SBeth

Sorry for the urgency, but I need some help. Does anyone have links to last year's Playing for a Cure handy? I'm leaving in an hour for Memphis and just now decided to do a Mapquest to the school incase I can't remember from last year...but when I pulled up the directions and the school name; it didn't sound familiar. Does anyone know if Jamie has switched the location to another school this year? Is Craigmont Middle School where it was last year? I've tried to do a search but the link takes me to the old LCSC site without the information. Anyone????

This is too funny...and no, I didn't write it! AN OPEN LETTER TO MR. JAMES THATCHER, BRAND MANAGER, PROCTER & GAMBLE. - - - - Dear Mr. Thatcher, I have been a loyal user of your Always maxi pads for over 20 years, and I appreciate many of their features. Why, without the LeakGuard Core or Dri-Weave absorbency, I'd probably never go horseback riding or salsa dancing, and I'd certainly steer clear of running up and down the beach in tight, white shorts. But my favorite feature has to be your revolutionary Flexi-Wings. Kudos on being the only company smart enough to realize how crucial it is that maxi-pads be aerodynamic. I can't tell you how safe and secure I feel each month knowing there's a little F-16 in my pants. Have you ever had a menstrual period, Mr. Thatcher? Ever suffered from "the curse"? I'm guessing you haven't. Well, my "time of the month" is starting right now. As I type, I can already feel hormonal forces violently surging through my body. Just a few minutes from now, my body will adjust and I'll be transformed into what my husband likes to call "an inbred hillbilly with knife skills." Isn't the human body amazing? As brand manager in the feminine-hygiene division, you've no doubt seen quite a bit of research on what exactly happens during your customers' monthly visits from Aunt Flo. Therefore, you must know about the bloating, puffiness, and cramping we endure, and about our intense mood swings, crying jags, and out-of-control behavior. You surely realize it's a tough time for most women. In fact, only last week, my friend Jennifer fought the violent urge to shove her boyfriend's testicles into a George Foreman Grill just because he told her he thought Grey's Anatomy was written by drunken chimps. Crazy! The point is, sir, you of all people must realize that America is just crawling with homicidal maniacs in capri pants. Which brings me to the reason for my letter. Last month, while in the throes of cramping so painful I wanted to reach inside my body and yank out my uterus, I opened an Always maxi pad, and there, printed on the adhesive backing, were these words: "Have a Happy Period." Are you ******* kidding me? What I mean is, does any part of your tiny middle-manager brain really think happiness - actual smiling, laughing happiness - is possible during a menstrual period? Did anything mentioned above sound the least bit pleasurable? Well, did it, James? FYI, unless you're some kind of sick S&M freak girl, there will never be anything "happy" about a day in which you have to jack yourself up on Motrin and Kahlua and lock yourself in your house just so you don't march down to the local Walgreens armed with a hunting rifle and a sketchy plan to end your life in a blaze of glory. For the love of God, pull your head out, man. If you just have to slap a moronic message on a maxi pad, wouldn't it make more sense to say something that's actually pertinent, like "Put Down the Hammer" or "Vehicular Manslaughter Is Wrong"? Or are you just picking on us? Sir, please inform your accounting department that, effective immediately, there will be an $8 drop in monthly profits, for I have chosen to take my maxi-pad business elsewhere. And though I will certainly miss your Flexi-Wings, I will not for one minute miss your brand of condescending bull****. And that's a promise I will keep. Always.

Hands down, absolutely, 100% YES I have!

The Current Letter is "D" 01 - A Breed of Dog.............. " Dalmation" 02 - A Drink (alcoholic one) ............... " " 03 - A TV Show .............. " " 04 - A item of clothing.................... " " 05 - A Color ............... .............. " " 06 - A flower............ " " 07 - A song ............... " " 08 - A Book or Magazine ............... " " 09 - Actor/Actress ...................... " " 10 - A film............ " "

1. I love music too Ann! 2. I wear a size 9 shoe. 3. I hate Italian food.

ELVIS

I knew this day was coming, and like many others, was not prepared for how hard it would be. We never are prepared. Frank brought so much to LCSC and his physical absence will leave an unfillable void; but his spirit will live on forever. My deepest sympathy to you Connie, and you Patti and all of Frank's family.

Debi, Thinking positive thoughts and sending lots of good vibes and prayers your way for an excellent report today. Get back here and share the good news with us! Love,

Hey...something that I CAN do! And by the way Kasey...if you try this with old eggs, it won't be as easy. The older the eggs the harder the shell will be to crack. Now...who can get the cork out of the wine bottle with one hand?

Bill was diagnosed Stage IV at age 48. He survived 18 months with the best attitude, highest expectations and more hope than anyone I have ever witnessed.

Dear Pat, I admire your courage and conviction. Shortly after Bill passed away, I received a private message from someone telling me that it was hard for them to read any post I made because "to read Bill's timeline and see how young he was and how quickly he lost his battle was discouraging". Because of that message, in addition to the pain I was already feeling about re-reading his path with every post, I allowed myself to be persuaded into deleting his battle and battle plans. I regret that decision and have often wondered if his timeline would offer others information and/or hope...I see now that it would have. I support you and I love you and I know where your heart is and how much it continues to break every single day. I'm praying for you more frequently than daily Friend. Much much love to you Pat!

You've been thru so much in the past months Don. I'll be thinking of you and praying for some peace to return to your heart.

My husband had brain surgery to remove several mets to the brain after being diagnosed Stage IV NSCLC in May 2005. Shortly after recovering from the brain surgery, he endured a wedge resection to the lung to remove the tumor on the lung. Best of luck to you in your treatment.

Dear Denise, I'm so sorry for all you are going thru as the year came to an end. I, like you, am looking forward to 2007 and hope that things get better in your life and home. Please give my regards and best wishes to your mother. Much love and prayers,

Dear Pat, I love you and I am praying for you!

The day before Bill passed away, I had asked our Hospice nurse to make sure that everything was picked up as quickly as possible when we no longer needed it. I wanted every reminder of his illness removed from my house and she admitted that many people feel that way and make the same request. I admit that every situation and family is different, but my experience with Hospice was wonderful and I am sure that they had no intentions of being disrespectful or causing additional pain, it was likely an oversight. It will make you feel better to let them know your feelings, I'd encourage it, but don't let that issue hold up your healing process.

Ann, I'm so sorry and I understand. I'll keep you in my prayers for peace of heart as the day passes.

Sharon, I'm glad to read that you are in a better place emotionally today as you go for the test. I'll be keeping you in my prayers and feel confident that all will be good. Please let us all know as soon as you can. Much love,

In my thoughts and my prayers Peggy! I loved Frank's story and agree...Don is with you always! Love,

Oh Val, your Mother is very proud of you right now. You are the woman, mother, daughter and lady that she raised you to be and you honor her with your attitude and spirit. God bless you this holiday season Val. Enjoy that beautiful little girl, they grow up so fast. By the way...I ABSOLUTELY love the new picture. Love and prayers

Keeping you in my prayers Ann. I hope that the many good things in your life right now will help you thru the days ahead. Love,

Dear Pat, Thank you for being my friend thru so much. I'm so sorry that your pain is still so raw and you feel so lost and lonely. I'm here for you. Love and prayers to you Pat.

Well, I wish I could say that this past year has gone quickly, but it hasn't. It's almost impossible for me to believe that I've made it thru one year; made it thru all those "firsts", but I have. The year has been packed with so many lonely and sad days, but with many happy ones as well. I've had five dreams about Bill since his death and found six hidden notes/messages from him. His love for me sustains me thru my days and my nights and, surprisingly, I look forward to this Holiday season. My heart breaks with grief, but I've found a great deal of peace in my faith in God. I always thought my faith was strong, but my loss, my pain and my suffering have shown me that it is so much stronger than I gave myself credit for. God (and Bill) are taking care of me and for the first time in many months I look at my parents, my siblings, my children and my friends and I don't see worry in their eyes. I will be okay, I will be with Bill again someday and until that day, I will live life to the fullest and keep every promise I made to him. Thanks to all of you here for helping me along this path. Many of you will never know how special your words, hugs and prayers have been to me. God bless all of you and Happy Holidays.

Laurey, I'm so very sorry for all of your pain and feelings of lost hope. Though I understand all you are going thru, I know that is of little comfort. May God give you some peace and help you get thru the next several months. My children have helped me heal as much as, if not more than, I have been able to help them. Children, especially children born of and exposed to a loving relationship, can endure so much and offer so much love and comfort. Cling to your babies and know that it will get easier. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you; or if you need someone to talk to in person. I know that there are limited resources for young(er) widows/widowers. Prayers,

Donna, Just want you to know that I understand and I'm keeping you in my prayers. Love,