Sorry to hear all that, Bonnie. And now I am REALLY irritated at Microsoft for dropping you from the MVP program. Here's hoping they come to their senses the next time around.

>Grady,
>
>So sorry for your loss. =0( Losing a spouse has got to be the toughest loss of all, I would imagine. I don't have any first-hand experience with that, thank goodness.
>
>But I've had two other members of my family pass away this year too. My Dad died in April, after Alzheimer's did him in (actually, it wasn't the Alzheimer's that did it, he caught pneumonia). Nothing prepares you for it when it finally happens. We knew my Dad did not have the best "quality of life" in the last year or so of his life, and his passing was probably a blessing, but it still hits hard, even when you think you're ready for it.
>
>And my sister, who was only 53, died unexpectedly in August. We're all still waiting on the toxicology results of the autopsy ... those things take forever. Because she was so healthy and in the best physical shape of all of us sisters, it was quite a shock ... and we still have no idea what happened to her. That hits even harder. =0(
>
>~~Bonnie
>
>
>
>>I seem to be emerging from my funk, so just to let you know.
>>My wife passed away October 8th. The past few weeks
>>have not be easy and I'm sure there will be the odd funky
>>day from time to time. Nevertheless I plan to plow through
>>the emotional moments and carry on being a grumpy right
>>winger. It's the only way to be properly old. :))
>>
>>My daughter and I have been prepared for this by the
>>doctors and nurses involved with her care, for a couple
>>of years. Even with our readiness for the event, when
>>it happened it still knocked the stuffing out of us. I've
>>tried to figure out a way to describe how I feel and the
>>best word I can come up with is 'abandoned'. Very
>>strange, but somehow it seems to be the most fitting
>>description.
>>
>>Nuff said.