I need a shoulder...

[moosmom]

Don't get me wrong, I had a great time at my cousin's house at Thanksgiving.

It was fabulous. I spent it with my daughter, my cousins and their kids.

There's a however in here though. It has to do with my depression. I always have a great time with my cousins and their families. But when I leave, I sink into a depressive crying jag. It's the envy of them having what I don't. Each other. The three of them are so close, they go on vacations together, spend every holiday together and are just there for each other anytime, anywhere.

I have a brother who is 5 years older than me and lives out in NC. I only see him at weddings and funerals in the family. We were never really close, but he's still my brother and I love and miss him terribly. I sent him an email and also called him (he wasn't there) and told him I loved and missed him and hoped he had a great holiday. He sent an email back, very cut and dry and didn't even say he loved me.

So today I'm sitting here crying like a baby. I do have so much to be greatful for, don't get me wrong. But it's that one elusive thing, the bond and closeness siblings have that has my depression and emotions out of whack.

To make matters worse, I've gotta work tonight BLACK FRIDAY. Maybe it's a good thing. It'll help me forget, I don't know.

That's all guys. Thanks for listening. Now I gotta go figure out how to get the severe redness and puffiness from my eyes before I face my fans at the store.

[jackie]

Only thing I can say is count your blessings, and get out of the house and do something that you love.

Have a drink with a girlfriend, get pampered with a manicure, go somewhere relaxing with a newspaper/magazine and a huge cup of coffee, get a movie and cuddle with the cats under a huge duvet... whatever you love to do!

[davidpizzica]

Donna, you know you have my soggy right shoulder to unload on. A lot of times I feel the same way. Since my brothers and sister are married and have grandchildren, at family gatherings I feel left out because as a bachelor I really can't relate to the conversation. I'm treated well, but I feel like the odd man out. So, sweetheart if you want to let it out I have a shoulder reserved in your name!

[Queen of Poop]

I hear you and can totally sympathize with you and being envious of the family connections others have. My two middle siblings died 21 years ago and I've not seen my youngest brother in 20 years. After the two died he went all to crap. Last time I saw him he told me he'd kill me. He did time in jail for various things. I have no desire to have any relationship with him. But sometimes I feel so sad for the family I've lost. Here's a hug for you.

[jennielynn1970]

I think the holidays are hard to deal with as well. My family is a bit mixed up because my dad was married to my mom's sister first and they had a son, my half-brother, Jeff. Then about 5-7 years into the marriage they got divorced, and my dad married my mom and later on they had me. Let's just say that family get togethers and holidays are just not all "peace, love and joy", lol. It's fun introducing Jeff too... "This is my broth.. erm... half-broth...um, cousin??"

You can cry on my shoulder about your family while I cry on yours (and laugh in between) about my family sounding like a "You know you're a Redneck" joke, lol.

[Freedom]

Aw, Donna, the holidays can do this to people. We have ideas of how things "shoud" be, or we look at others and think, "the grass is greener there, they have it so well off." And maybe they DO have it well off, but we have blessings ourselves and have to realize those as well.

It is OK to mourn what you may have lost; and then, pick up and celebrate what you HAVE as well. Sometimes that takes looking deep within you, but believe me it is there.

Why else would all these cats be picking YOU? They don't go with just anyone you know!

[moosmom]

Thanks so much everyone. I tried hard not to have a pity party but it was just too much. I'm better now, after talking to a VERY special friend who can also relate to what I'm having to deal with.

I'm hoping work will take my mind off it all, and make me so tired at the end of the night (store is open till 11 pm) that I just pass out in bed when I get home.

I love you guys!!!!