My daughter, Dawn

Yesterday, it was 4 years my Dawn passed. At 35, two young children, having just lost her husband, this shouldn't be! She was my oldest. Living over a thousand miles apart, and very different lifestyles, we really didn't see each other very often. Lupus is a very strange condition, you go from perfectly fine to death's door to perfectly fine. I was granted more than I deserved through her life. Several years ago, she was in a coma for three weeks when I finally got out there. After 2 days or so of sitting with her and taking care of the babies, she woke up and told the hospital staff to call her house because I was there!
She then made it 7 years without even a cold!
Well Christmas Day, 2012, sitting with my family in Florida, I told everyone I felt something was wrong and she was going to die. Six days later, in the hospital, passed three days later!
Because of impossible circumstances, I was able to be with her her last few minutes. There are few good ways to pass, her's was not!
It was/is ugly, you get by the best you can! There is so much more, but this already took a few hours to write!
I am really not looking for a bunch of replies, this wasn't easy to write, I have never even had this conversation with anyone!

Oh David, I am so deeply sorry for your terrible loss, My Friend. My heart is breaking for you, I can feel your pain through every word. It must have been difficult to write and I know from experience how tough it is to discuss that kind of loss. Children should not leave this world before thier parents do. We all experience grief in our own individual ways, it can be a cold, lonely path to travel alone. We are human, we need each other, sometimes it helps to simply know there are those who understand. Deepest condolences to your family and Dawn's precious children.

David, sometimes I'm terrible at finding the appropriate words to articulate the sympathy I truly feel. But I just wanted to tell you, I remember the first time I read about you mentioning this. I've never forgotten it. I realize this is a sorrow that will be with you always, but you've learned to be strong with this, to get out of bed each day and keep going. It absolutely helps to talk with those who understand or can give you support.

David, I have no words to convey how sorry I am that you lost your beautiful daughter, Dawn. A parent should never have to say goodbye to their child, and my heart goes out to her children, and to you all. I am so glad you felt like you could share this with us, my Friend...please know you are in my thoughts, and my prayers.
Sending you many hugs tonight.

I'm so very sorry for this terrible loss. I've watched my father walk through this when my brother passed away in 2014 at about the same age as your daughter. No parent should have to go through this, you have my sincerest condolences.

David, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. As parents, we always imagine our children living on long after we have passed, enjoying full and happy lives. It is a terrible and heart-wrenching thing when that is not the case.

Whether 4 years later or 40, it's an absence that will always be with you. My heart goes out to you and your family for that. There are no words that will ease that pain, but just know that you have a whole community right here that is there for you in spirit. You and Dawn's children are in my thoughts and prayers, brother.

Keep her memories warm. For it is our good memories that provide comfort for everyone. You felt her and was able to be with her. Now, plan to be with her children when ever you can. Tell them of those good memories you have so they can combine them with their memories.

With you my good friend! May comfort and warm feathers surround you. Keep your memories with you by sharing them with others!

David, I am so sorry for your loss of Dawn. Anniversaries are helpful to focus our thoughts and manage our grief. I hope your grandchildren give you a sense of connectedness with Dawn and bring much pleasure.

My sympathy to you, my friend. My mom used to say "a burden shared is a burden lightened". In this case, I hope we can uplift you with some good old fashioned community care. I'm glad you talked about it.

I'm glad you talked about it, too.
Thank you for trusting us with your thoughts and feelings.
I feel honored.

*big hugzszszszs*