Loss... and lice

[Adeye]

Hey gals and guys,
It has been a while since I've been on LHC. I've been busy at school and also had a death in the family. My cousin passed away at 32 of a sudden illness. So, I've got her two children, ages 3 and 15, staying with me. My cousin and I were raised together and her loss is made especially devastating because of her young kids. I also lost my mother at a young age and I know there is nothing I can do that will ease their grieving. It's hard for me to try to tell them it will be alright when I still feel the loss of my mother so acutely even years later.

Of course, no mourning period can go without a bit of drama. The day of the funeral, I discover that both her children have lice! :petrified: I'm lucky that I haven't found any critters in my hair, and though I know it's psychological, I am itching like crazy! Here I sit, with my hair soaking in olive oil. It's been on 24 hours - dare I hope I have smothered any suckers that may be hiding in there?

I can only think that the 'powers that be' have one hell of a sense of humor.

I wanted to thank LHC for the olive oil idea. I really didn't want to use any over-the-counter or prescription remedies and damage my hair. It may be senseless for me to use a treatment anyway, with no evidence of infestation, but for my peace of mind (and my abused scalp), I wanted to treat. So, once again, I appreciate LHC for being a font of information.

I'm not sure when I'll have time to check back - it may be just as well that LHC is down for maintenance. Regardless, I just wanted to say hello and let everyone know how much I've been missing y'all.

Best,
Adeye

[Alizarin Fionn]

You and your family are in my prayers. I know nothing can be said to make it better but just sometimes knowing that somewhere across the world a stranger is praying for you and yours does help.

As for the lice - tea tree EO mixed in with the olive oil will sort it out.

[Stephanie]

You and your family will be in my heart. You make sure to take care of yourself, okay??? *big hugs*

[dancingbarefoot]

Adeye, I'm very sorry for your loss. I know it must be very difficult for your entire family. (((hugs)))

[Abanilla_Surfer]

Adeye,
So sorry to hear your sad news. Take comfort from the fact that it will help the children to know that you share their sadness and that you loved your cousin dearly. You're all in my prayers.

[wimsey]

Thanks for checking in, Adeye. Sounds like you've got your hands full. I'm so sad to hear about your cousin. Please take care of yourself.

[Shell]

Adeye, I've missed seeing you on the boards, and I am so sorry to hear what has been keeping you away. Take care, Shell.

[TwirlyTresses]

(((((((Adeye))))))) Many thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[mugglemomof3]

((((hugs))))

Wow. You poor thing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your new wards. And yeah - "when it rains it usually pours" doesn't it?

I like what you said about "the powers that be" and their wicked sense of humor! I've always said that God had a slightly "twisted" sense of humor - that's why I usually don't mind sarcasm or a little healthy "sacrilegious " humor now and then!:purplex: :grinhappy:

I still believe that "everything happens for a reason" - and "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" - so I know that you and your family will pull through this time of sorrow and come out stronger on the other side. Please let us know if we can do anything to help you. :flower:

[SchnauzerMom]

Sorry that had to happen to you. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.:sob:

[Sidani Anai]

I'm so very sorry to hear your news. I'm sitting here boohooing now. :sob: But I agree with mugglemom, everything happens for a reason and if it doesn't kill you, it makes you stronger. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Don't forget to take care of you while you're taking care of them. :sorry:

[Sidani Anai]

I forgot to add, thank you for the info on lice, I'll have to pass that on to my family who still have little ones in school. It seems like they bring them home at least once or twice a year.

[Adeye]

Thank all of you for the positive thoughts and prayers sent our way. Can't hurt, eh? The girls seem to be coping as well as possible, though the 3 year old has been waking up at night with night terrors. The teen is still really angry, which is understandable. I'm expecting a major rebellion. I'm going to get her into counseling as soon as I can afford it. God, I feel so sorry for these kids. And I also feel inept in many ways - I'm only 25 and I know there's no way oldest girl will accept me as a mother figure, yet I know she will need discipline and someone to hold the reins so she doesn't get too buckwild. I just don't want to screw up and mess these kids up worse. :stress:

I think we've conquered the lice epidemic. I never did find any on me and I haven't seen a resurgence on the girls, so I think we're good.

Thanks for the advice about the tea tree EO. I mixed up some SKR with some in it when I COed the olive oil out of my hair, since I had already missed the opportunity to mix it with the olive oil. It seemed to soothe my scalp some.

Again, thanks for the support. I appreciate it more than y'all know.