Dear JoJo:

This is my last 'official' day at FunTrivia and, sentimental softy that I am, I just had to come up with some thoughts for you. Especially you. But also for Sandlewood, PhoenixProgram, gammab, BlakeHunt and fay_mc. I can't claim full credit fo what follows; I was searching the web for some ideas and found some poems (unfortunately without the authors' names). So, I combined them, and changed them, and came up with the following, just for you:

The Mirror

Within my reflection
what did I see?
Did I see who I am
or what he made me be?

Is the image obscured,
hazy at best,
by the actions of those
who won't let my soul rest?

That mirrored idea,
all that I wanted to be,
I let someone else
destroy it for me.

But you listened and guided and, so patiently,
you gave me the courage to help set my soul free.
You held out your hand and, by offering it to me,
you unclouded my vision so that I could finally see.
The pain and the heartache is there, and always will be,
but it was through the love of a stranger that I finally found me.

with love, gratitude and respect,

Rich

PS/ it's my last 'official' day....but I'll be a regular visitor on an 'unofficial' basis.

Wow!! This is soooo sweet!!

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Sandalwood's Cosmic Creations: Working with the magic of love....

Good-bye.

Your Fellow Editor,
IndianPainter

Rich, I read your lovely poem and I am speechless. What a dear friend you are. I just can't think of the right words to say, I am just looking at this screen. I will try to talk to you tonight via Instant Messenger if I can ever find you. We don't seem to be on at the same time. You know that I wish you the very very best in everything you do. I hope that you will still be around the forums. We would all miss you terribly.

Good Luck in all that you do! Don't be a stranger.

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This message was typed in front of a live studio audience!

I am so rude...I've forgotten so many. Linda1, Gunslinger, Chealseabelle, jazzkickazz (doncha LOVE that name!), Valerie (who offered to show me somw thigh...I'M WAITING!!!), Terry, I know I'm still forgetting some...forgive me. But since I've had some success with rhyme, I again borrowed, switched, tweeked (Gosh, I hope that wasn't illegal!) and, so, guys...this one's for you;

The Unseen

Although you all are friends of mine
and posts we have exchanged,
I wouldn't know you on the street;
that really seems so strange.

You hold a place within my life
that's special and unique;
we share ideas, goals and schemes
and yet we never speak!

I picture who I think you are;
I'm sure you picture me.
An intriguing game for both of us
for someone we can't see.

So, for this friendship we possess
we owe the mail a debt.
Perhaps the charm lies in the fact
that we have never met.

Strangers, yet friends, so near yet so far,
often in mind and always in heart.
Destiny has willed that we should be
never together, yet never apart.

With sincere good wishes,

Rich

I've got to level with you all. I know I've mentioned it before, but I've had 3 brain surgeries to try to control pain and balance problems from that darn auto accident. The symptoms took a couple of years to manifest themselves.

In 1999, I underwent an experimental procedure called Deep Brain Stimulation in which probes were placed in my brain that were hooked up via wires to 2 generators in my chest. Well, they were defective and I had to have everything disconected, but left in place.

Well, it looks like I'm going to have to have them either removed or re-connected. An infection is possible if I don't...that would do me in. Anyway, I'm gonna have to go down to Johns Hopkins for a consult to see just where I stand. Plus, I'm gonna have to get the courage to do that again. It takes over 9 hours and I have to be awake while it's done.

So, if you could send some good thoughts my way, I'd appreciate it. I found this out last Thursday and was gonna keep it to myself, but, frankly, I'm scared to death.

Good thoughts, please.

Rich

Aww Rich I am sooo sorry to hear that..Thoughts,prayers and candles will be lit on this end...Let me know exactly when the surgery is okay??

I had an aunt who went though what you are experiencing..My heart goes out to you..It was so hard for her too..

Fear is a normal process...However ever..it does tell you that you have a strong will and the desire to beat this...

BIG HUGS!!

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Sandalwood's Cosmic Creations: Working with the magic of love....

Rich, my goodness. That is quite a burden, isn't it? You will most definitely be in a lot of thoughts around here. You take care of yourself and know that there are a lot of people who are hoping that all goes well and that you are soon out of danger.

Please let us know how you're doing.

Dear Rich, I am so very sorry that you face yet another frightening ordeal.If good wishes can help, I am sending you a ton of them.I hope that all will go well.Please know you will be in my heart and my thoughts.Let us all know how you are.

And...if I thought it would help, I'd flash some thigh for you too.At the very least it would give you a laugh.

MY thoughts are with you too ,Rich... hope you like the card!!!XXX Auntie ren

Maybe Dionne Knows!

How does that song go?
I'm gonna sing it!
"Promises, Promises?",
I'll have to wing it!

Here I am, one lonely guy.
Waiting and waiting. Why O why?
It's taking forever; I'm not shy.
I WANNA SEE VAL'S AND CB'S THIGH!

Hi!

Thanks for everything! I'm so happy!
But If I keep up these poems,
Somebody's gonna slap me!
I can't help it; I just wanna show 'em
to those who seem to like a good po -em.

Well, I better get outta here
'Cause on and on, in and outta my ear
come rhyming words..I'm beginning to fear
I'll rhyme myself to death and wind up on high,
without ever seeing VAL'S AND CB'S THIGH!

So bye for now, have a good day,
catch ya later, and may I say,.........

Oh God......make it stop!!!!!!

Love,

Rich

Oh my goodness, I never thought something would happen this dire. . .

Always here, never stopping
We will always be here for you
Encouraging you to keep on going
Wel will always be here with you
Never leaving you alone
We will always be with you

There will always be light
And never shall darkness envelop you
We will be with you
Until the end of days
Praying and hoping.
Thinking and loving.
We will always be with you.

I think it stopped...it's been a while. Wanted to remind you...I'd walk a mile
for just a glimpse of a little leg;
come on girls,,,don't make me beg!

DAMMIT!!!!

We will always hold you dear in our thoughts, Rich. Wherever you are, remember, we will be with you.

Thank you so much BoyScout. That's beautiful.
It made me sniffle. Thank God there's no rhyme for 'sniffle'!

JoJo, do you remember there? Rich, I think they'd help in a time like now: www.funtrivia.com/forums/Forum25/HTML/000234.html JoJo, why isn't it getting the friendship quotes we exchanged? Rich, go into Useful Tips and Tricks. Go Down to your topic JoJo- A Special Thank-you.

[This message has been edited by BoyScout (edited 07-31-2000).]

Rich, I am so sorry that I wasn't here all day. You poor dear. You know that we will be right beside you all the way. While you are in surgery, I want you to close your eyes and feel all our hands holding yours and try to feel our spirits of light that we will be pouring down upon you to get you though. In fact we will send you so much love and warmth that I am willing to bet you will be asking the doc for a computer so that you can post to all your friends at FunTrivia. I can't remember if you mentioned a date but if you don't mind sharing it with us, we will send you lots of e-cards and have a get well and welcome home thread waiting for you when you return. We will shower you with smiles and good cheer and more hugs then you can stand. Here's a big hug to get your healing started before the operation. Now if chelseabelle shows you some thigh, then you'll be smiling all the way to operating room. BIG HUGS RICH!!!

I'm flashing it, Rich, I'm flashing it!

I'm flashing some thigh
for one nifty guy,
I'm flashing this thigh
just for Rich.
So you all turn your head,
before I turn red,
This thigh is only for Rich.

And if Rich needs more
There's a whole lot in store
But,again, it's only for Rich.
I'll strip to my thong
let my dingies go dong,
And this bounty is only for Rich.

And if Rich needs more
I'll open the door
And let all the rest of you in.
We'll all cavort naked,
till Rich laughs till he ache-ed,
cries out,"I can't take it",
and never feels glum again.

Now ya got me doing it rdp

I'm the luckiesy guy in the wrorld. Thanks to all of you. So much thanks.

I've got bad news..and good news. the bad news is that I'm crying so hard I can't see the keys or screen. The good news is...the rhymes have stopped.

I'm gonna go back to bed now...I eel a major crying jag coming on. But, guess what...they're happy, grateful, thankful tears.

rich

{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Hi Everyone:

Thought I'd give you an update. I have an appointment on August 22nd with Frederick Lenz, MD, who is (according to my neurologist) one of the best neurosurgeons in the world. I brought him up on Johns Hopkins website; he looks about 15 years old. I've got socks older than this guy! Could it be that I'm getting older?

He supposedly has experience with Deep Brain Stimulation that was used for non-tremor cases like mine.

I've often heard stories about people who, in times of crisis or emotional upheaval, get strength from 'somewhere'. It's happened to me, and I'm sure it has affected all of us at one time or another. But, for the fist time, it's tangible; I can actually feel it. And what makes it so wonderful is knowing that it comes from people who don't HAVE TO care (like a blood relative); it comes from people who WANT TO care. Do you have any idea how wonderful that is? I DO!!!!

Love,

Rich

We care about you a lot Rich and don't ever forget it. It is really late for me so I will be back in the morning. I just wanted to send a hug your way before I go to sleep Rich. <<Hug>>

In unity there is strength,rdp--and we are ALL behind you and with you.So lean on us in any way you need to.

I don't know if this will cheer you up any, but...

Do you realize that you are the only one around here who has documented proof of having a brain?

Continue to arm yourself with humor,rdp--it's the only way to deal with life---and you have a great sense of humor, which will help to carry you through all of this.

And, if your spirits flag, I am sure we can prevail upon sandalwood to do a moondance for you---even during your surgery if need be

Just know you can count on us.Take care.

Rich, my prayers are with you. Take the love and prayers of all your friends at FT to help you through this ordeal. God Bless