I'm going to bed. It's been another long day, tomorrow will likely be the same.

Good night my dear friends. Sleep tight. Dream sweet dreams, smile, love your families, love yourselves, just love.

I love all of you.

Good night.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Altenweg

Reality does suck Stringer, couldn't agree more.

I promised Rebbie that I'd start a new castle thread, once my other thread is done. We're doing it up like we did back in the day, it was Starby's favorite thread theme.

All us original players, all our alter egos, we'll do Starby proud.

One thing I know for sure, she'd want us to go on, think about her once in a while, smile, laugh, because she brought alot of happiness into our lives.

I did speak to her Aunt on the phone this afternoon. The family is pretty much keeping everyone out of the hospital. I was making arrangements to go this weekend, to see Jo, to say my good byes, but apparently even Jo's really close friends, people the family knows, aren't being allowed to see Jo.

Jo's Aunt lives in Edmonton, actually only around 10 minutes away from me, we still plan to get together for coffee. She's alot like Jo, a lovely lady, wonderful person. She's opened herself up to me just like Jo did, even though we have yet to meet.

She did ask me to tell everyone here how very much we all mean to Jo, that she spoke of all of us very often, that we brought alot of happiness and peace into her life. She loved us all very much.

Who would have thought that losing someone that you've never met could be so very hard. We are friends in the most real sense of the word, family because we choose to be, we are all loved, we are blessed and we were blessed to have Starby in our family, in our circle, a part of our lives.

Yes it hurts, but I'll never regret opening my heart to her, because it was worth the pain I'm feeling now.

Love you all, my family, my friends.

---

I'll be watching for the new thread Alty! Jo would be proud of your plan! One of her friends called me tonight and shared that she was able to go visit Jo this evening and when she mentioned that her friends at AMHD all loved her and were praying for her, she looked straight into her eyes and gave a huge smile so said she knew, she realized what was being said to her. I wanted to share that so all would see how very much the love felt here, means to Jo, to me and to all of us. Jo is being kept comfortable and is not feeling pain. I am thankful for that. It is as you say though, few people are being allowed in to visit but Jo does knows how much we love her. I think she may know in even a deeper way than we realize. I love and appreciate all of you. You know I am not much of a joiner and had it not been for you Alty, Jo, Stringer, M, Starty and many others, I would have stayed in the background and never really become a part of this wonderful family. Love to each of you and thank you from my heart.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jrebel7

I'll be watching for the new thread Alty! Jo would be proud of your plan! One of her friends called me tonight and shared that she was able to go visit Jo this evening and when she mentioned that her friends at AMHD all loved her and were praying for her, she looked straight into her eyes and gave a huge smile so said she knew, she realized what was being said to her. I wanted to share that so all would see how very much the love felt here, means to Jo, to me and to all of us. Jo is being kept comfortable and is not feeling pain. I am thankful for that. It is as you say though, few people are being allowed in to visit but Jo does knows how much we love her. I think she may know in even a deeper way than we realize. I love and appreciate all of you. You know I am not much of a joiner and had it not been for you Alty, Jo, Stringer, M, Starty and many others, I would have stayed in the background and never really become a part of this wonderful family. Love to each of you and thank you from my heart.

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HI Rebbie, miss you being here.

Thank you for the information concerning Jo. Nice to think that we made her smile.

Well gas up the hog girl... Alty's getting ready for a about with the castle again... crocks and all... love you. :)

Stringer

Alty... Your heart is just too big for one person to handle. We love you. I love you - more than I can say. You're a real gem... and Starby was lucky to have you there for her.

We'll all miss her, dreadfully, but we can continue doing what she did for so many people... continue the work.

You're loved.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ordinaryguy

Even face to face, there's a lot we don't know. It's OK though, we love as best we can, and have to trust it's good enough.

---

That is so true. I did not mean to leave that part out.

To allof you, all we can do is live with a happy heart, and discover all we can about our friends and family, love them, be patient with them, show kindness, help them and say sorry when we need to. There are so many things we do everyday that we all take for granted, like logging in and expect to see Starbs logged in. One step at a time and make every part of what you do a little more significant in your life, even if its just stretching to get out of bed, or calling someone special. Choose yer words and your tone... smiling at a stranger...





:cool::D(kids put the faces in there for me)

Hi all, I know that I haven't been here very long and not spoken to most of you before, I have spoken to Alty a few times when I first joined.

And although I never had the pleasure in meeting Starby,I've heard a lot of love and kindness about her and I would just like to offer my thoughts and prayers to Jo and her family and of course all of you here. Xxxx

If it's OK, I would like to share a site that I found which I feel may help some of you at this very difficult time.

Light a Candle - Show you Care!

Love,Peace and Light x

Claire x

Big hugs everyone. Huge hugs. :)

I want you all to know I sit here at work in tears over this thread. I have read every single post just now and I have to tell you I am soooo sorry to hear about Starby. I came across the thread before but being new to the site I didn't want to really post I guess because your all such good friends and I was an outsider. But I followed it for a bit. Then I stopped until today. I can't believe I didn't give her my best wishes when I came across the post. I feel so much pain for you all and its so amazing the friendships you have all formed from this site. My mother in law passed from a failing liver, not from drinking. Its so hard to watch. Worse since it's a waiting game never with a good out come. I have a tear on my cheek for each of you that loved her and know I am now thinking of her and praying.
Bless you Alty for all the updates.

Thanks so much for the kind words Sunflower. Fitting, your name, sunflower, Jo was a florist a long time ago. She loved flowers, talked about them a lot.

SC, I also want to thank you for your kind words. It means a lot.

It is amazing the bond that we form here. It's not easily explained, but maybe not that difficult to understand.

Jo (Starby) and I formed a pretty quick friendship, probably because we live in the same Country and province, albeit 5 hours apart, still, there was a bond.

We started talking on the phone shortly after we started talking here. We formed a friendship. We all did.

We've had so much fun with each other, we've also shed tears for and with each other, we've had arguments, made up, you name it, everything that friends and family do.

I don't know what I'd do without the people on this site. They are truly such a big part of my life.

I love them all.

Blessings your way 88...

Had a family member pass several years ago. He lived in the deep south. Bible belt. I've never been a bible thumper. More on the "sinner" side than "saved" most of the time...

But one of the most moving moments of my life was attending his funeral. The funeral itself wasn't particularly unique. Baptist land, so there was a little more "are you saved" talk and "fire and brimstone" talk, but still... another service for another loved one...

But what was striking was the procession to the cemetery. We all know about needing to stop when a funeral procession comes by... but there, it was different.

All traffic, in all directions, completely stopped. Whether it was one lane over or three lanes over, it stopped. Cars off. Heads bowed.

Most of the people in the cars were praying. Heads down. Sending prayers and good wishes to the family and friends of the deceased. In car after car after car. Every stranger was focused on the needs of the living family and friends and the loved one we were missing.

Id already shed tears for the good man who had passed... but I shed many more tears along the drive, seeing the real, honest good that exists in people... not a single soul tried to get around the traffic. Not a single car inched forward. Each person in every car paid a loving tribute to the family as they passed. I had never experienced such spontaneous public unity.

I don't think it matters if you were here earlier or later... your tribute is just as moving. Smiles your way.

Wow KP, that sent shivers down my spine. What a wonderful thing to have witnessed, to experience.

I remember when my dad died. On the way to the funeral home I kept thinking "look at all those people driving to work, to the gym, going about their daily lives. Don't they realize that the most wonderful man just died, is no longer here? Don't they realize the effect it will have, does have?"

To have everyone stop, pray, that must have been so moving, so touching.

And I agree with you KP, doesn't matter if you've been here for a long time or a short time, or this is your first post on the board, your tribute is just as welcome, just as moving, and we all thank you for it. :)

That's what Southern Hospitality means, KP. It isn't how we say "Hi" or how much we force feed you at the town picnic, it's how we have to pull together in the REAL hard times. That's why I have to give the little bit of love Jo gave me back as much bigger as I can. You guys that knew her better were blessed more than I. I'm still grateful for my little bit, and sharing the pain, even a little one, helps.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Catsmine

That's what Southern Hospitality means, KP. It isn't how we say "Hi" or how much we force feed you at the town picnic, it's how we have to pull together in the REAL hard times. That's why I have to give the little bit of love Jo gave me back as much bigger as I can. You guys that knew her better were blessed more than I. I'm still grateful for my little bit, and sharing the pain, even a little one, helps.

---

Thanks Cats. That's all I can say to that. Thanks. :)

Force feed at the town picnic? I may have to move South.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Altenweg

Force feed at the town picnic? I may have to move South.

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Come on down! Spring and fall you get the best picnics.

I've regularly travelled to the deep south in the late fall (thanksgiving in the US, late nov)... as in any further south and you are wading in the gulf... not a bad time to go. The smell of the pine trees, the clay, and the ocean are permantly embedded in my brain.

Then again... the lyrics to "fish heads" and "whip it" are also permanently occupying neural cells... so jus' cause I remember it doesn't mean its worth the cranial storage.

The small town festivals are just awesome. Tilt-a-whirls, Funnel cakes, deep fried vidalias, arts and crafts vendors with the weirdest stuff you ever saw.

Gimme a "c"

Gimmie an "a"

Gimmie a "r"

Gimmie an "n"

Gimmie an "i"

Gimmie an "e"

What's that spell?

"need a dental plan!"

Sorry... off topic. Tired of the death talk. Done my share of it. I laughed out loud at my grandfathers funeral... there are times when all hell is breaking loose, that I just have to smile and laugh out loud... nothing else I can do. It's a complete resignation to all things being bigger than my little old self.

Sometimes you smile when you have no other ridiculous option.

Anybody want half my funnel cake?

Too bad.

Its mine.

Don't disparage humor as stress relief/ grief reduction. That TV show "M.A.S.H."? That was what could get past the censors. I spent a hitch as a medical corpsman with the USMC. The humor was inappropriate, gross, insensitive, and the only way we could survive.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Catsmine

Don't disparage humor as stress relief/ grief reduction. That TV show "M.A.S.H."? That was what could get past the censors. I spent a hitch as a medical corpsman with the USMC. The humor was inappropriate, gross, insensitive, and the only way we could survive.

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Right there with you.

I know many have been in worse situations than I've been in, but there are times when all you can do it all let go... release... and sometimes ridiculous situations provide ridiculous responses.

There have been just a few times in my life when I've had no other place to go than to smile, close my eyes, and wait for whatever comes next...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Catsmine

I spent a hitch as a medical corpsman with the USMC.

---

By the way... thank you for your service.

Ordinary people doing extraordinary things is worth, at least, a thank you.

yes thank you

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kp2171

anybody want half my funnel cake?

too bad.

its mine.

---

Did you eat it already? Can I have a bite?

Mean boy. Tempt me and then walk away. :(

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kp2171

right there with you.

i know many have been in worse situations than ive been in, but there are times when all you can do it all let go... release... and sometimes ridiculous situations provide ridiculous responses.

there have been just a few times in my life when ive had no other place to go than to smile, close my eyes, and wait for whatever comes next...

---

I agree.

Humor is important, it's a great stress reliever and makes you feel stronger, better, just more grounded.

When my dad was dying I started telling him jokes. Yes, he was in a coma, otherwise I'm sure he would have laughed. I was in fine form that day.

My Grandmother got angry. Asked how I could make jokes and laugh at a time like that. I turned to her, said "Don't you think we've all cried enough? Where has it gotten us? Nowhere. I figure this is worth a shot."

People always expect tears, but I prefer laughter.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by spiritcharms

Hi all, I know that i haven't been here very long and not spoken to most of you before, I have spoken to Alty a few times when I first joined.

And although i never had the pleasure in meeting Starby,ive heard alot of love and kindness about her and i would just like to offer my thoughts and prayers to Jo and her family and of course all of you here. xxxx

If it's ok, I would like to share a site that i found which i feel may help some of you at this very difficult time.

Light a Candle - Show you Care!

Love,Peace and Light x

Claire x

---

Thank you Claire,

It is very thoughtful. Very generous.

Lighting candles is very symbolic.

I am sure everybody here appreciates your kind words.

Joe

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Altenweg

People always expect tears, but I prefer laughter.

---

Sometimes I feel guilty saying my grandfather taught me what real love was... my mother was, and is, a kind woman who is good beyond good... but his love was all permeating... in a way that sometimes only grandparents love can be... not to diminish her love... his was just All Encompassing...

Anyway... last time I see my grandfather alive... he has been gradually going "downhill" for about ten years... diabetes, heart attacks, "normal" age issues with eyesight, coordination, etc... so he was in the hospital, I was in college, and it isn't looking good. I'm driving four hours every other day to see him (which means I'm failing classes)... so I show up and I've been told this is the last stretch... that, chances are, there isn't much more time.

I'm all in bits and pieces. I'm 20. I barely know how to tie my own shoelaces and keep my fly zippered.

So I go to see him and he asks in a weak voice for some water. He's on a limited water "diet" so he gets a sponge "lollypop" to moisten his mouth. I do this, he takes it, and then it pops out all of a sudden.

I pick it up, soak it again, help wet his mouth and again, *pop*...

On the third time I finally saw that infamous, naughty smile... yes, he wanted a drink desperately... but the chance to make me laugh at his naughtiness... at his deliberately popping that sponge-on-a-stick out onto his gown... it was priceless. I'm proud that ornery sob's blood flows in my veins... and I didn't get it at the time... but the humor in his last moments... it comforted me... even when I didn't get it right away...

And that's the thought that remains KP, the sponge popping out, your Grandfathers attempt to make you smile. That's what remains. That's the greatest gift he could have given you, the gift of laughter.

My mother died in Germany. When she found out she was terminal she decided we were going to go see her family, that was her final wish. Sadly she only survived for 3 days after we got there, but we made it.

My mom had lost all her hair due to chemo and radiation treatment, so she had purchased a wig some time back. It was summer though so she usually left the wig off, she thought the sun would help her hair grow back. Makes me smile.

Anyway, when we decided to go to Germany she wanted to take her wig, but we couldn't find it anywhere. She was living with us at that time. I checked everywhere, it was nowhere to be seen.

So we're in Germany, the night before she died we went out to dinner, we're sitting on the balcony of the restaurant. My son was only 3, we had him in a stroller, it had side pouches for storage.

We're talking, a few people she knew came up to say hello, shocked to see her. Jared starts getting fussy so I reach into one of the side pockets to get a toy and touch something that feels furry.

I pulled my hand out right away, looked at Rod, whispered "I think there's a dead animal in the side pocket of Jared's stroller". Hubby, such a man, says "Well take it out!".

So I reach in, grab hold, pull it out. Sure enough, it's my moms wig.

She was so happy to see it, and the look on her face when I whipped it out was hilarious. She started laughing at me, I started laughing, Jared just pointed and said "My puppy!" Apparently the little stinker had put it in there for safe keeping.

I guess you had to be there. ;)

I'm new, and don't "know" you , but GOD bless you, and have a speedy recovery. You obviously are well loved, I'm #468 ! Watch out for the garden tools!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jmjoseph

I'm new, and don't "know" you , but GOD bless you, and have a speedy recovery. You obviously are well loved, I'm #468 ! Watch out for the garden tools!

---

Thanks for offering your prayers and well wishes.

Sadly our Starby has taken a turn for the worse and is now terminal. Her organs are shutting down and she's not expected to survive for much longer.

I'm sure she'll be tripping over garden tools in heaven. She really is a clutz. ;)

I'm sorry to hear that. May GOD bless and keep her.

That was such a sweet story Alty :)

Sometimes a little time spent thinking about our lives is nice...

Finding Joy Movie

Beautiful... still going... but its beautiful! Thanks Stringer

It was great Stringer... I love those things at the perfect moments;)

My favorite picture was the daisy growing on the road.

"If you don't stand for something you'll fall for everything"

Love it Stringer.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by startover22

Beautiful...still going...but its beautiful! Thanks Stringer

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You are welcome hon... sometimes you have to see it to believe it... I like these types of movies, seems to always 'wake' me up.

Well, we have about 30 to 35 indoors plants that haven't been repotted with new soil for about two years... It looks like rain today so I am going to the garage to do some 'dirty' work. It seems that when I do a little something with my hands (no comment Alty... he hee) it makes me feel better than sitting here at my desk...

Hope to get at least 5 to 10 of them done today and then Marta and I are going to go see 'UP' the new movie...

Love you all... :)

Stringer

Love you back Stringer.

Have fun getting down and dirty. Keep you nose clean. ;)

I'm going to the Gym today then I'm doing yard work, if the weather stays nice.

LOVED that one too...
The perfect quote to live by...

Also, Daisy's were my moms favorite flower, so they're really special to me.

When she died, at her funeral in Germany, we had a casket spray of all daisy's. It was beautiful.

She always had daisy's in her garden, tons and tons of them. I'd play the "he loves me, he loves me not" game all the time. :)

Now now... you said the name of my little sis three times in that post :p

Daisies are magnificent, yer mama had good taste.
You know I remember Jo saying something when I got some flowers, daisies were in there and she didn't like them (her being a florist) cause they were just a "filler" flower... she made fun of me... hahahahahah