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#1
I am extremely distressed about my daughter.
She is 31 and lives across the country. I can't physically be there for her. The problem is she is incredibly lonely. So much so that it seems she has convinced herself she will be so for the rest of her life (I dare not tell her that her standards are far too high - that is a different thread entirely). This is all coming to head right now as her dog is reaching the age and poor health that it is time to consider humanely saying good bye. facing her dog's mortality is worsening her incredible sense of loneliness. I have tried to comfort her but I feel helpless to do so not being there. Short of "I understand" and "I love you" I am at a loss for words. I honestly feel such a failure for being unable to comfort her. I cried myself to sleep last night feeling there was nothing I could do. Does anyone have any ideas? |
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Junior Member
Member Since May 2018
Location: Boston
Posts: 10
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#2
Any chance you could visit her?
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Legendary Wise Elder
Member Since Dec 2014
Location: US
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#3
I can relate. I’ve heard it somewhere and my therapist mentioned it: “We can only be as happy as our unhappiest child”. So true.
When my son in law died in tragic circumstances it was the most horrible time in my life because of how my daughter suffered. I can’t even describe how bad that was. Mine also lives far and I see her just few times a year the most. I have no advice. Just understanding. You might want to ask her what would she find helpful? Visit? Skype? Hang in there. Parenting never really stops |
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justafriend306, unaluna
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unaluna
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Member Since Apr 2018
Location: NYC
Posts: 69
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#4
Reach out and be supportive, which is what you're doing. Which is unfortunately all we can do. We cannot protect our children only help them to be strong.
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Legendary
Member Since Mar 2009
Location: USA
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#5
I wonder if she sees, or would be willing to try seeing, a therapist. |
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#6
Quote:
I thank you for the suggestion. Perhaps if I were to talk positively about my own experience with therapy her fear to do so might be lessened. |
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Bill3
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Bill3
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Member Since Sep 2017
Location: Western Australia
Posts: 284
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#7
Her mood is understandable . A dogs ill health , when it is in the stage of end of life can be very frustrating and depressing as there is no answer , you cant "fix" it , you just have to do the best you can and follow the path . Quite often a worse period than actually losing the animal . If her dog is part of her family , then she"ll feel it very acutely.
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Bill3
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#8
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It was mentioned that I visit. She is a day's drive away so this is not something I can do often or without extensive planning. She laid to rest her other dog several months ago (which compounds her sense of loss) and I was able to make it out then. I have just this morning made the offer of gas money so as she could visit her 'home' community where most of her other close family and long term friends reside. I am careful not to make this about me but I would be lying if I did not admit my own anguish over the matter. |
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Bill3
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