Gatsby, this is one person that's really going to miss you...

Well, I think I'll take a liberty and do a compound of highs and lows for the whole week being Friday night.

The highs include getting my old part-time bookkeeping work back after someone else wasn't available, as I can always do with extra work in my erratic business. I also seem to have done a successful healing on a long-term back problem, which will give me a lot of hope if it sticks. I am now also working with a spiritual master (his description) posting his teaching in the religion forum (yes, please go and look!) as after over 7 years of going to teaching his is the first that really makes sense (and seems to work so far!). My 12 year old car just passed it's annual MOT (roadworthiness) test today (no reason besides its age that it shouldn't, but each year it's more of a worry), so I've got another year at least before it may have to be replaced. Finally, on a speculative note, I have spent the last few weeks sending my articles out to papers and magazines, and as I had no response asked an old friend I'd recently got back in contact with for someone he could recommend for me, as he's already a very successful journalist, which he did. I just received a reply from her saying they already have someone writing similar things, but she'd let me know some feedback in the week when she'd read more. Now if she thinks my writing is up to professional standard (though I have been writing for some years on a voluntary basis) whether or not she can use it is like passing a professional exam, as though I like writing and can turn out pages in half an hour without a break unless an editor can give me their opinion I won't know if I've got what it takes for that level.

On the low side, apart from having a number of people I know with problems who seem to need me all hours of the day and night, I think I've seen off whatever aggro has been thrown at me recently, so will try and forget it rather than remind myself by trying to remember details!

Hello, Gatsby-I am very saddened to hear about your [I assume], advanced MS...last year I developed serious eye problems which, according to my eye specialists and neurologists, puts me at 70% catagory to go on into MS,also. I can at least identify with your bewilderment and frustration at having an illness nobody seems to know much about. It's frightening. I have always been a strong-minded sort, but my cheer and hope for the future always comes from God, my oldest friend. I am thinking of you. Kate

I must say something now. I'm in a "remission". The disease has taken a hike. It'll be back, and I know that, but it is giving me a break for now. After all my 'gloom and doom' I thought that would be OK to share. I'm almost ready to go on the road and speak about MS. I guess I'd better do it before I can totally not walk again. I look a total fright now (busted out all my teeth falling down the steps) but maybe someone will hear. Irregardless of how I look. The high point of the day? Hope. The low point of the day: Giving up, despite the temptation.

I don't know if you're going on an extended trip or just out for a day or two...we're happy to hear that things are somewhat better. Are you a formal MS spokes person, or is this something you do when the need arises and you feel you can help?
I'm very concerned to hear about your teeth. Can they be restored without emptying the bank account? Not to mention being black and blue from toppling down the stairs. It's awful.

well to me Gatsby, it's good news!

Great news about the remission, long may it last.

YAAAAAAY!! I'm not sure if you are christian or not, (I'm not, I consider myself spiritual), but I have friends who are, and I have had them praying for you. I have also been sending positive thoughts your way. I'll let everyone know their prayers are working, and to keep them going, so YOU can keep going!

*dances*

I know how precious those remissions can be, Gatsby. I had a colleague once who awoke each morning wondering if that day was going to be the day when she went into remission for a while. I'm very very happy to hear you have a remission at present. Who knows, it might be for a goodly time.

Gatsby --

It's great to see that your spirit and humor is still strong and you've been able to access a community without leaving your door.

I'm not sure how far down the treatment chain you have gone, but there are a whole slew of new treatments in development, such as this, http://www.healthology.com/webcast_trans...p;b=healthology

I really hope you research and consider every possible avenue (if you have not yet); far too often you hear stories of people who were written off by a doctor, only to seek treatment elsewhere and live a full and happy life. If you haven't already, seek multiple opinions. You'd likely be able to access cutting edge therapies rapidly with advanced MS and you might hit on something that works. I can't imagine what it's like, so all I can do is offer encouragement and admiration for the way you appear to be handling things.

Whatever you do, don't give up. Your mind is obviously in great shape, and that's most important.

Terry

Thanks, Terry! I'm still exploring every option - there are SO many, though. But my spirit thrives and my sense of humor tries and my brain still works. To be honest, most of that comes from the community here that you built. What a great group of people! I'm going to make it because I just say so. No doctor is going to tell me otherwise just yet. And, really, what would I do if I got too far down? Missing all the "skinny" on what's going on at FT would surely kill me much faster than MS will .

Hey Gatsby-you sound wonderful. I am inclined to agree with you about keeping one's humor in tact - no matter what. I have been through a lot of tough things in life. But two things have kept me together ...my faith in God and my sense of humor. This is something people in my family have always done to cope with overwhelming circumstances.
I admire your grace and strength. You are not self absorbed and are willing to reach out to other people, even when you yourself are in great need. You are one of the folks who have made me feel welcomed here, and I am grateful.
We are here for you if you need us.

I don't even know where to start at this point of the day. My 'high' of Sunday would probably be considered a bit weird by most people. I try to be as optimistic as the next guy - I think EVERYONE should be. It is becoming startlingly clear to me now that attitude is the biggest influence on just about everything in life. If you get up in the morning convinced that it's going to be a bad day then odds are that is what you'll get. So optimism is terrific, necessary and ultimately vital to the human life force. But I have a little 'romance' going with Reality, too. I guess I should report that my remission already lifted. I knew it would, so that's no great surprise around here. But that's just reality and also was, oddly enough, the high point of my day. There was a sort of peace in just finding that plateau in my mind that accepts that none of this is ever going to change. I can be repelled by my situation, even totally depressed about it. But, bottom line, neither one of those is going to pay the water bill at the end of the day. But, anyway, I found this "place" in my brain where it seems almost comfortable to just shake Mr. Reality's hand and just be friends. The optimism is still there but there has to be some realistic sensibility for all of it. I think I've spent too long thinking things have to be one way or the other. I can be both a little smart AND at the same time make stupid mistakes. I can be a little fearful AND know that everyone's afraid of something. My fears aren't all that special. I can be a little ill AND savor the fact that I'm still vital in many ways. I finally got comfortable today with the whole concept that there is a we of me. Some of it is good and some isn't but it's all here. And I have room for the whole pack of rascals. One is no more important than the others. As I ramble...

My low point of the day was easy enough, too. My buddy sent me a link to some "Phantom Of The Opera" stuff and it didn't work. Darn it. And also my friend, whose husband has that cancer, just refuses to talk about it realistically. I don't think it needs dwelled on but it truly is part of her life now. Maybe she'll have a day soon like mine was today. I'm sorry to be so windy! I'm sure the last thing I am is interesting to read when I get like this.

I don't know about that Dave, I think you have taught us all a heck of a lot. You are never boring, don't even think it.

Well my personal highlight of the day is passing my Advanced ECDL Powerpoint exam, got my certificate today. There are two more sections to go...Advanced Excel, which I am working on now, and Advanced Database. Might take me another two years to complete them but I am in no hurry! I am learning as I go along!

Can only agree with Sue, Gats. Boring is not a word I'd associate with Gatsby711, even in my most deluded moments, and there are plenty of those.

Congratulations, JM - that's great news, and a definitely great 'high'. Going to give online courses to us non-adepts at some stage? I'll sign up straightaway. I know how to use my computer, bu never studied any of the programmes much.

As for my personal high/low - it's been a quiet day here, no real high or low. I guess if I had to mention something it was how chuffed I was that my daughter mastered using a compass - something which has been bugging her for a few weeks. No lows today - that can only be good news

My high for the day - I am going to the Josh Groban concert tonight with my mother-in-law. She got the tickets for us for Christmas.

Low - Had a really bad day at work. Good thing I am not allowed to bring weapons to work or I would have used it on one of the girls. grrrrrr


Edited to add:

Just got a new low for the day... an acquaintance of mine from another online forum passed away today. He was in a car accident back in October where he lost his wife (the other driver was at fault). He has been in the hospital since that time, and we thought he was doing okay. They were making plans to move him to a full-care facility. He was on a respirator full-time, and required 24/7 care, but he still was able to communicate and seemed to be in fairly good spirits. Not sure of the final diagnosis, but think it was his heart that gave out. He was 39.

No, Santana, I couldn't teach, too impaitent to do that! Sorry about your friend Silver Moonsong

Sue: Thank you. You're my hero!

Jane: Never stop learning. Congrats as you go!

Santana: The youngsters are supposed to be smarter than us. I guess that's the way it works, anyway. I hate being outsmarted by a kid, but it seems to happen all the time. The little scamps.

SilverMoonsong: I don't know what to say on your loss. 39 is way too young to be saying 'goodbyes'. My heart reaches your way, though.

I received some wonderful news this week. As many of you will know my daughter has had huge problems with her eyes for the past fifteen months, laser treatment, several operations etc. We have been worried about the prognosis as the eye specialist had said that no one seems to know what caused the problem. This week she has been discharged, he doesn't need to see her again and as far as he is concerned he sees no reason why she should have further problems. I am SO relieved as she is hearing impaired so lip reads, if she lost her sight she would also lose her hearing.

Second bit of goodish news, my mother who has been in hospital since the beginning of the year could be discharged later this week, she is 88 and has had pneumonia plus her spine is crumbling.

Now I just need to win the lottery...

High point of my day: I managed to write another 50 words ofmy dissertation

Low point of my day? I only managed to write another 50 words of my dissertation

Actually, I changed my mind. The high point of today is that my boyfriend and I have been together a year today Shame he's so far away.

I am so glad to hear about your daughter, Sue. Being without sight and hearing both is unimaginable. You must be so pleased...and relieved about your mother, also!

Even though none of you knew Tony, I wanted to share his obit. Shared joy is increased; Shared pain is lessened...


Beij Antonio (Tony) Beltrisi

On February 3, 2005, around 11:15 p.m., Beij Antonio (Tony) Beltrisi joined his beloved wife, Sara Erdman, and faithful dog, Charlie, in what we believe is a rich afterlife. Sara died from injuries suffered in the car wreck on October 12, 2004, which left Tony hospitalized in critical condition. Tony is now free of the confines of a painful body limited by paralysis, and for that we are grateful. Tony will be sorely missed by his in-laws, Joan Erdman, Howard Erdman and Deborah and Irvin Cornavaca; and his nephews, Benjamen and Nathan Cornavaca; and a large number of chosen family and online friends. To demonstrate your respect for Tony's life, and long suffering death, live each day to the fullest, love with an open heart, and be true to WHO you are! A private memorial will be held next week and Tony's ashes will be scattered in the Atlantic Ocean where we scattered Sara's ashes in October.

So sad.

Finally have some great news - at least really great for me. I just sold one of our cars, after having it for sale for about 2 months. I kept my dad's car, and we had the "family" car, but I also had my little toyota paseo, which I loved. Since we had three cars, but only 2 of us, we decided to keep both of the sedans, and sell the little sports car. And I just sold it! YAAAAAAAAAAAAAYY!!!!

*happy dances around*

So , when are you coming over for a shop??