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Diana Bergeson's avatar

Your stepdad has a similar look to my dad who I lost 12 years ago.

Your pain is exactly what I went thru

My advice: cancel the pop up

Be there with family

You’ll never get this time back where you’ll sit snd reminisce which is very therapeutic.

Your (step)dad was an important person in your life and please take the time to grieve, keep writing, share his stories, laugh, cry, go thru photos, etc.

Hug, and then cry again! Our prayers are with you and your mom and your family!

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Leslie Popkin's avatar

I’m so sorry Zibby for this sudden loss. As a literary person you may be able to accept this as a comfort. I just finished My Friends by Fredrik Backman. The characters have all suffered the loss of loved ones and when the younger character questions how to deal with these deaths, these losses, the response feels so comforting to me. Their loved ones’ presence is often tangibly felt. A glimpse of him rounding a corner. Seeing him in a favorite sweater. Perhaps her scent in a cafe. The survivor labels that as them saying “peek-a-boo”, sending messages from Heaven. It may sound trite or even ridiculous, but if it allows you some sort of peace, who cares? Again, my condolences to you and your mom, your kids…

And the hostages will return. And life throws us everything without perfect timing. 💙❤️

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Pearl Adler Saban's avatar

How well you capture pain and love in the same breath. Keep taking deep breaths, Zibby.

So sorry for the pain each of you is enduring, and the great loss you are each feeling.

May your dear stepdad's memory be for a blessing.

Wishing your family comfort at this difficult time.

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Cdtuaag's avatar

So so sorry. You describe your feelings so beautifully. We usually say “no words”, yet you are able to write about the depth of your pain and your experience beautifully.

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Maria Tito's avatar

I am so sorry for your loss. Sending a big hug to you, your mom and whole family 🤍

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Ann Hood's avatar

Oh, Zibby. My heart breaks for you and your family. This is a beautiful tribute to Howard and the power of love.

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Karen Puro's avatar

My stepmom was amazing...Canadian and not Jewish

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Linda Sivertsen's avatar

Crying along with you from an RV in a field in Kansas, surrounded by dogs and horses. Losses like these feel impossible. He was clearly one of a kind — as was your love for him. Thank God he didn’t suffer. I once heard that people with the best karma go fast. I don’t know if that’s true, but it feels right here. xo 🙏

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Debby Waldman-What To Believe's avatar

Beautiful. May his memory be for a blessing.

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Barbara Schilling Hurwitz's avatar

Warmest condolences. May Howard’s memory be a blessing and may the continued sharing of wonderful memories help keep his spirit alive.

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Mic'd and Medicated's avatar

I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending you, your mom, and your entire family thoughts, prayers, and love during this difficult time.

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Suzi's avatar

no advice, just Lemon Cupcakes, which is what I give out when people are in a hard place. My dad has dementia right now, so it is as if we have lost him.

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H. C. Helfand's avatar

So very sorry for your loss. May his memory be for a blessing.

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Lisa Marsh's avatar

His memory is a blessing. May he visit often in your dreams. Sending all the good vibes on Earth to your mom and family. I'm so sorry.

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Heather's avatar

Im so sorry for this sudden loss of Howard, whom I feel like I know a little better with your writing. Sounds like an amazing man and he will be truly be missed. May his memory be a blessing to you always. You are allowed to grieve and it will take time. Be there with your family- family is everything!

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Laura Donovan's avatar

Sending you so much support from afar! I'm so sorry for your loss.

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