Hello, again

[Libby183]

I don't know if anyone will remember me, as I haven't been here for some time. But even if no one does remember me, I wanted to share how far I have come in healing from the damage done by a dysfunctional FOO.

It's such a long story that I won't go into it now. This year has been horrendous but I am ending it in a hopeful place.

I don't know exactly what led me to this place. Lots and lots of different elements, which I would like to share.
But they have all led to greater self acceptance. I think that's the key.

My husband died of a brain tumour two months ago. It was tragic and his release from suffering was a relief. I have suffered so much, but coped and actually see a future for myself. I think this is a sign of healing. I don't, for one minute, see myself as fully healed, but have made huge progress.

OOTS has really helped me, and I hope I can pass on some of the elements that have helped me on my journey.

Thank you for listening.

Libby.

[Hope67]

Dear Libby,

I remember you very well and I have thought about you now and then, and wondered how you're doing, so it's great to hear from you here, and read what you wrote.     I am glad you are ending this year in a hopeful place, but I am sorry that you've had to endure a horrendous year.   My sincere condolences with regard to your husband's death. 

I am glad that you have coped with everything, and that you see a future for yourself, and I agree with you that it suggests a definite sign of healing - huge progress, as you said.

Libby - I've missed you, and I'm glad you've popped by to re-connect with us here on OOTS. 

Sending you a gentle and heart-felt hug, if that's ok 
Hope 

[Libby183]

Thank you so much for your reply, Hope.
So pleased that you remembered me. It was exactly a year ago that my  world started to fall apart. But somehow, I have come out the other side.

Will certainly be catching up with how you are doing, and I wish you nothing but the best for next year.

Love Libby x

[Not Alone]

Libby,
I am so sorry about your husband's death.
Glad you are back on OOTS, as often as it is helpful to you.

[Eyessoblue]

Hi Libby, I did send you a pm a few months ago but not sure you received it. I'm really sorry to hear about everything you've been through and new about your husband's brain tumour, strangely I came back on here thinking about you and then saw your message. I hope you manage to get through etc it sounds like you're making amazing progress and I'm really pleased for you.x

[Kizzie]

So very sorry to hear about your husband Libby and that you've had such a difficult year.  I'm glad to hear you feel hopeful and are making progress with recovery despite everything you've been through.  I hope being here will help with that.   

[Libby183]

Thank you Eyessoblue, Not alone and Kizzie, for welcoming me back.

Eyessoblue - it was finding your message, which I hadn't seen before, that prompted me to say hello again. Many thanks to you.

It's so nice to know that people are still here, helping each other through this trauma.

I really think that while I have been dealing with my husband's illness and death, I have finally been implementing all of the strategies I have learnt here. Things like self acceptance, self care, becoming less reactive and less overwhelmed, trusting my instincts, liking myself more, and probably lots more. It's been an absolute revelation. My greatest sadness is that my DH never got chance to deal with his own issues (and possible CPTSD).  I think we triggered each other a lot.

Anyway, looking forward to catching up with you all.

All the best,

Libby.

[sanmagic7]

hey, libby,

just saw that you were back.  glad of that, especially since you've found the forum to be helpful for you.

very very sorry about your husband's death.   

good to hear that you've found a lot of healing to keep you going.  that's so wonderful.

keep taking care of you as best you can.  welcome back.  love and hugs to you.

[Blueberry]

Welcome back from me too 

[Eyessoblue]

Keep in touch Libby, really good to hear from you again.