healing and loving care.
I don't come here often, but you know I love your FSL and talent you share with everyone. I hope you can get back to embroidery real soon.
*4U
I don't come here often, but you know I love your FSL and talent you share with everyone. I hope you can get back to embroidery real soon.
*4U
2 comments
Mary Ann, thank you dear - I do appreciate it - I have given away alot of my FSL to the hospital staff - they seem to appreciate it, too.
Does this mean I need to go to your hospital to get one of your fabulous FSL designs? LOL Seriously I know the staff loved them and were honored to receive such a wonderful gift.
*4U
*4U
15218✽
Hi Shirlene, good that Rick is getting a little better. Not good news about the financial side of it though. Just look after yourself and Rick. Take care
Sheryl
Sheryl
1 comment
Sheryl, thanks!
1194✽
Shirlene,
Good to hear things are getting better. :) You and your loved ones will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Take care of yourself and health is more important than anything right now.
Kimi
Good to hear things are getting better. :) You and your loved ones will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Take care of yourself and health is more important than anything right now.
Kimi
1 comment
Kimi, thank you dear one - I do appreciate it.
25546✽
So glad Rick is improving, he must be determined to do so. that is good. We know only too well how things out of the ordinary can upset the whole household. but like you said you can only take it a day at a time. God will help us if we pray to him and ask for Holy Spirit to help us manage what is thrown at us. I will continue to pray that you all get through this my dear. Love Kerry. Take care of you.
1 comment
Kerry, thank you - I will be praying and I do appreciate the support and prayers from each of you. What love little violets.
1996✽
So happy your dear husband is improving - my father had a stroke 7 years ago & he improved slowly but surley & he regained usage in his arm & leg 100% over the following months - please have lots of hope - hugs 2 both of you xxx Karma
1 comment
Karma, thank you - how wonderful for your father, too. I am only hoping for the best.
15907✽
Shirlene I am so glad that you are posting again, have seen a few posts today. Keep well.
Love and lots of hugs
God bless
Marietta
Love and lots of hugs
God bless
Marietta
132773✽
Shirlene, thanks so much for the update. Hope the paperwork gets done and that the Insurance pays out. Thinking of you. God Bless.
Love and hugs Yvonne
Love and hugs Yvonne
11528✽
Haven't seen anything the past few days and were wondering how you are keeping up. Hopefully no news are good news?
8944✽
by
maryanns66
11 Mar 2010
+1✽
I was hoping for an update, too. I continue to remember you and your husband in prayers and good thoughts.
Take care of each other as best you can during this trying time in your lives.
Take care of each other as best you can during this trying time in your lives.