Wednesday Morning

[VTJen]

Good Morning Mates,

I will plunge ahead, but perhaps by the time I post there will be two threads, if so please feel free to move mine into the other.

It is a cold one - eight below at present. I hope it warms up soon.

The last 36 hours have been like a bad dream
Monday evening I got a call from one of my cousins, that one of our cousins had committed suicide. Of course this is devastating, but to make it even more complicated - my Aunt and Uncle are around 90 years old, and in very poor health. In fact the older brother and sister of this cousin were in the process of getting their parents back to the east coast so they can better care for them. My uncles health is especially fragile, and he spent Christmas in Tripler Hospital, and because of his Alzhiemers most of his mobility has ceased. My oldest cousin, their son was to fly to Hawaii to break this sad news and bring them home, my other cousin, is making preperations for her and her husband to drive from Maryland to Vermont, where the suicide took place -

I feel so very sad, thinking my cousin who lived about an hour and a half from my home, was so depressed and despondant - yet, as this part of the family hides and keeps problems secret, I didn't know. How I wish I had known - I would have gone, so at least he knew people did love him and care, at least offer a thread of hope. It may have made no difference, but then again it could have. I am mad at myself, for not taking the time to know him better, and making myself aware.
I try to live a transparent life - as much as possible - I just really don't have secrets.
How I wish his pain had not been kept secret - there is no shame in feeling. If it is hidden, then there can be no healing.
I hate regrets - as what can one do about them - I hope I can go forth better, and take more time to make sure that everyone in my scope knows that they are special, loved, and cared about. I hope to never have to think I hadn't reached out again.
So yesterday was filled with phone calls, and such. Because of the situation this has been held from the news until my Aunt and Uncle have been told, as even tho' they are far away, and old, my aunt daily checks the local paper online, and this would be a devastating way to be informed. The police have been most helpful in not making a release yet. I am sure that today it will be in the news, and I am preparing myself for it.
Then at about 4 yesterday afternoon I recieved a Tweet on Twitter of the earthquake in Haiti. My dear friend is a Missionary in Port-au-Prince. I have been in prayer almost constantly since I have heard this - I anxiously awaiting news - I keep checking for word on facebook or on the missions website for an update. I was planning a mission trip to Haiti in April.
Between these two situations my heart is very sad. Life is so precariously short, please don't delay in anything you've been meaning to say, or any gesture you've been meaning to make. You all are so kind and loving and supportive, I am sure you are all doing these things anyway.

I guess I should start this day - I do not know what it will hold, I hope a bit of good news somewhere...

Today join me in being thankful for waking up safe, and warm, and protected, as I think of those who in a brief moment of time, who's lives have been permenantly transformed.

[ToddDH]

Good morning Jen and all who follow. As you point out Jen, life is indeed precariously short. So often we keep wanting to reach out to someone whom we haven't seen or talked with in a while, especially if they're older or ill and we keep putting it off until it's too late.

All of our hearts are with those in Haiti. As I'm sure was the case with millions of others, they are in our prayers.

For those who are keeping track, although it's a bit early to draw any definitive conclusions, despite a still nagging cough, Fran appears to be not quite as sick as she was yesterday which was a very bad day for her. She wants to go to the Healing Service at Church today (there is a special Episcopal service for just such a reason) if she feels up to it. I think it will be good for her to get out if at all possible and if only for a brief time. The only time she has been out of the house since she came home ten days ago, was to the Doctor's last Sunday.

She received an adorable card yesterday from someone who signed it BJ, postmarked Tampa and on which there was no return address. I thought it might be someone on these boards. In any event it was greatly appreciated and bolstered her spirits.

Prayers and Blessing of course continue and hope everyone has a great "Hump" day.

Todd

[beenie weenie]

Jen,
I am so sorry for all that you are struggling with right now. I am praying that you will hear from your friend very soon. Is anyone in touch with the Red Cross to try to track her down? I am sure it will take a while for communications to be established again.

I am so sorry to hear of your cousin's passing. I pray as well that the loved ones left behind are comforted. It's so sad that the ending of one person's suffering, is just the beginning of those they have left behind. It is an unfair burden to put upon another person, but unfortunately it seems when a person gets to the point they consider taking their own life, they are so consumed in misery, it seems to leave them unable to reach out to others or consider the other consequences of their actions. Jen the Good Lord knows that if there was anything you could have done, it would have been done. You can only deal with what can be seen in clear sight, things that are hidden and secreted away could not have been known by you or anyone else.

Well today is a busy morning. I have to get the kids up in a bit and get them ready to go to to Indianapolis. D/D has an appointment this morning with the Ear Nose and Throat Specialist at 11:00. I thought I would also take the kiddos to Incredible Pizza. A friend of mine took his kids there and posted pics on Facebook, so of course I wanted to check it out. Looks like a lot of fun, bumper cars and go carts, arcade games and fun fun fun. So that ought to pretty much shoot the entire day.

Now my d/s, the kids is a scream. Ok they are both characters, but d/s has his first crush and he's got it bad. He talks about this little girl all the time. Yesterday he found out that my neighbor goes to church with her and her family...Now d/s is ready to go get himself some religion at the Methodist Church...he doesn't seem to need his Father and I to go with him. He thinks he can just hitch a ride to church with Mr. Mike the neighbor . It is evident at the ripe old age of almost 10, those adolescent hormones are starting to take hold of my baby. I had to have a discussion with him explaining that there's a reason these feelings are starting to take hold of him right now and that he really doesn't "know" this girl at all, he just knows that she is attractive to him all of the sudden, even though he used to go to school with her and she was never even a blip on his radar until now. He doesn't care, he's in love . He came home from playing with his friends yesterday and said...yeah I asked Jacob and Reid about her, they say "she's hot!" OMG!

So anyway, that's it from the circus. I hope you all have a good hump day! Hopefully we'll have a good trip to Indy and get some good info at the Dr.'s office. Prayers going out for those of you in need, hang tight!

[rollerdonna]

Morning Mates. Jan, what BW says is right, you only could have and would have done something for your cousin if you'd known what pain he was in - please don't hold yourself responsible for something so totally out of your control. My condolences on the loss of your cousin.
I do hope you hear something soon from your friend in Haiti. It is unthinkable that someone like her who is doing humanitarian work should suffer in a tragedy like this. Let's hope God is looking out for her...

Todd, glad to hear Fran is feeling a little better. I hope that her little sojourn to church today will help even more.

BW, you always have such entertaining stories. Your son and his first crush is so cute. Hard to believe he's only 10!

Well today looks much like most days around here. There's "something in the air" and it's hard to tell if it's snow or rain or a mixture of both. All I know is it's dull, gray, and the temp has gone up to -5C or 23F.

Yesterday I spent another day in the office getting all the registration forms ready, then delivered them to the schools. Today I stay home and get down to work on the programming for the program which is to start next week. I am going to be busy!

Happy Hump Day to all,

donna

[Trip]

Hi Kids,
Bright and cold here....just just glad no snow in sight...soo, no whining here. Jen, I am so sorry to hear about your cousin,and the issues with his parents, compilicate it so;( I also hope your friend in Haiti, has made it through, and the aid from the world will help the ministry.

Yesterday I babysat for Luciana, and the kid was a wacka doodle She was all over me, jumping on the bed, dragging her babys around,and slept for about 20 minutes. By the time she left, I was a wet noodle, and needed a nap!!

Today I will be running around town for the makings for a diaper cake, for an old friend of Nikki...talk about last minute! I will be up to my ears in pampers later on today..I will post a pic when all is said and done...

On another note, I have spoken to Delf, and just wanted to tell you she is taking a break from posting for a while...she says hi, and appreciates everyone thinking of her...

Good thoughts, and, a make it a good one.

[Phyllbo]

Good morning from sunny and chilly Florida. It is getting a little warmer each day.

Jen, my heart goes out to you. I hope you won't beat up on yourself; although I understand how much you would have wanted to offer you love and help if you had only known. My prayers go out to the people in Haiti too, and I will pray especially for your missionary friend. I just heard of a missionary flight group here in Florida that is filling planes with supplies and help to go over there, and do what they can do. I'm going to see what we can do to help out.

Todd, I'm glad to hear that Fran is feeling a bit better today.

Beenie, I love hearing about your family adventures. I know your kids are going to have tons of good memories after living in such a loving and caring home.

RD, thinking about you and your new job too. Once you get past this initial setting up phase and the first weeks of finding out just what you are facing, I hope you'll find it a very rewarding experience.

Trip, your grandkids are so blessed to have you close and such a special part of their lives. Glad you were able to find time to take a little nap and refresh yourself after the mornings adventure. Thanks for checking in with Delft too. Glad to hear that she is ok and just taking a break for now.

I am off to the wild animal preserve in a little bit to spend the morning with my Headstart "god child" on her field trip. It's a great place, and seeing how the kids react to touching the snakes and other animals as they are brought out is always fun.

Have a good one all.
Phyll

[Mike M]

Good morning all:

It's a foggy morning and the trees are covered with frost. It gives everything a Currier and Ives look to it.

I have a neurology appointment early this afternoon. They'll check on the new drug and if all looks good start me on another one.

Otherwise not much else is going on.

Jen: You can't beat yourself up over your cousin. Most people, even professionals, don't know when someone is so depressed they will actually take their life.

Todd: Glad to hear that Fran wants to get out of the house.

BW: Gee: When I was 10 I thought girls had cooties. When I was 19 I found out that some girls do.

I hope everyone has a great Hump Day!

Take care,
Mike

[Aerogirl]

Good morning Cruisemates,
Jen …I’m so sorry for you and all of your families loss. How very sad.
Todd… I very happy that Fran is doing a little better today.
Mike… hope thing go good for you today at your appointment
The sun is shinning ,the birds are sinning and it looks to be a great day… until I walked outside and SLAP! the cold winter wind hit me and I realized just how deceiving the sun is. Its around 22F. So we are inching our way to warmer weather. In to the high 30’s at the end of the week. We have had a few plumbing issues in the house so one catch basin cleaned and a power rodding after an hour were up and running. A busy end of the week here, my son’s science fair project advanced to the next level of compotation and the next day he tests for a selective enrollment high school in the city. That’s it on my end.
Have a blessed day!

[Henry43]

34 and very sunny in NY ,only 47 days to March 1 and warmer weather

[Kuki]

Good Morning cruisemates! An overcast day in Scottsdale, and not as perfect a day as yesterday.

Thinking it may be a good day to take Mrs. Kuki out for brunch. Then head to the deli for some take out, and to the bakery for some fresh breads and bagels.

In other words eat, eat some more, and then maybe have a snack

Have friends from home coming to town on the weekend, so looking forward to a week of fun, and more eating

[CruisinK n J]

Good morning from a soggy Southern California. We received some much needed rain in the wee hours.

Jen, I am so sorry for your loss.
Todd, I hope Fran will feel like going to church today.

Keith will start his second session with a trainer at the new gym today. He did seven new machines yesterday, and the knee seems to be doing well with the help of the cortesone shot. Not so bad for an 80-year-old!

Have a good day, all.

Judy

[Fern]

It's way past morning, but I wanted to say that my prayers are coming to all of you. There are so many things we can't control in our lifetimes, but a prayer or a good thought will help.

I just want to hug every one of you... and stop the pain you're going through.

Love to all,