Quick Updates from the Moderators Showing 851-900 of 2,648

[Bernadette]

Hello.
1. Aries
2. April 11
3. sky blue
4. Labrador, tabby cat
5. azalea
You've got me curious with these questions.
Have a great day,
Bernadette

[Linda]

Hi,

1. Aquarius
2. Jan 30
3. Light blue or Light Purple
4. Cats & Dogs
5. Peonies

Linda W

[Kay]

Bernadette wrote: "Hello.
1. Aries
2. April 11
3. sky blue
4. Labrador, tabby cat
5. azalea
You've got me curious with these questions.
Have a great day,
Bernadette"

Bernadette, I have to say I really love the Labs. We lost one two years ago and I still miss him. He was a Big Lug but so gentle and such a good guy.

[Jina]

Linda wrote: "Hi,

1. Aquarius
2. Jan 30
3. Light blue or Light Purple
4. Cats & Dogs
5. Peonies

Linda W"

Hi Linda,
Is there any particular breed of cat or dog thats a favorite? I love peonies too. My grandmother had them all across her front of her house and all along her privacy fence. They were beautiful pinks, dark and some so light they were almost white. Thanks for answering.
Hugs,
Jina

[Linda]

Jina wrote: "Linda wrote: "Hi,

1. Aquarius
2. Jan 30
3. Light blue or Light Purple
4. Cats & Dogs
5. Peonies

Linda W"

Hi Linda,
Is there any particular breed of cat or dog thats a favorite? I love peonies to..."

Most any Dog or Cat! Our Lucy is a Border Collie, our BoBo is a long hair cat and our C.A.T. is a short hair cat!

Linda W

[Brandi]

What is your zodiac sign? ARIES
What is your birth date? 4/9
What is your favorite background color? PALE ORANGE/PEACH
What is your favorite type of dog? Cat? DOG
What flower to you is the "friendliest"? DAISY

[Melinda]

Jina wrote: "Dear Group,
Heather is feeling a little better today and was able to color a couple pictures for my refrigerator and she brought happy tears to my eyes when she was sitting at the desk and grabbed ..."

1) Taurus
2) April 24
3) light blue or a sand color depends
4) Dog- Mixed breed, usually has some beagle in it or a Shih Tzu or a Shith Tzu /Poodle mix
5) I like flowers but do not have a favorite I like blue color flowers. I also like mixed bundles of flow

[Lola]

I added a couple of photos of my peonies from last summer. Hugs Lola

[Jina]

Hello
Lola your peonies are gorgeous!!! Thanks for sharing. I was hoping to get y'all surprises out in the mail tomorrow but late yesterday we got a call from Duke Hospital, they have a available appointment for the girls tomorrow. I reserved their appointment time and spent a good part of tosay getting stuff together for the trip tomorrow. It's in Durham which is about 2 hours away. We will be leaving here between 7:30 and 8 oclock in the morning. With morning traffic and possible trouble finding parking I would rather be early than late. Hopefully we will get some answers and some help making the girls feel better and their prognosis be a brighter future. I will message you when I get back to tell you what I learned.
You all will love the kids surprise. Their creativity and ingenuity amazes me. If you haven't yet messaged me your snail mail address please message it to me so I can send them out first of the week.
Love to all,
Jina

[Lola]

Yeah !!!!! I will go right now and put in a prayer at Unity ! Peace be with you all tomorrow , safe trip and good parking!
Love and Hugs to you and the Girls ,Your Friend Lola

[Linda]

Jina wrote: "Hello
Lola your peonies are gorgeous!!! Thanks for sharing. I was hoping to get y'all surprises out in the mail tomorrow but late yesterday we got a call from Duke Hospital, they have a available a..."

Wonderful news, Jina.
I am praying for you and the girls to have positive results with this visit to Duke. I know there are a lot of questions and I pray you find the answers to all of them. I am so thankful the Dr.'s were able to get you all in so quickly. Peace be with you my friend, and give all the girls a hug for me. Linda Manthey

[Jina]

Linda wrote: "Jina wrote: "Hello
Lola your peonies are gorgeous!!! Thanks for sharing. I was hoping to get y'all surprises out in the mail tomorrow but late yesterday we got a call from Duke Hospital, they have ..."

Thank you Linda. You all are so sweet to the girls and I. I am excited and nervous about tomorrow. My hopes for finally getting answers and maybe a way to help my girls feel better long term is soaring high. At Duke they have one of the top Fabrys disease research clinic in the nation. If anyone can clear up the confusion about whats going on will rest with the Doctors we see there. Dr Hannon one of my girls cardiologists has been in contact with the doctors at Duke so even though the Dr we see tomorrow will be the first time we meet her, she has already been told all about the girls history.
Love yall,
Jina

[Nancy]

Adding my prayers also to this great group of reader friends as you visit the specialist doctor with your girls tomorrow Jina.

[Brandi]

Prayers that you get some good news or at least some hopeful news.

I went to notarize a signature for a friend of my husband's and mine. Wow I had not realized how sick she was. She had cervical cancer years back and it had come back and moved to her liver and bones. She weighs probably about 70ish pounds when i last saw her, she was probably closer to 160ish. Her mom is now her primary caretaker but they do have hospice there. I told my husband after we left that this is part of the reason I don't like seeing people when they are that sick. I like to remember them as their healthy robust self. Being selfish, I don't like to remember them as a shell of their former selfs. It hurts to know that she is going through this and that her mind is trapped by a body that just can't do anymore to fight. It just serves as a reminder that life is precious no matter how long or short it is.

[Lesley]

Jina wrote: "Hello
Lola your peonies are gorgeous!!! Thanks for sharing. I was hoping to get y'all surprises out in the mail tomorrow but late yesterday we got a call from Duke Hospital, they have a available a..."
Hope all goes well with the trip to Duke's

[Jina]

Dear Group,
It was a very long day today but I am very hopeful and inspired and I have faith that these new specialists are very caring doctors and my girls aren't just a number to them (which I have came across in the past and shut that specialist off toot sweet). We left the house at 8am and got there at 10:45 for our 11 o'clock appointment. It took an hour and a half to go over medication and do vitals with the nurse for Heather and Sarah. We met with a Asian Doctor who I couldn't understand her name but she was very kind and her specialty was genetics, there was also Dr Marie MacDonald whose specialty is Fabrys disease a children's complex disease Dr Anne and the girls caseworker they sssigned to her named Regina. They eere all very nice and took a lot of time to ask us questions aboug our medical history. They registered Samantha and I even though we dont have insurance. They said that since Fabrys is so rare especially in girls and my two daughters have such serious health issues that they are going to sponsor Sam and my initial expenses and their foundation will cover the testing we did today especially since I signed a paper authorizing them to use our results to help in their research. They are also going to submit paperwork on our families behalf for a grant to cover future expenses and treatments. I learned a lot. I found out a lot of interesting things today. For instance I have done something my whole life, I dont even realize that I sm doing it sometimes... I rock back and forth. I never sit still. I never have. When I sleep, I constantly rock or my foot kicks. If I am somehow not able to move when I lay down, I have to get back up. My legs tingle, or I get this funny feeling in my back I dont like if I have to lay still. So I get back up and sit in my rocker if I cant sleep. But while talking to me they saw me rocking back and forth. They said "you cant sit still can you?" I told them them that I was sorry that I dont even realize I am doing it but I knowit bothers some people. But that yes I always rock or bounce my foot. They said that it was a very good chance that I have Fabrys too. There was other things in my history like past kidney function trouble and digestive issues ie.. my IBS. Anyway, they said one of the possible treatments is getting a port implanted in each child and possibly me too and once a month we would go to Duke for infusions of the enzyme or whatever our bodies dont produce on their own but should. The caseworker met with me after the medical part was done. She is going to help us get the motorized wheelchair approved, she's going to help with paperwork to help get Heather approved for disability which will open the door for more services to help her. She is also going to be available if I need her to help me get the girls transferred to a better school. I was nearly in tears because she was so kind and so helpful and she fell in love with my girls. When I thanked her for her help it seemed so inadequate. Sometimes I wish I had a better knack with words. They took 10 vials of bloox from Heather, 8 from Sarah, and 6 from both Sam and I. We will get the results when we go back March 17. Thank you for your prayers and support. Love you all so much. I am so blessed. I have a question but will ask in a different post.
Hugs,
Jina

[Jina]

Dear Group,
I have an opinion question/dilemma I have been pondering but I can't think through the right answer myself. I am too close to the situation to see what the right thing, what the classy most tactful thing is to do. Please share your advice. Youve never steered me wrong.
I have this couple who are my husband and my friends. For simplicity sake we will call the couple John and Jane. John works withy hubby and rides motorcycles with us. He is very kind and helps anybody. Jane has a job outside the home and they are both part of our close circle of friends who get together a t least once a month dither for a bonfire or motorcycle ride. So point is... we're close. Jane is Heather and Sarah's honorary Godmother. The boys have had motorcycle benefit rides for Heather. They call my girls their "little sisters". So we all talk on the phone pretty regularly. Well when they ask about how Heather is doing I sm honest. John has started hanging up on me and saying the call dropped. Jane doesn't talk much on the phone. She calls me mostly when she wants me to shampoo her carpets and to see if we are going riding on the bike but if I call she doesnt answer. But if another one of our friends calls her from my house, she answers. I dont ever borrow anything, I dont complain about mondy or my marriage or gossip, I cant figure it out. My thought was the next time they call and ask how Heathdr is... no matter what I will say fine. To them everything will be "fine". Johns daughter Kelly is very close with my girls and John and Jane are supposed to get married in April. She's asked me to make the invitations and make the macaroni salad for the event and I have no idea what the addresses are. I am just confused. Some people get upset if I dont keep them updated on the kids and why ask if they dont want to know?
Confused in Carolina

[Nancy]

It appears as if they are setting new boundaries for your relationship..perhaps they are overwhelmed by all the health problems. I would keep answers to their conventional questions honest and short.
"Well that's the newest..I could tell you more but we are forging ahead..what 's new on your homefront?"
Let them ask questions if they want more depth."Fine" seems a bit short to me as a response.
If you feel hurt, you might try a gently probing question to determine the cause of their change in attitude and behavior.

[Nancy]

So that's my two cents worth Jina. I can understand why this is a distressing situation for you.
You outlined the problem very well!

[Linda]

Jina wrote: "Dear Group,
I have an opinion question/dilemma I have been pondering but I can't think through the right answer myself. I am too close to the situation to see what the right thing, what the classy ..."

Oh Jina,
I am so sorry you are dealing with this. I don't understand why people pull back during times of struggle. It seems to be common among people who have a hard time dealing with illness and mortality. Sometimes people are so wrapped up in their own lives they don't acknowledge or they avoid uncomfortable situations. You mentioned they are preparing for a wedding. Perhaps they are centered on the event and it's preparations Not answering a call is just rude and so is only calling when they only want something from you. Especially when you already have your plate full as it is. I think if it were me, I would avoid contact with them. Perhaps you could write Jane a note and let her know, since you are dealing with a lot of family things right now, she should find another source for her invitations. If she is a REAL friend, she will understand and be thankful for the heads up. If she is a fair weather friend, well, it might not be a healthy relationship for you. If anyone needs positive input in their lives it is you my friend. The negative vibes can not be helpful at this time in your life. Your focus needs to be on your family and what is best for them.
My advice is to send the note then wait for her to call you.
In the end you need to do what your heart tells you is the right thing to do. Let's see what the other ladies have to say. Maybe they have a better solution.
Hang in there, my friend, I will pray for God to give you peace and wisdom to make the right decision.
Hugs. Linda Manthey

[Linda]

Jina wrote: "Dear Group,
It was a very long day today but I am very hopeful and inspired and I have faith that these new specialists are very caring doctors and my girls aren't just a number to them (which I ha..."

I am so happy you had a good response from the Dr.'s at Duke. Perhaps this is the answer to our prayers and things will get better from here on out. I will keep you all in my prayers and trust the results of the test will be beneficial and helpful in treatment and control of the symptoms of this terrible disease.
Peace be with you . Sending hugs to you all. Linda Manthey

[[deleted user]]

Hello, everyone --

I'm so sorry I've been 'away' -- I've been caught up between working and getting ready to go away to Colorado with Ray tomorrow -- we leave in less than 10 hours and I've not packed yet. We have to be up at 4:30 a.m. to get to the San Francisco airport in plenty of time.

Ray is so excited about going skiing again - and even though the timing is difficult, I think it will be good for us. Things have been so stressful since mom's passing -- it will be a joy to see him in his element again. And there is something sacred about the mountains that I always feel when we visit there.

I haven't started Matt yet (that sounds a bit funny...) - I'm taking it to read on the plane and am really looking forward to it.

I'll announce the giveaway winner this weekend - time has just gotten out of hand for me -- and thanks so much for your patience.

Take care and keep those posts coming -- I enjoy them so much! Can't wait to chat about Matt!

Paula

[[deleted user]]

Lola wrote: "I added a couple of photos of my peonies from last summer. Hugs Lola"

Thank you, Lola! How beautiful!

[[deleted user]]

Jina wrote: "Hello
Lola your peonies are gorgeous!!! Thanks for sharing. I was hoping to get y'all surprises out in the mail tomorrow but late yesterday we got a call from Duke Hospital, they have a available a..."

As usual, you never cease to amaze me, Jina. My prayers are with you and the girls, every day. And with all of our group members, who have become like extended family!

[[deleted user]]

Brandi wrote: "Prayers that you get some good news or at least some hopeful news.

I went to notarize a signature for a friend of my husband's and mine. Wow I had not realized how sick she was. She had cervical ..."

Oh, Brandi - my heart goes out to you and to your friend. It is so hard to see anyone suffer, much less those we care about. What I've found - and what I hope to find as I navigate through the death of my mother -- is that inevitably our hearts hold on to the image and memories of those we love in the best possible way - the way we want and need to remember them. I know this will happen for you, over time.

[Lola]

Dear Jina,

I agree with what everyone else said, you have too much happening to be worried about these two. I have learned to say No very well over the years.

Now on a brighter note , I am so happy the medical trip went so well ! They sound like a caring group . Hugs Lola

[[deleted user]]

Linda wrote: "Jina wrote: "Dear Group,
I have an opinion question/dilemma I have been pondering but I can't think through the right answer myself. I am too close to the situation to see what the right thing, wha..."

Jina, this is really a tough dilemma. I go back to my definition of what constitutes a true friend vs. an acquaintance. Casual friendships change over time - true friendships grow deeper, not more shallow. I have a sense that you're being used because you are too kind to say no - even when you should, to care for yourself. True friends accept and love you, listen to you, check on you and really want to walk your walk alongside of you. Casual friendships are conditional -- and have to be regarded as such.

In the past few years, I've had some really painful experiences that have helped me sort out the difference between casual friends and genuine friends - and as a result, I treat them differently. Genuine, unconditional friends take top priority. Casual acquaintances are cordial - but they have limits, and as such they have a lower priority in my life.

I think the others have pointed out some good options - one, to ask, gently and directly, what their expectations are of your friendship. Many people aren't comfortable with even the most gentle of confrontations - so only you know if that's feasible. The other is to simply back away, and give an abbreviated status report, then move on. But do not allow yourself to be used, and don't spend time nurturing a relationship that is one-sided.

I hope this makes sense - I'm kind of tired at the moment but wanted to make sure I responded since I'm so far behind communicating with the group this week!

Please let me know how it goes.
P.

[Lesley]

Jina wrote: "Dear Group,
It was a very long day today but I am very hopeful and inspired and I have faith that these new specialists are very caring doctors and my girls aren't just a number to them (which I ha..."

So glad you had some positive outcomes from the visit to Dukes.
Try & keep positive. xx

[Jina]

Nancy wrote: "It appears as if they are setting new boundaries for your relationship..perhaps they are overwhelmed by all the health problems. I would keep answers to their conventional questions honest and shor..."

I was referring to the usual beginnings of most conversations with most people. It usually starts "Hello, how are you?" How are the kids /Heather/Sarah etc.. " instead of the response that got me hung up on which was "Sarahs back in school and the girls go to Duke to see their specialist on.." (click) Thursday.... from now on when they ask as long as the kids arent in the hospital, I will say a version of "fine and how are you?" Or "doing well thanks for asking". I know that I upset them both when I didnt choose a side during one of their debates/ arguments. I stayed out of it. We, our group of friends, had went for a ride and when we stopped for lunch they were in a debate about how best to spend a certajn bonus check and who should have a say in how it should be spent. Some men in our group teased saying stuff like "men, king of the castle "etc.. laughing and carrying on but it soon got heated between John and Jane and the subject was dropped by everyone else. I know from past experience to not participate in those type of conversations because it always starts out joking but ends up with tension and at least one of them getting "pissy". They are the youngest members of our group at just over 30 years old. The rest of us are nearing 50 to 76. To also put in perspective what we are dealing with, recently Jane called me and wanted to borrow $206 until the next paycheck but dont tell Michael, my husband or John her fiance who she lives with. I told her Id love to help her but I need to ask Michael because it's his paycheck not mine. He would've if she told John she was borrowing the money. Michael works with John he wont do things behind his friends back especially when it involves John's fiance. To us old fashioned folks thats taboo. She needed the money because she told John she paid a bill but went shopping first and when she was done there wasnt enough left to pay the bill. She ended up taking out a loan for $500 from her bank but she didnt tell John about the loan. (Not my business, but she told me about getting the loan "but dont tell Michael because John doesnt know).
When the girls go to the ER or are in the hospital she always comes to visit them. She adores my girls and has a son of her own but she mentioned once she would've loved a daughter which is why I made her honorary Godmother. Even John always has big hugs for Heather and my girls. They go out of their way to make my girls feel special. They are good people and I don't want to lose yhem as friends I just dont understand the sudden hanging up on me or ignoring my calls. I will pray about it and leave them be for awhile. Who knows whats going on. I was just raised that the only people you hang up on are telemarketers. Thanks for your advice. You all are the best truly.
Hugs,
Jina
Ps. Have a safe and relaxing trip Paula. I pray you find peace and calmness for your bruised heart. Colorado is beautiful. I love skiing. I can do the cross country, the green and blue slopes. I got on a black one once and had to take off my skiis and slide down on my butt. That was interesting. I got a sunburn from the glare off the snow and for the week I was there I lost 15 pounds. It was awesome!!! Love you. Take pictures.

[Jina]

Dear group,
Hello all,
I feel much better now. My mom called this afternoon and she has met my friends. She reminded me of something that gave me peace so I can at least quit worrying about this one part of my life anyway. She reminded me that when she was here and met Jane that Jane told her that I was aleays therd for her. From helping her pack and move for 3 days, shampooing carpets numerous times, packing up and cleaning her dads house after he passed away and shampooing that houses carpets, cooking meals for their family for a couple weeks, no matter what she needed she told my mom she could call me and I always came. I always treated my friends well like I was raised to do. The golden rule wad stated daily in our house. Mom reminded me that no matter what I can hold my head high knowing that I treat people with kindness and so I shouldn't beat myself up. Mom says to just keep being myself and all will be ok eventually. I have always wanted to be liked and hated it if I disappointed someone or if someone was upset with me. Possessions arent what matters in this life. Its the people that matter. Your friends and family and memories you make are the priceless treasures that make life so special. I have always wanted that when it comes my time to go home to be with God that the people I leave behind will have been proud of me, think I was kind and a good person who never caused anyone harm. And that I was a good mom, wife, daughter, sister and friend. If thats how I am remembered, I will consider my life a success. Thank you for your kindness and support and always listening.
Hugs,
Jina

[Nancy]

So true Jina. It is the people who matter. You sound like an exceptional friend etc. I like your Mom's advice.
Since I am a cautious type.. I will mention a warning not to get "burned out" by trying to do too much all at once.
"There is a time for every purpose ...." and God loves you and your family and He is in control so pray, set your priorities and trust God in all the rest :).

[Linda]

Jina wrote: "Dear group,
Hello all,
I feel much better now. My mom called this afternoon and she has met my friends. She reminded me of something that gave me peace so I can at least quit worrying about this on..."

Jina,
You have a very wise Mother. I believe God sent His message through her. And her message rings true. I have never met you, face to face, and yet I could see that every word you wrote in your post is true. If you have time, I would suggest you read..
1 Peter :3. I read it this morning and what a message. I was reminded of what the character of a Christian should be. You, my friend, are on the mark. I am humbled by your mother's advice and your words.
Sometimes working in and around and area with people who are lost and strung out on drugs, can harden one's heart to the important aspects of life. I have been very introspective the past few days, challenging my own outlook in my work environment, and I need to be more like the person Peter talked about in
1 Peter :3.
You, through your sharing on this forum, have helped me to see life is not always black and white. True, I have been through a lot, but nothing near the things you have had to overcome and I have such respect for you in the way you have faced each situation and your faith inspires me.
Your friendship is something to be cherished and if Jane can't see that then I feel sorry for her. Jesus called us "friends" in
John 15 :15. Friendship is an honor and a blessing.
I pray your mind is at peace now and you can wake up each morning with the knowledge that you are loved and appreciated.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. I feel that we learn from one another. We encourage one another. We are friends.
I love this little group.
Peace be with you and know you are always in my prayers.
Your friend,
Linda Manthey

[[deleted user]]

Jina wrote: "Nancy wrote: "It appears as if they are setting new boundaries for your relationship..perhaps they are overwhelmed by all the health problems. I would keep answers to their conventional questions h..."

I'm posting photos today from our arrival and will post some more when I can!

[Melinda]

Nancy wrote: "So true Jina. It is the people who matter. You sound like an exceptional friend etc. I like your Mom's advice.
Since I am a cautious type.. I will mention a warning not to get "burned out" by tryi..."

I agree.

[Melinda]

Linda wrote: "Jina wrote: "Dear group,
Hello all,
I feel much better now. My mom called this afternoon and she has met my friends. She reminded me of something that gave me peace so I can at least quit worrying ..."

Praying with Linda. Great advice

[Lola]

Me too ! Please take care of yourself! Love Lola

[Jina]

Dear group,
I was talking with my baby sister Joni today and the subject of lent came up. If any of you participate.. what are you giving up for lent this year. The last couple years I gave up potatoes, white bread and rice. I am going to think a little more about this years commitment.
Jina

[Melinda]

Jina wrote: "Dear group,
I was talking with my baby sister Joni today and the subject of lent came up. If any of you participate.. what are you giving up for lent this year. The last couple years I gave up pota..."

I am giving up potatoes chips since that is a big weakness of mine.

[Melinda]

Linda wrote: "Jina wrote: "Dear group,
Hello all,
I feel much better now. My mom called this afternoon and she has met my friends. She reminded me of something that gave me peace so I can at least quit worrying ..."

I agree with Linda , your Mom is very wise.

[Jina]

Dear Group,
Super Bowl is over. Carolina Panthers couldn't find their groove and lost but I give them kudos because they still had a wonderful season and did great things which is how they made it to the big game in the first place. Secondly it was a low scoring game by both sides so it's not like it was an easy win for the Broncos. Better luck next year Panthers!
I did get some news from Duke today. Some results for Sarah Faith are back. She has a severe strain of Fabrys disease and they want to start treatment on her as soon as possible. The treatment of Fabrys involves getting a port implanted and every two weeks Sarah would go to the hospital for her IV infusion of enzymes and other amino acids . most people automatically make these in their bodies but people like Sarah who have Fabrys do not make them therefore they have to be given it. This treatment would be lifelong or until they come up with another way to treat the disease. Lack of these enzymes and amino acids can lead to several other complications or diseases such as kidney, gall bladder, liver and even neurological trouble. Some people with MS or Parkinson's have it because of having the Fabrys genetic mutation. By getting the girls treatments to give them the enzymes and amino acids their bodies dont make on their own, we are hoping to stop the progression of any other complication or damage the bad genetic code could do to them. I praise God that He has made people so smart and the technology to the point that there is so much hope for my children. However there was a sad bit of news, it was confirmed that my children should not have children of their own. They will definitely carry the genetics to their children if they had any and if they had sons, the disease if it became active in a son would be devastating. So I had a discussion with my children that they could always foster children or adopt. That its not the end of their line necessarily. I think they are at peace and accepting the facts of the information.
I need to get the girls in bed. I will catch up to yall later. Love yall and hope you all are doing well.
Hugs,
Jina

[Linda]

Jina wrote: "Dear Group,
Super Bowl is over. Carolina Panthers couldn't find their groove and lost but I give them kudos because they still had a wonderful season and did great things which is how they made it ..."

Dear Jina,
I am so happy you finally have some answers. It is always so much easier to deal with a problem if you know what you are facing and can prepare for the future. It is hard to hear the limitations that come with the news, but , as you said, God has provided the blessing of a treatment and given knowledge to some very smart people to continue to research and perhaps find a cure some day. My mother has Parkinsons' Disease and it is an awful disease. I pray they will also find a cure for it some day.
I will continue to pray for all of you and trust that this is the beginning of great things to come.
Peace be with you
Hugs,
Linda Manthey

[Lesley]

Jina wrote: "Dear Group,
Super Bowl is over. Carolina Panthers couldn't find their groove and lost but I give them kudos because they still had a wonderful season and did great things which is how they made it ..."
Jina, Thinking about you all, sorry it's not all good news for the girls.

[Lola]

Dear Jina,

I was so bummed by the Super Bowl ,it was a boring game . I hate defensive games, me I would rather see lots of touch downs.

I am glad you have answers about the girls. My sister couldn't have children and they adopted a baby boy, you would never know she did not give birth to him. He is now in his late 20 's and a great young man. So they both got a great gift of love.
Hugs Lola

[Melinda]

Jina,
It is good news that there is help. It will help the girls avoid a worsening of their disease. I understand that the news is not all great but I think the girls probably thought that any way. I can relate because I had a severe case of Ulcerative Colitis flare up which went from about a 10 to 200 on a scale of 1 to 100 in about 6 months and required surgeries and such. I am post 20 years from the diagnosis and know what my limitations are and my body reminds me when I try to act like everyone else. It will require some adjustment but I know I was just glad when everyone believed me and stopped saying I was imagining it and it could not have gotten that bad that quick so I am sure that it helps to have concrete results to deal with.

Knowledge helps make the decisions required to be smarter and easier than going blindly.
Know you and the girls are in my prayers. Remember one day at a time. God carries you when you need him to.

Just glad that the results of the tests mean that you are all able to get some help.

A beginning to a different way of living but a way with more knowledge and a healthy way.

As for children, there are always children who need love. I adopt my students each semester and for some of them it is an ongoing mentoring .

Jina , you and the girls have a lot of strength and share your love and joy with people so you are great blessings.

[Jina]

Dear group,
Thank you so much for your prayers and on going support. The girls caseworker from Duke named Jill and the representative (named Abby) from the company who makes the enzyme treatments the girls will receive, had a conference call with me today. A specialist from John Hopkins Hospital is flying into North Carolina on the 19 and so they are all going to come to Greenville to see us and discuss next steps, options and programs available to help us and set us up a calendar of appointments for the next few months so we know what will happen when and we can sign paperwork so that they can give us a diagnosis paperwork we could carry to Social Security if and when we want to try to apply for disability benefits for the girls in the future. They are so sweet and accommodating. I cant believe a specialist is flying in and then driving 2+ hours from the airport to speak with us. It's amazing to me. Im speechless with gratitude and humbled by their commitment to healing.
Today I got my 4 books. It was exciting to get that in the mail today. I was assigned the category Contemporary series romance. Reading the backs of the books there is some things in common with all of them. All of the stories seem to have the girl involved with her brothers best friend. But its got a funny coincidence. The main girl in two books are both named Jennie and in the other two its Maddie and Maggie. Lol No I am sure I wont get confused at all. (Crosses fingers and toes while taking my gingko biloba and omega 3 supplements). Two of the books I cant wait to dive into. One I wouldn't have picked out on my own to read because it is considered a young adult book so I generally dont go down that aisle in the book store. Its about a overprotected young lady who has a bucket list, her unusual obstacle is she is blind. The other book I want to dive into is one about a couple that was together when they were younger, and a child was made. The boy left town not knowing he was going to be a Dad. When he reappears he comes across his old flame and somehow there is an accident and the child gets hurt. Do they pull together? Id like to see how the author writes this story. This story I think appeals to me because Im living a life that changes from day to day ever since a major life event. I think this will be a fun 4 book read. How is everyone else coming with their books.
Paula I hope your time in the mountains is rejuvenating you, that being surrounded by Gods beauty you are at peace and your heart is starting to heal. Love you.
Hugs to all,
Jina

[Nancy]

That IS good news Jina! God is good all the time, even though we don't always understand....
Happy reading and I will keep you and your family in my prayers as you face this new challenge.

[[deleted user]]

Well, ladies -- I know I've joked about not being graceful, and I'd like to be able to laugh about this, but an old injury resurfaced yesterday on the ski slope and my right leg just 'gave way' under me while I was making a turn....

...I tore the cartilage in my right knee in a slow twisting fall, and now I'm in an ankle-to-thigh splint, destined to spend the rest of the trip in the lodge wearing ice and taking pills...until I get home to see the orthopedic surgeon for an MRI to see just how bad the damage is.

This is what happened 4 years ago when I broke my right foot, and I suspect that my spinal column is to blame for the sudden lack of control over my right leg.

Overall I'm in good spirits, but Ray is in a BAD mood. He feels responsible, because he was trying to push me to keep going - it seemed like a minor fall -- and I tried to keep skiing, so I fell three more times before I quit and told him to call the ski patrol. He didn't realize what was going on, and since I wasn't sure, either, and I didn't want to go to the emergency clinic, I pushed myself and paid the price.

So ... tomorrow I'll finish Matt and spend the rest of the week catching up on everything else. Thank God, we had three perfect days before I got my DVD of Xrays as a memento of this trip. If it IS my spinal column/spinal cord compression, I believe my ski days are over. But I'll deal with that if and when it happens.

Hope you are all well. I'm hobbling down the hall to supper and will catch up on your comments later!

Paula

[Nancy]

Bummer Paula! But for a reader "down" time is never a waste :) or boring.
[Hope that reminder cheers you up a bit.]

[Jina]

Paula wrote: "Well, ladies -- I know I've joked about not being graceful, and I'd like to be able to laugh about this, but an old injury resurfaced yesterday on the ski slope and my right leg just 'gave way' und..."

Dear Paula,
Oh Lord, I am so sorry. I feel sorta responsible for your injury. I was just thinking of you this morning after reading one of your other posts about your trip so far and it seemed to be a perfect trip. So I had the thought this morning how glad I was that your trip was going so well in God's country and how you'll go home with your heart and soul on the mend. I must of jinxed you. When we were kids and we would be watching a game and if we were ahead and started talking as if we had won but the game wasnt over, my grandmother would get very upset with us saying "Never say stuff like that child.. its not over til its over, so you cant celebrate or quit working hard til the work is done. Remember that child and dont you forget it, ya hear."
I will be praying for a speedy recovery and hopefully its not as bad an injury as it seems. I hope your spine is ok. Please keep us informed. I am worried for you.
I bet your man is a bear right now. Men hate things that are out of their control. Plus he probably feels like you've been in enough pain lately without this on top of it. Give your man a big hug and remind him Valentine's day is around the corner and even though you cant get super athletic or try any elaborate kama sutra stuff right now you could probably have great times in the hot tub!!! Just an idea to put a smile back on your mans face.
Take care. Be safe. Treat yourself gently.
Hugs,
Jina and the girls

[Emily, Author]

Oh, Paula. I'm so very sorry to read about your injury. That totally stinks!