Melinda

Debi-- We all understand that Casey was not "just" a cat. My darling (teachnically, the family cat that I inherited when my mom got sick this year) is going on 17 years and I don't know what I would do without her. She is the one thing (she thinks she is a person--and so do I) that is guaranteed to bring a smile to Geoff's face over the last several months. She is the one "thing" that all of my various family members (step, full, estranged, etc.) all agree on--she is the best. I am so very sorry for your loss. Gentle hugs, Melinda

Thanks for posting, Rachel. I'm so glad you are feeling well. Enjoy your trip--and then update us! Melinda

Yippeee!!!

We brought in articles/notes from research all the time. I do it with my regular doctors when I'm concerned about something--or just to make sure that I don't forget to ask them about something that has been keeping me awake at night (since often I see them for such a short period of time during my yearly examinations). Some doctors are more receptive than others--but generally, I've found, that once a doctor realizes that you understand what you are talking about (you can speak their language), they find it easier to communicate with you and address your specific questions and fears (they can speak in the language they have been trained to speak in, instead of cryptic, general, layman-speak--which not all of them are gifted at). They know you are active in taking care of your own health--and respect that. Sometimes, they get a little wierded out if you have raised something they are not fully informed about -- and then there are those who think you are incapable of undestanding anything becasue you don't have the initials "M and D" following your name. If you are dealing with one of those--run away--quickly (if you have other and better options, which one hopes you do)!!! The latter really bother me. (In my teens, I encountered a number of them in dealing with my migrane headaches. Thay seem to have trouble admitting that they simply weren't sure--and that medical science hasdn't gotten it all figured out, yet--sep. back then.) I may have chosen to become a teacher, but I am not an idiot. If I had wanted to be a doctor, I would have been one--so don't discount my intelligence. And if you don't know--tell me! Grrrrrrr. Sorry for the rant. Good luck with your appointment. Melinda

(((Joyce and Steve))) Congratulations and thank you, from the bottom of our hearts! Melinda (and Geoff)

Curtis!

Thanks, Katie and Ry. Will do. Melinda

Elaine-- Sorry I am late on this (I just read it). I've called Geoff at work and we are both praying HARD!!! Melinda

Another big thank you to Juice Plus! Melinda

Thank you to everyone who has posted in response to Geoff's mom's obituary. Your kind words have meant a tremendous amount to us. Sincerely, Melinda

Elaine, Geoff and I just read this last night and experienced such a range of emotions upon completion (disbelief, anger, sorrow, etc.). We are so tremendously sorry (and outraged) that this has happened to you and your husband. Geoff runs a company (and, let me assure you, does not treat his employees this way! Ever.)--and thus, has insight that I do not on the matter. He, too, said "hire a lawyer". Find one that will take you on contingency. We want so desperately to A) throttle your employer and, more importantly, find a way to help you both. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Melinda (and Geoff)

Katie and Rick, I was very happy when you created a separate Obituary forum, for the very reasons that Ginny and Snowflake have already expressed. I did not know that it had been a controversial decision. That was a while back, and my thoughts stemmed from A) the fact that it seemed to be the obvious/logical thing to do and a personal concern for being able to efficiently find out (and respond to and/or their families) about other members on the board who had died or lost a loved one. When Geoff's mom died last month, the separate format was both comforting and comfortable for us--once Geoff was ready to post about his mom. The joined would have presented certain emotional hurdles. The separate Obituary forum is one of the things on the board that I really do think has been profoundly beneficial for those who have needed/used it. (In my mind, it is partially a good thing that the site doesn't get much traffic, for obvious reasons. It is understandable that people post about their recent loss under other forums, given their emotional state at the time of posting. They also frequently introduce themselves in forums other than the “Welcome new members” forum, yet that separate forum also clearly serves a purpose.) I understand if, for the reasons you have put forth, Katie, there cannot be a separate Obituary forum. However, it would make me extremely sad to see it go. Thank you, Curtis, for offering to moderate both. I am posting this, Katie, because you made it clear that you wanted members to know that you had heard from more than a few people on this matter and that you DO listen to everyone’s input. Regardless of what is decided, thanks to Katie, Rick, sponsors, and all the moderators. Your work means so much to all of us. Sincerely, Melinda

His mom's name was Anna Shearing. Thanks.

Thanks for posting that, Rich. If Geoff or I had ever read that last paragraph somewhere, (anywhere!)--things might have turned out very differently for his mom. I can only hope that articles like this help others in time. Melinda

Great links, Rich--thanks. Melinda

Any news on Carleen and Keith? Melinda

On the same wavelength . Dean and Gay--you are in our thoughts and prayers every day. Melinda (and Geoff)

Paula-- Our thoughts and prayers are heading to both you and your family. Melinda (and Geoff)

Adding our thoughts and prayers. Melinda (and Geoff)

Connie-- What wonderful--and exciting news! Thanks for sharing and bring even more light into our days. Melinda

Don--The two of you were our inspiration from the day I stumbled across this site--and you both continue to be so. Congratulations and may you and Lucie have many more reports in a similar vein to come. Melinda (and Geoff)

YIPPEEE!!! :) :) :) :) Gail--thanks for sharing that. We know how amazing Hebbie is--it's just so wonderful to know that she was heard. You made my week. Melinda

Karen-- I haven't been on the board in a while--so I just saw this thread. Forgive me for the tardy reply. Along with everyone else, I am rooting for a break for you and your family. It's always exponentially harder to fight a war on more than one front. Glad to read about your dad and that everyone got to see the leaves for at least a day. You are in our thoughts and prayers every day--whether we are on the board or not. Melinda (and Geoff)

Paddy and David, Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with both of you. Thank you for letting us know how you are doing--and know that we are praying for you both to be able to return home soon. Melinda (and Geoff)

Hebbie-- I'm afraid that I have no wisdom to impart. However, I will be praying that this spot is, indeed, simply: Hang in there. Melinda