She's Killin Me Here ... Could Use Some Tips on Living With the Elderly

Leanna, I can't speak much on the medical condition of which everyone is offering advice, but I can speak as someone who's recently lost a spouse.

Depression and grief can do funny things to a person's mind and body. And, yes, this all could be grief related. I didn't realize some of the things I was doing until I was able to get my mind right and look back on somethings.

The depression I was in made me do things I wouldn't ordinarily do. I would sit in front of the TV, not caring about the world around me, not even opening the curtains to see daylight. This went on for a few weeks at the most. I would sit and count down the minutes til bedtime (as if bedtime mattered.) I would sleep the night away only to wake up the next morning, feeling as if I'd never slept, to sleep the day away on the couch, barely moving from in front of the TV.

I didn't eat. I didn't care to eat. It's not that I didn't have an appetite. I ate and drank enough to function, but that's about it. I just didn't care. It didn't matter. For all intents and purposes I was committing suicide the hard way.

As for what she's seeing, what's she's experiencing, don't be so quick to dismiss it the "scientific" method, either.

Sarah was with me every step of the journey. I could feel her presence with me a lot. Coming down 24 in TN I could hear her laughing as I took some of the steep curves at better the 85mph, just letting the car hang out. I could hear her laughing when I got my speeding ticket in Florida. I could feel her arms around me and her head on shoulder when I started crying in front of my Aunt Jan, talking about her.

Even Rick had an interesting experience after I left his place in SC.

I've seen Sarah here in the house on a few occasions.

Sounds to me more like Billy's mom needs to release some emotions and consider grief counselling either through the church or someone maybe the church can set her up with.

I can tell by experience she's got some unreleased emotions and grief she needs to get through. Most of you here tell me how strong I am, but the pastor is coming over tomorrow so we can talk.

I've thought about chewing on the barrel of a gun one too many times not to reach out and see if I can get some help. This may be Billy's mom sending signals, that while she might not be thinking about blowing her head off, she's reaching out and seeking help, too. Even subconsciously.

Then look at the medical side of things.

Ya'll have my prayers down there, Leanna, and my hugs.