Re: My first time here may be my last.

[Guest guest]

I like the one that says before you criticize someone walk a mile in his

shoes. Then when you do criticize him you will be a mile away and have his

shoes! In the case of Steve, a lot of miles would have to be walked. Seriously,

I

think anyone who thinks bad of him should look at the other side of the coin

and be glad they don't have his demons to deal with. Our own are bad enough!

Whenever someone tells me they don't know how I could do something or other I

have done, I feel glad for them they don't know. Because they did not go

through what I went through leading up to that particular action!

Steve, I think this time around there may be more negative people with what

are legitimate feelings for them. They truly do not know why you choose the

path you do. I do not either. But none of us can ever truly know why someone

else took a certain path, and unless we have lived that person's exact life we

never can know. I am interested in what the future brings to each and every

one of us in this group. And I believe that Steve will remain the core of it.

All of us have gained in some measure from the journey so far and if we are

open to it we can continue to gain.

Sorry for the soap box!

Jane

[Guest guest]

And please don't let this be your last post. We all may be negative at times

but for the most part we are a positive and up building group!

Jane

[Guest guest]

Can any one caugh me up . To what is going on with Steve.

[Guest guest]

<<Yawl just don't get it.>>

Did you reaelly read ALL the posts? Did you notice that the negative

ones come from either the same person (under a couple different names)

or just a few. Most people are here for Steve and support him. Your

post was discouraging. Does that make you part of that discouraging

group you're talking about?

Join in and write upbeat positive posts. This forum is what we, the

members, make it. That includes you. There's lots of nice people

here.

Elaine

> I admire what Steve did. Whether he walked every single mile, or ate

> rice cakes and lost 250 pounds is not important. Yawl just don't get

> it. I've read all of your posts and I gotta tell ya, you are a very

> discourageing bunch of folks. Before you criticize what Steve did,

> does, or plans to do, you need to ask yourself; can I do what Steve

> did, in his condition, in his circumstances? Think about it.

>

[Guest guest]

You have me totally confused. You say you read " all " of our posts, yet you say

that we criticize him. Most of us support him and have for many months. From

time to time someone comes on for a short time and criticizes him then goes on

their merry way, but he has a core of staunch supporters here who consider him a

friend. We do not always agree with him, but just as with our own family

members, we disagree in a friendly, loving way. I have, over and over, told

Steve that he has many gifts and needs to utilize them in his life choices. I

cannot speak for you, but I am certain Steve knows that there is a group here

that supports him and are behind him for the long haul. He has asked for

opinions on more than one occasion, and one assumes he wants honest opinions,

not a rubber stamp. By his own report, most of the people offering opinions,

support him. Most of the people who post here on a regular basis are fighting

our own battles with weight, fitness, depression or other demons, so we can

relate to a lot of what Steve is dealing with. We do not expect Steve to be

perfect or succeed at every challenge the first time. We only expect and hope

he will continue the battle, and I see no evidence that he any intention of

quitting. Good enough for me!!

W.

My first time here may be my last.

I admire what Steve did. Whether he walked every single mile, or ate

rice cakes and lost 250 pounds is not important. Yawl just don't get

it. I've read all of your posts and I gotta tell ya, you are a very

discourageing bunch of folks. Before you criticize what Steve did,

does, or plans to do, you need to ask yourself; can I do what Steve

did, in his condition, in his circumstances? Think about it.

[Guest guest]

Agree totally, Jane

W

Re: My first time here may be my last.

I like the one that says before you criticize someone walk a mile in his

shoes. Then when you do criticize him you will be a mile away and have his

shoes! In the case of Steve, a lot of miles would have to be walked.

Seriously, I

think anyone who thinks bad of him should look at the other side of the coin

and be glad they don't have his demons to deal with. Our own are bad enough!

Whenever someone tells me they don't know how I could do something or other I

have done, I feel glad for them they don't know. Because they did not go

through what I went through leading up to that particular action!

Steve, I think this time around there may be more negative people with what

are legitimate feelings for them. They truly do not know why you choose the

path you do. I do not either. But none of us can ever truly know why someone

else took a certain path, and unless we have lived that person's exact life we

never can know. I am interested in what the future brings to each and every

one of us in this group. And I believe that Steve will remain the core of it.

All of us have gained in some measure from the journey so far and if we are

open to it we can continue to gain.

Sorry for the soap box!

Jane

[Guest guest]

Good Morning Everyone: Thank you Elaine for your very good response. You

are right about this forum MOSTLY being a good forum and we try to encourage NOT

discourage people.

I hope everyone will have a wonderful day. It is very cloudy and dreary here

in Southern Illinois this morning.

I don't think fall is too far away and I don't mind that. Fall is my

favorite season of the year.

Shirley from Southern Illinois

In a message dated 8/30/2006 11:04:36 PM Central Standard Time,

elaine.bishop@... writes:

> <<Yawl just don't get it.>>

>

> Did you really read ALL the posts? =====( I think maybe this person only

> read what was posted yesterday by a couple of people (NEW ONES)

> Did you notice that the negative> ones come from either the same person

> (under a couple different names) or just a few. Most people are here for Steve

> and support him. Your post was discouraging. Does that make you part of that

> discouraging

> group you're talking about?

>

> Join in and write upbeat positive posts. This forum is what we, the

> members, make it. That includes you. There's lots of nice people

> here.

>

> Elaine

>

>

> >I admire what Steve did. Whether he walked every single mile, or ate

> >rice cakes and lost 250 pounds is not important. Yawl just don't get

> >it. I've read all of your posts and I gotta tell ya, you are a very

> >discourageing bunch of folks. Before you criticize what Steve did,

> >does, or plans to do, you need to ask yourself; can I do what Steve

> >did, in his condition, in his circumstances? Think about it.

> >

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Good Morning: Jane: I loved your post, especially about walking in someone

else's shoes. I agree wholeheartedly.

Have a good day - Shirley from Southern Illinois

In a message dated 8/31/2006 12:29:52 AM Central Standard Time,

labtrek1941@... writes:

> Subj: Re: My first time here may be my last.

> Date: 8/31/2006 12:29:52 AM Central Standard Time

> From: labtrek1941@...

> Reply-to: thefatmanwalking_group

> To: thefatmanwalking_group

> Sent from the Internet

>

>

>

> Agree totally, Jane

> W

> Re: My first time here may be my last.

>

> I like the one that says before you criticize someone walk a mile in his

> shoes. Then when you do criticize him you will be a mile away and have his

> shoes! In the case of Steve, a lot of miles would have to be walked.

> Seriously, I

> think anyone who thinks bad of him should look at the other side of the coin

>

> and be glad they don't have his demons to deal with. Our own are bad enough!

>

> Whenever someone tells me they don't know how I could do something or other

> I

> have done, I feel glad for them they don't know. Because they did not go

> through what I went through leading up to that particular action!

> Steve, I think this time around there may be more negative people with what

> are legitimate feelings for them. They truly do not know why you choose the

> path you do. I do not either. But none of us can ever truly know why someone

>

> else took a certain path, and unless we have lived that person's exact life

> we

> never can know. I am interested in what the future brings to each and every

> one of us in this group. And I believe that Steve will remain the core of

> it.

> All of us have gained in some measure from the journey so far and if we are

> open to it we can continue to gain.

> Sorry for the soap box!

> Jane

>

>

[Guest guest]

Good Morning W.: As usual - you and Jane and Elaine came through with

some very good words. AND they are so true. We each one have our own battles

to fight. BUT - we can take our minds off those things by being a staunch

supporter to others that are having problems. I believe when we support and

encourage others that helps US feel better also.

Shirley from Southern Illinois

In a message dated 8/31/2006 12:32:56 AM Central Standard Time,

labtrek1941@... writes:

> Subj: Re: My first time here may be my last.

> Date: 8/31/2006 12:32:56 AM Central Standard Time

> From: labtrek1941@...

> Reply-to: thefatmanwalking_group

> To: thefatmanwalking_group

> Sent from the Internet

>

>

>

> You have me totally confused. You say you read " all " of our posts, yet you

> say that we criticize him. Most of us support him and have for many months.

> From time to time someone comes on for a short time and criticizes him then

> goes on their merry way, but he has a core of staunch supporters here who

> consider him a friend. We do not always agree with him, but just as with our

own

> family members, we disagree in a friendly, loving way. I have, over and over,

> told Steve that he has many gifts and needs to utilize them in his life

> choices. I cannot speak for you, but I am certain Steve knows that there is a

group

> here that supports him and are behind him for the long haul. He has asked

> for opinions on more than one occasion, and one assumes he wants honest

> opinions, not a rubber stamp. By his own report, most of the people offering

> opinions, support him. Most of the people who post here on a regular basis are

> fighting our own battles with weight, fitness, depression or other demons, so

we

> can relate to a lot of what Steve is dealing with. We do not expect Steve to

> be perfect or succeed at every challenge the first time. We only expect and

> hope he will continue the battle, and I see no evidence that he any intention

> of quitting. Good enough for me!!

> W.

> My first time here may be my last.

>

> I admire what Steve did. Whether he walked every single mile, or ate

> rice cakes and lost 250 pounds is not important. Yawl just don't get

> it. I've read all of your posts and I gotta tell ya, you are a very

> discourageing bunch of folks. Before you criticize what Steve did,

> does, or plans to do, you need to ask yourself; can I do what Steve

> did, in his condition, in his circumstances? Think about it.

>

>

[Guest guest]

In ten words or less? Go to the Fat Man Walking site and read his journals. He

is done with the walk and considering his options before making his next move.

Sorry, fifteen words.

First we have people rant about discussing Steve ad nauseum in the absence of

activity, or talking about other things (characterized as grandmotherly chatter)

.. Now a person logs on and demands to be " caught up " by the group. This

" grandmother " who, when she is not indulging in grandmotherly chatter is holding

the hands of dying people who at the end of their lives lost everything (and I

mean every single thing in a hurricane). This after twenty five years of pulling

suicides and auto accidents back from the brink of oblivion as a trauma nurse.

Some people's " grandmotherly chatter " is another person's link with sanity.

Sorry group, the messages in the last twenty four hours hit a nerve. Elaine

deals with these messages so much more kindly and sanely. I will log back on

and apologise later.

Re: My first time here may be my last.

Can any one caugh me up . To what is going on with Steve.

[Guest guest]

Yesterday marked a year since the world I have occupied most of my life changed

utterly. A year ago yesterday, I watched from my breakfast room window as a

twenty building 160 unit apartment complex was reduced to rubble by the storm

surge of Katrina. A year ago today. I picked through the fallen trees (14 of

them) to the front of my property and watched a mortuary van being loaded with

bodies from that apartment complex. Up and down my gulf coast for 26 miles and

1/4 mile deep everything was washed away. Many, many people I know lost

everything. There is hope in that most have picked up and are restoring their

lives, but we are surrounded by shattered homes, businesses and dreams, and

depression is the rule.

My house was relatively untouched, a miracle as close as it was to the water.

This has made me feel I have no right to have any feelings but relief,

thankfulness and sympathy for others. Imagine my surprise this morning to find

that even I seem to have a ton of emotional baggage to deal with. The person I

responded to earlier just made me mad. Then I read Shirley's message and burst

into tears. How would I have made it through the last several months without

you guys? Shirley, Elaine, , Bill, Gerard, Jane, Laurie, , Shanna,

Alice and all of the rest of you, you have been my wisdom, my humor, my bulwark

against a world that sometimes does not make much sense. Thank you form my

heart.

Gratefully

Walley

Long Beach, Mississippi

From: sbrown857@...

To: thefatmanwalking_group

Sent: Thursday, August 31, 2006 7:18 AM

Subject: Re: My first time here may be my last.

Good Morning W.: As usual - you and Jane and Elaine came through with

some very good words. AND they are so true. We each one have our own battles

to fight. BUT - we can take our minds off those things by being a staunch

supporter to others that are having problems. I believe when we support and

encourage others that helps US feel better also.

Shirley from Southern Illinois

In a message dated 8/31/2006 12:32:56 AM Central Standard Time,

labtrek1941@... writes:

> Subj: Re: My first time here may be my last.

> Date: 8/31/2006 12:32:56 AM Central Standard Time

> From: labtrek1941@...

> Reply-to: thefatmanwalking_group

> To: thefatmanwalking_group

> Sent from the Internet

>

>

>

> You have me totally confused. You say you read " all " of our posts, yet you

> say that we criticize him. Most of us support him and have for many months.

> From time to time someone comes on for a short time and criticizes him then

> goes on their merry way, but he has a core of staunch supporters here who

> consider him a friend. We do not always agree with him, but just as with our

own

> family members, we disagree in a friendly, loving way. I have, over and

over,

> told Steve that he has many gifts and needs to utilize them in his life

> choices. I cannot speak for you, but I am certain Steve knows that there is

a group

> here that supports him and are behind him for the long haul. He has asked

> for opinions on more than one occasion, and one assumes he wants honest

> opinions, not a rubber stamp. By his own report, most of the people offering

> opinions, support him. Most of the people who post here on a regular basis

are

> fighting our own battles with weight, fitness, depression or other demons,

so we

> can relate to a lot of what Steve is dealing with. We do not expect Steve to

> be perfect or succeed at every challenge the first time. We only expect and

> hope he will continue the battle, and I see no evidence that he any

intention

> of quitting. Good enough for me!!

> W.

> My first time here may be my last.

>

> I admire what Steve did. Whether he walked every single mile, or ate

> rice cakes and lost 250 pounds is not important. Yawl just don't get

> it. I've read all of your posts and I gotta tell ya, you are a very

> discourageing bunch of folks. Before you criticize what Steve did,

> does, or plans to do, you need to ask yourself; can I do what Steve

> did, in his condition, in his circumstances? Think about it.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Shirley, After my rant on here, I feel I have to respond on a better note. I

too, am looking forward to fall. It comes later in the year here, but is

glorious when it gets here. People say there is no " fall color " here, but they

just look for it too soon. In late November when the skies are so blue it

hurts, and the quality of light is that wonderful, filtered gold, the dogwoods,

redbuds, sumac and other trees and plants put on a less spectacular show than in

more northerly climates, but a show nontheless. If I could have my " druthers " I

would spend one autumn, from September to December following the " colors " from

New England south.

God is, indeed, good, and provides comfort in the beauty of this earth.

Re: My first time here may be my last.

Good Morning Everyone: Thank you Elaine for your very good response. You

are right about this forum MOSTLY being a good forum and we try to encourage

NOT

discourage people.

I hope everyone will have a wonderful day. It is very cloudy and dreary here

in Southern Illinois this morning.

I don't think fall is too far away and I don't mind that. Fall is my

favorite season of the year.

Shirley from Southern Illinois

In a message dated 8/30/2006 11:04:36 PM Central Standard Time,

elaine.bishop@... writes:

> <<Yawl just don't get it.>>

>

> Did you really read ALL the posts? =====( I think maybe this person only

> read what was posted yesterday by a couple of people (NEW ONES)

> Did you notice that the negative> ones come from either the same person

> (under a couple different names) or just a few. Most people are here for

Steve

> and support him. Your post was discouraging. Does that make you part of that

> discouraging

> group you're talking about?

>

> Join in and write upbeat positive posts. This forum is what we, the

> members, make it. That includes you. There's lots of nice people

> here.

>

> Elaine

>

>

> >I admire what Steve did. Whether he walked every single mile, or ate

> >rice cakes and lost 250 pounds is not important. Yawl just don't get

> >it. I've read all of your posts and I gotta tell ya, you are a very

> >discourageing bunch of folks. Before you criticize what Steve did,

> >does, or plans to do, you need to ask yourself; can I do what Steve

> >did, in his condition, in his circumstances? Think about it.

> >

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

LMAO!! @ " druthers " You made my day !! I haven't heard anyone other

than my sweet mom use that word!! But then again she originates in Corinth, MS

so maybe it's just a " southern thang " LOL Thanks for making me actually " laugh

out loud " !!

Have a great day/weekend

Re: My first time here may be my last.

Shirley, After my rant on here, I feel I have to respond on a better note. I

too, am looking forward to fall. It comes later in the year here, but is

glorious when it gets here. People say there is no " fall color " here, but they

just look for it too soon. In late November when the skies are so blue it hurts,

and the quality of light is that wonderful, filtered gold, the dogwoods,

redbuds, sumac and other trees and plants put on a less spectacular show than in

more northerly climates, but a show nontheless. If I could have my " druthers " I

would spend one autumn, from September to December following the " colors " from

New England south.

God is, indeed, good, and provides comfort in the beauty of this earth.

Re: My first time here may be my last.

Good Morning Everyone: Thank you Elaine for your very good response. You

are right about this forum MOSTLY being a good forum and we try to encourage NOT

discourage people.

I hope everyone will have a wonderful day. It is very cloudy and dreary here

in Southern Illinois this morning.

I don't think fall is too far away and I don't mind that. Fall is my

favorite season of the year.

Shirley from Southern Illinois

In a message dated 8/30/2006 11:04:36 PM Central Standard Time,

elaine.bishop@... writes:

> <<Yawl just don't get it.>>

>

> Did you really read ALL the posts? =====( I think maybe this person only

> read what was posted yesterday by a couple of people (NEW ONES)

> Did you notice that the negative> ones come from either the same person

> (under a couple different names) or just a few. Most people are here for Steve

> and support him. Your post was discouraging. Does that make you part of that

> discouraging

> group you're talking about?

>

> Join in and write upbeat positive posts. This forum is what we, the

> members, make it. That includes you. There's lots of nice people

> here.

>

> Elaine

>

>

> >I admire what Steve did. Whether he walked every single mile, or ate

> >rice cakes and lost 250 pounds is not important. Yawl just don't get

> >it. I've read all of your posts and I gotta tell ya, you are a very

> >discourageing bunch of folks. Before you criticize what Steve did,

> >does, or plans to do, you need to ask yourself; can I do what Steve

> >did, in his condition, in his circumstances? Think about it.

> >

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

thank you . I am always glad to help someone else and you have helped me

too. I read your post and have tears in my own eyes now. Love and hugs.

Jane

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/31/2006 1:15:35 PM Central Standard Time,

labtrek1941@... writes:

Wonderful what a cup of cofffee can do for our world outlook.

Good morning

All you dear hearts

Have a wonderful day.

I have walked daily 9 out of the last 10 days.

Knees much better

Hugs

[Guest guest]

Good for you ! I am so happy your knees are improving!

I just read an interesting fact about weight and knees. They say for every

pound you lose, it takes 4 pounds of pressure off your knees. Very interesting!

I am also told that my weight loss will accelerate any time now. I believe

it may be happening as I have been averaging 2 to 3 pounds a week and the last

2 weeks have averaged 4 to 5!

Wahoo!!!!!!!

Jane

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/31/2006 1:41:10 PM Central Standard Time,

jjsmth@... writes:

I am also told that my weight loss will accelerate any time now. I believe

it may be happening as I have been averaging 2 to 3 pounds a week and the

last

2 weeks have averaged 4 to 5!

Wahoo!!!!!!!

A great big " Ditto " to that Wahoo!!!!!

Dear Jane

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/31/2006 2:04:12 PM Central Standard Time,

elaine.bishop@... writes:

I've lost 40 pounds since the beginning of the year. Yet I seldom

feel well and can do less than before. It's so hard.

Elaine

I wish you could feel great.

Are you getting enough vitamins and minerals?

What about your thyroid?

Hugs

[Guest guest]

I would certainly guess that it is a " southern thang " . Although I live in

Mississippi, my roots are in the mountains of North Carolina as were my mother's

from whom I learned that expression. Glad to have brightened your day. So many

here have done the same for me, time after time. Have a lovely day.

Re: My first time here may be my last.

Good Morning Everyone: Thank you Elaine for your very good response. You

are right about this forum MOSTLY being a good forum and we try to encourage

NOT

discourage people.

I hope everyone will have a wonderful day. It is very cloudy and dreary here

in Southern Illinois this morning.

I don't think fall is too far away and I don't mind that. Fall is my

favorite season of the year.

Shirley from Southern Illinois

In a message dated 8/30/2006 11:04:36 PM Central Standard Time,

elaine.bishop@... writes:

> <<Yawl just don't get it.>>

>

> Did you really read ALL the posts? =====( I think maybe this person only

> read what was posted yesterday by a couple of people (NEW ONES)

> Did you notice that the negative> ones come from either the same person

> (under a couple different names) or just a few. Most people are here for

Steve

> and support him. Your post was discouraging. Does that make you part of that

> discouraging

> group you're talking about?

>

> Join in and write upbeat positive posts. This forum is what we, the

> members, make it. That includes you. There's lots of nice people

> here.

>

> Elaine

>

>

> >I admire what Steve did. Whether he walked every single mile, or ate

> >rice cakes and lost 250 pounds is not important. Yawl just don't get

> >it. I've read all of your posts and I gotta tell ya, you are a very

> >discourageing bunch of folks. Before you criticize what Steve did,

> >does, or plans to do, you need to ask yourself; can I do what Steve

> >did, in his condition, in his circumstances? Think about it.

> >

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

<<Elaine deals with these messages so much more kindly and sanely.>>

LOL, maybe it's my attitude that -- it's not me, it's them (gggggg)

Can't let them get to you, . You're a pillar of this forum and we need you.

Elaine

> In ten words or less? Go to the Fat Man Walking site and read his journals.

He is done with the walk and considering his options before making his next

move. Sorry, fifteen words.

> First we have people rant about discussing Steve ad nauseum in the absence of

activity, or talking about other things (characterized as grandmotherly chatter)

.. Now a person logs on and demands to be " caught up " by the group. This

" grandmother " who, when she is not indulging in grandmotherly chatter is holding

the hands of dying people who at the end of their lives lost everything (and I

mean every single thing in a hurricane). This after twenty five years of pulling

suicides and auto accidents back from the brink of oblivion as a trauma nurse.

Some people's " grandmotherly chatter " is another person's link with sanity.

> Sorry group, the messages in the last twenty four hours hit a nerve. Elaine

deals with these messages so much more kindly and sanely. I will log back on

and apologise later.

>

[Guest guest]

Elaine I am sorry you do not feel well. You know they say depression is a

physical issue. Have you talked to a Dr about it? Also thyroid problems can

result in those type of symptoms. I would have the Dr. check that as well.

Jane

[Guest guest]

, don't deny your feelings. you have a right to them whether your

home was destroyed or not. You experienced a terrible trama that most

of us can't imagine.

You're a strong, good woman and I'm glad you're on this forum.

Elaine

> Yesterday marked a year since the world I have occupied most of my life

changed utterly. A year ago yesterday, I watched from my breakfast room window

as a twenty building 160 unit apartment complex was reduced to rubble by the

storm surge of Katrina. A year ago today. I picked through the fallen trees (14

of them) to the front of my property and watched a mortuary van being loaded

with bodies from that apartment complex. Up and down my gulf coast for 26 miles

and 1/4 mile deep everything was washed away. Many, many people I know lost

everything. There is hope in that most have picked up and are restoring their

lives, but we are surrounded by shattered homes, businesses and dreams, and

depression is the rule.

> My house was relatively untouched, a miracle as close as it was to the water.

This has made me feel I have no right to have any feelings but relief,

thankfulness and sympathy for others. Imagine my surprise this morning to find

that even I seem to have a ton of emotional baggage to deal with. The person I

responded to earlier just made me mad. Then I read Shirley's message and burst

into tears. How would I have made it through the last several months without

you guys? Shirley, Elaine, , Bill, Gerard, Jane, Laurie, , Shanna,

Alice and all of the rest of you, you have been my wisdom, my humor, my bulwark

against a world that sometimes does not make much sense. Thank you form my

heart.

> Gratefully

> Walley

> Long Beach, Mississippi

> From: sbrown857@...

> To: thefatmanwalking_group

> Sent: Thursday, August 31, 2006 7:18 AM

> Subject: Re: My first time here may be my last.

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Elaine. I think I have my sense of humor back now. I think it would

actually be hard for you all to get rid of me...but especially not them. I

guess I was in an early morning vulnerable place when I read all that.

Wonderful what a cup of cofffee can do for our world outlook.

Re: My first time here may be my last.

<<Elaine deals with these messages so much more kindly and sanely.>>

LOL, maybe it's my attitude that -- it's not me, it's them (gggggg)

Can't let them get to you, . You're a pillar of this forum and we need

you.

Elaine

> In ten words or less? Go to the Fat Man Walking site and read his journals.

He is done with the walk and considering his options before making his next

move. Sorry, fifteen words.

> First we have people rant about discussing Steve ad nauseum in the absence

of activity, or talking about other things (characterized as grandmotherly

chatter) . Now a person logs on and demands to be " caught up " by the group. This

" grandmother " who, when she is not indulging in grandmotherly chatter is holding

the hands of dying people who at the end of their lives lost everything (and I

mean every single thing in a hurricane). This after twenty five years of pulling

suicides and auto accidents back from the brink of oblivion as a trauma nurse.

Some people's " grandmotherly chatter " is another person's link with sanity.

> Sorry group, the messages in the last twenty four hours hit a nerve. Elaine

deals with these messages so much more kindly and sanely. I will log back on and

apologise later.

>

[Guest guest]

Bless you, Elaine. I value your calm sanity and sense of charity. You set a

good example for others.

Re: My first time here may be my last.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi

I am going to walk to a waterfall with a friend the Sat after Labor Day. And

then I am taking 2 three yr olds camping for a weekend. And then I am going

back to do the trail I lost earlier this year. Should have enough snow melted

by now that I can get through on it! lolol

Jane