Re: Linn65.. sister
 

Dear Julie,

I share many of the same feelings and have had similar experiences. When I lived in Boston I was in an in-person group. I came to be very fond of almost all the other members, and when anyone dies it's a real, wrenching loss, yet it's an unusual relationship. We mostly didn't see each other except at group meetings, and we usually didn't communicate much other than that. I'd come to know many details of their lives, but there would be significant gaps.

Sometimes I send cards to husbands of friends who have died, just to let them know how much I loved their wives. I don't know if that's a good thing or not, but it's along the lines of what you said about sending flowers on a birthday.

On this forum, we take a significant "hit" when we lose those "extra-special" members--the witty, compassionate, wise, consistent ones (like Denise. . . .)

I don't have an answer. I sometimes have to step back and not think about it.