155 Comments
User's avatar
Jeff Tiedrich's avatar

let me once more repeat my comment from previous days off, "by the way, I am very aware of how lucky and privileged I am. most people do not have a hundred thousand or more people who care about them. that has to make a difference in the grieving process. so, once again, thank you. I love you all"

Stephanie Lajeskie's avatar

You never need to apologize for taking a break.

Kim Nesvig's avatar

We’re equally lucky and privileged to share your observations and to the extent that a bunch of strangers can, to provide each other some measure of support during this difficult time.

Ransom Rideout's avatar

You are most welcome Jeff. Again, we are here for you, as you are always here for us. You understand that we care deeply about you because we feel the reciprocity. You are REAL, as is our love for YOU.

Mike Basile's avatar

Amen to the responses that came before this one. Hang in there, brother. You are loved and appreciated more than you will ever know.

Cats 🐈🐈‍⬛'s avatar

No matter how many people care about you, grieving takes time and there is no timer on that. We understand and we will still be here tomorrow or the next day or the next. You take care of you.

DebJS's avatar

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.

I am so sorry for your loss. 💔

Lois Henry's avatar

Maybe think about a break with a few days or a week fishing or something else you like to do and shut out all of this for a bit. We’ll wait.

Gregg R's avatar

Do whatever you need to do to, Mr Jeff. We're with you.

Unity In Defiance's avatar

We love you too, and we all wish nothing but the best for you.

Please stay strong and keep smiling at the little things. Those smiles add up.

And remember this: Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.

myhoopbabies's avatar

Take care, Jeff. ❤️ Going through pictures and memories can be bittersweet. You want to hold her close, but Jesus it hurts. Take the time you need, we'll be here whenever you have more to share.

Kay-El's avatar

☮️♥️

SethTriggs's avatar

Wishing you the best nonetheless! Glad you are prioritizing self-care!

P123Sunny's avatar

Gotta TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER…!

Kathleen Weber's avatar

Incidentally, there's a cute old hippie dude hiding behind Claudia. Who could that be?

Ruth Coleman's avatar

OMG as a former NJ girl, so true!

P123Sunny's avatar

Never ‘former’ - NJ doesn’t let you go completely (I hear)

Kathleen Weber's avatar

You tell him, P123Sunny!

Susan Niemann's avatar

What a beautiful photo... Find some peace and joy in these images. You're going through the hardest thing imaginable. You've built a caring community here and we all want you to take care of yourself. Hugs from Missouri... now, anyway!

Mike Hammer's avatar

What Susan said.

David Skoglund's avatar

Jeff, please just take days off for self care. You don’t need to explain. We get it.

Susie's avatar

As you continue to grieve for Claudia. Please always feel free to take the time you need. I think grief comes in waves that ebb and flow. Do what you need to do for yourself. At a time like this. Your self care needs to be the priority Jeff.

We , your loyal army, will always be here waiting for you when you are able to get back to work❤️

Jules Wright's avatar

I do not know how you find the energy to post so often and so well whilst grieving. I appreciate what you write that helps me stay sane. I would crawl into a hole and disappear without my spouse.

Joe H's avatar
2hEdited

I feel the same Jules. We are all mortal. By sharing his grief, Jeff is helping us all tremendously. It is such a great reminder to take nothing for granted, and to live in each moment of each day.

Jules Wright's avatar

I like your spin better.

arne link's avatar

Thank you for checking in, Jeff. We will wait for you.

Bonnie's avatar

Having never met Claudia these photos still make me well up. Thank you for sharing them. This must be so hard.

Robyn myers's avatar

Please take care of yourself. Come back when you are ready. We will be here

CJ Bair's avatar

Please don’t worry about us… just take care of yourself. Come back when you are ready. We are here now- and will be then.

Dr J's Sanity Space's avatar

Self-care is also part of grieving -- does not go in a linear way...Claudia would want you to be good to yourself...a part of loving one another.

Stephanie Lajeskie's avatar

Why would Donny celebrate Mother’s Day? He’s loathed by the two living mothers of his spawn, and the other one is buried on his crappy golf course. His own mother couldn’t even stand the sight of him. And because she didn’t show him a modicum of affection, the entire world is paying for it.

Anastasia Pantsios's avatar

This is really tragic if you think about it. Sure, he'll never feel the deep grief of losing someone he loved, but isn't it worse to live every day with the burden of grievances that never stop flooding your brain? Sad!

Ann Anderson's avatar

Your readers like your writing, but you're under no obligation to post every day or any day. Please do take good care of yourself.

Richard's avatar

I agree with you 100%! Btw, I’m not reading Trump’s rage posts on his crappy app because it’s gives me a headache.

Ted Borys's avatar

My heart breaks a little every time. That's how we know we're human. Don't stop reminiscing and sharing,

Joe H's avatar

That sounds like a line the Tinman says in the Wizard of Oz. From memory: "Now I know I have a heart because I can feel it breaking."

And of course Carly Simon's classic lyric - "Don't mimd if I fall apart. There's more room in a broken heart."

I feel some of Jeff's sadness at missing Claudia. That's a heart break that hurts, hopefully for only a short time as we move through grief.

Tess's avatar

😭😭 That brought tears to my eyes….

Ted Borys's avatar

I'm very familiar with both references. Thanks for reminding me.

Punkette's avatar

Take care, Jeff. We love you and will hold down the fort.

Carol Blankenship's avatar

Take care of yourself. You have so many of us out here in internet world, and I sincerely hope you have some folks who you can actually talk to and be with. Thinking of you.