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wnylib

(26,439 posts)
10. Crying is cathartic. Sharing helps release the tears
Sat May 16, 2026, 11:43 AM
23 hrs ago

as you have found.

When my younger sister died, I was unable to do as much for her as I wanted to because of geographocal distance and an inability to get free of other obligations. I felt guilty because, as the older sister, I'd always felt a responsibility to her. I kept in touch through phone calls, letters,and visits when able to get away.

At her memorial service, people who worked and interacted with her daily where she lived told me anecdotes about her that made me cry, but also boosted my spirits. They knew my name when we were introduced because she had spoken to them of her family. I answered each condolence letter and card, crying gallons of tears as I wrote. It got.me through the worst times.

So it is good for you to hear from us how much we appreciated and enjoyed Paul's posts. They were informative. I opened them as soon as I saw his DU name. I knew that his sources were reliable and the content was something we should know. He was a positive force on this board. I think, from what you told us, that he benefited from being here and you were the one who invited him to join. And it allowed you to keep your mother's wish to look after him. Win-win for all -- you, Paul, and DU.









Recommendations

10 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Don't sell yourself short Bettie Yesterday #1
Hugs to you Ilsa sdfernando Yesterday #2
Exactly understated, the same way a superhero would put it. Doing all you could was a lot. That's what a superhero... marble falls Yesterday #3
Thank you for bringing us along on this journey, Ilsa. calimary Yesterday #4
Not all superhero folks wear capes! ZDU Yesterday #5
Emotional support is what keeps all of us sane, Ilsa UpInArms Yesterday #6
It's okay. A steady presence has as much positive effect as a superhero. haele Yesterday #7
Just to share FullySupportDems Yesterday #8
indeed NJCher 23 hrs ago #9
Crying is cathartic. Sharing helps release the tears wnylib 23 hrs ago #10
You provided emotional support to your family Niagara 23 hrs ago #11
Again, thank you for any support to Paul LetMyPeopleVote 23 hrs ago #12
Thank you for sharing. CaptainTruth 22 hrs ago #13
You carried an incredible burden, with grace Ilsa. JMCKUSICK 22 hrs ago #14
Thank You for sharing. I was unaware of his passing. I often liked and commented on his posts. My condolences. ChicagoTeamster 22 hrs ago #15
We can't even be everything for our own selves. IbogaProject 22 hrs ago #16
Ilsa, you did everything you could. That makes you a hero. Superheroes are fictional and are only highplainsdem 20 hrs ago #17
I've been looking for signs for 3 years. No joy, yet. Ilsa 20 hrs ago #18
It's possible you missed some when you were griefstricken. But there are some things that can help highplainsdem 18 hrs ago #21
Thanks for this share blue_jay 16 hrs ago #23
sometimes the signs are there for us but we don't make the connection to our loved ones. orleans 8 hrs ago #30
That was so funny. Ilsa 2 hrs ago #32
Just want to say that, Through the power of your own words, we know exactly how good a person you are! bluestarone 19 hrs ago #19
Wishing you comfort and peace from here on out. You've been through a lot. 10 Turtle Day 19 hrs ago #20
You were there for emotional support BeneteauBum 18 hrs ago #22
you're a good sister Skittles 16 hrs ago #24
You're a wonderful sister. Even given your shock and heartbreak, you came here to let us know. lapucelle 15 hrs ago #25
You did what you could MustLoveBeagles 15 hrs ago #26
My philosophy... oldsoldierfadingfast 14 hrs ago #27
Oh! Missed this. My condolences. electric_blue68 13 hrs ago #28
Oh JustAnotherGen 11 hrs ago #29
I am sorry about Texas Towelie.nt jfz9580m 3 hrs ago #31
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