Yikes..all that at once.
Hard blow.

But you are older and wiser now.
So..mourn a good bit, scream if you have to,
cry 'til there are no more tears.

Then, pick yourself up.
Shake off anything that stops you from putting
one foot in front of the other.

Job-hunting could be a good thing.
Rawrr_Girl's idea of a new pet is not a bad idea.
Maybe start a few 'women are biotches' threads.

We will help :-)

LPDon,
Sorry that it feels like a train just ran over your life. Lot of us have been there and really is no fun for sure.

I would not feel bad for being kind of wiped out and crying over your losses. That is a normal part of grieving. I would be more worried about you if you weren't shedding some tears. It is part of healthy coping. I would be concerned if it got completely away from you but having some boohoo time is part of the process but you aren't going to have that kind of emotional kicks with out some bruises. For me I would set aside a time to let it rip such as in the shower and then try to pull it back together and get through a period of faking function.

Eating is a good example of this. I absolutely hate eating alone and can't tell you the number of times what I put in the microwave set till it dried out. But I started forcing myself to go to the Aweful Waffle and get the smallest thing I could choke down. Surprising what a little fresh air and morning light will do for the nerves that have been pushed through the ringer.

Sympathy for the losses. I don't know what is easier getting smacked by things one at a time or a major smack down. Sometimes looking back over my life as bad as it sounds it is sometimes the smack down that is easier because you actually gets all the misery over than dragging it out.

I am not sure I would add something that has a major responsibility to deal with at the moment until you get your feet under you again. Pets are cool if they are caged and you can park them with a friend if you need to travel for job hunting or down sizing to a more affordable living situation but some pets can complicate things regardless how cuddly they are.

I don't know what your "home" situation is but one thing I have found is fresh starts are easier when you get the heck away form some of the baggage that might exist in the same neighborhood as and Ex. You go in a neighbor hood you don't have to tell everyone the gorey details, figure out who is loyal to who, and you can just become the future you. If you live in a shrine of what you lost it wears you down fast. I am not saying just abandon your stuff but it is a lot easier to move on if put some of the memories in storage until you have the energy to deal with it.

Well you know you have supportive friends here at Mingle. I am usually around probably more than I should but if you need someone to chat Just Say Hi. You are way to young for me to be a girlfriend but doesn't mean I can't be a Mingle pal.

Hi Don. I have found mingle2 friends to be very supportive and caring. I started my "second life" with just me, my kids and my dog from ground zero. At the time I was wondering how I would ever be able to go on with life. I cried many nights. I eventually picked myself up, went to school, got a job making 50 dollars a week and got involved in church and social activities. It was hard and sometimes I wanted to give up, but kept plugging along. Just keep focused on the light at the end of the tunnel. Now I have two successful businesses and look at every day as a blessing. Life is hard, but we grow and mature in some of the weakest moments in our lives. I believe we are metamorphosized and we build more character and strength at the most pressing times of our lives. I will pray strength, faithfulness,peace, comfort, guidance, abundant blessings and healing love for you!

Many thoughts and prayers for you

Keeping you in my prayers. I can't begin to imagine the pain that you are feeling, however, I pray that you will find peace and comfort soon, Lpdon.

My heart really goes out to you at this time. I know some of what you're experiencing. prayers for you and I have a website to check out if you're not sure about whether you're going to give up on your wife or not. cprmarriageministry.com

All's I have ever wanted was a wife, children, family, someone to come home to every night, someone to hold all night every night. I guess that is just to much to ask for.

best wishes...keep on posting ...talk to us

My heart really goes out to you at this time. I know some of what you're experiencing. prayers for you and I have a website to check out if you're not sure about whether you're going to give up on your wife or not. cprmarriageministry.com

LpDon,
I hope each day gets a little better. As someone who has also been to hell and back losing a job and the love of my life at about the same time, I know right now is difficult and imagine you are just going through the motions. The best advice I can give you is dont lose your faith. God never abandons us. for now find an outlet for your pain by keeping busy to not focus on it. Whether that means you spend time with friends or dedicating time where you are needed.
Also there is no shame in crying even though you are a man. It doesn't make you any less manly. It makes you human and a person with a heart.
Know that it gets easier and my prayers are that God brings you blessingsand comfort. Send you a hug and a prayer