Small Talk: The Prayer Closet

[emma675]

Mindthinkr, thanks for checking in. My mom's surgery was much more extensive than planned. Even though her cancer markers were practically nonexistent they found cancerous lesions all over her abdomen. The surgeon is amazing and they were able to remove everything they saw but we suspect there are lesions they just couldn't see so she'll start up chemo again in January. For someone who was cut open from above her bellybutton to her pubic bone, had a bowel resection and had all of her guts manhandled, she is doing fairly well today. We're hoping for no complications. 

I'm pretty worn out, it was a shock that things were that bad in there. Luckily the hospital is near my house so I can go back and forth and give my dad a break. 

[Barb23]

@emma675  I'm praying & sending good vibes to you & your mother. She sounds like a strong lady.  Wishing her a speedy recovery  and hoping the chemo goes well in January. 

[lookeyloo]

@emma675 - sending healing vibes to your mother.  If I could send chicken soup, I would.  I am a Jewish grandma and our soup is supposed to have healing properties!  So, sending a virtual batch!!

[Mindthinkr]

@emma675 I’m really crossing my fingers that the surgeon got all/most of the lesions out. Make sure to get some rest because when she comes out she’s going to need you and lean on you. I’ll continue to pray for remission and a full recovery. Best wishes. 

[andromeda331]

@EMMA675 prayers your way.

[emma675]

Everyone is so nice here. 

Even though I know she's probably gone, I've been thinking about Arwen a lot lately, and Micks Picks too. I hope they're living it up, wherever they are. 

[Fuzzysox]

Just stopping by to say I miss you guys and snarking. My mom took a tumble and ended up in the hospital for a week. No broken bones thank God but has issues with high blood sugars.

I  will be in living in the land of no internets so snark on (my old childhood home in my twin bed, woohoo!) Oh, I can't wait to get back to see who is pregnant, getting married or divorced! lol

Edited November 28, 2018 by Fuzzysox

[doodlebug]

15 hours ago, emma675 said:

Everyone is so nice here. 

Even though I know she's probably gone, I've been thinking about Arwen a lot lately, and Micks Picks too. I hope they're living it up, wherever they are. 

We talked about doing a 'remembering' for them, but then I dropped the ball.  How does Saturday at noon EST work?  Set the alarm on your phone and, when you hear it, spend a couple of minutes appreciating their gifts to us.  Say a prayer, light a candle, admire nature, admire the Christmas tree.  Just spend a few minutes sending peace and good wishes to them as they continue on their journeys, wherever they may be.

[Mindthinkr]

50 minutes ago, doodlebug said:

We talked about doing a 'remembering' for them, but then I dropped the ball.  How does Saturday at noon EST work?  Set the alarm on your phone and, when you hear it, spend a couple of minutes appreciating their gifts to us.  Say a prayer, light a candle, admire nature, admire the Christmas tree.  Just spend a few minutes sending peace and good wishes to them as they continue on their journeys, wherever they may be.

Sounds good. Count me in 🙏🏻📿

[Westiepeach]

1 hour ago, doodlebug said:

We talked about doing a 'remembering' for them, but then I dropped the ball.  How does Saturday at noon EST work?  Set the alarm on your phone and, when you hear it, spend a couple of minutes appreciating their gifts to us.  Say a prayer, light a candle, admire nature, admire the Christmas tree.  Just spend a few minutes sending peace and good wishes to them as they continue on their journeys, wherever they may be.

I love this. Setting my phone alarm now...

[Sew Sumi]

What a great idea! 

[Natalie68]

18 hours ago, emma675 said:

Everyone is so nice here. 

Even though I know she's probably gone, I've been thinking about Arwen a lot lately, and Micks Picks too. I hope they're living it up, wherever they are. 

What happened with Micks Picks?  

[Marigold]

6 hours ago, doodlebug said:

We talked about doing a 'remembering' for them, but then I dropped the ball.  How does Saturday at noon EST work?  Set the alarm on your phone and, when you hear it, spend a couple of minutes appreciating their gifts to us.  Say a prayer, light a candle, admire nature, admire the Christmas tree.  Just spend a few minutes sending peace and good wishes to them as they continue on their journeys, wherever they may be.

I sent a few messages to Arwen with clear subject titles for her husband to recognize that we are forum friends looking for her.

It's been two months and no response.  I think Arwen has passed on.  My mom died of Ovarian cancer and it's so damn aggressive.  Her lasts posts were not good...spread to the liver and elsewhere.  I'm so sad. 

 

I just popped over here to say hello, let you know I'm OK and just super busy with work, homeschooling and driving kids.  I didn't scroll back and catch up yet.  I hope you are all OK and I think of you.  

[bythelake]

5 hours ago, Natalie68 said:

What happened with Micks Picks?  

We last heard from Micks Picks just before she had major cardiac surgery. It sounded like a complicated procedure and she was very worried. She was a widow who lived alone with her dog that she adored and had little or no family. It’s been close to 2 years now.

For those who didn’t know Arwen, read the Parodies and goofy thread. She posted hysterical haikus about the Duggar clan. She had a wonderful imagination and even with her struggles remained upbeat. 

[Love2dance]

Rememberance is on my calendar. Thank you @doodlebug for setting this up. I miss them both.

[Natalie68]

2 hours ago, bythelake said:

We last heard from Micks Picks just before she had major cardiac surgery. It sounded like a complicated procedure and she was very worried. She was a widow who lived alone with her dog that she adored and had little or no family. It’s been close to 2 years now.

For those who didn’t know Arwen, read the Parodies and goofy thread. She posted hysterical haikus about the Duggar clan. She had a wonderful imagination and even with her struggles remained upbeat. 

Thank you for that history.  I hope she is ok.  I am sad about Arwen.  

[CalicoKitty]

O.K.  I finally did it and "cut the cord" with my cable company.  I switched my telephone land line to Ooma - which is a VOIP that is inexpensive and very good quality-and had a small antenna put on my roof.  I can pull in 39 stations where I live with HD quality.  I signed up for HULU live so I can get all my sports stations. Hulu live also records programs.  I have Amazon Prime and NetFlix.  I also bought the brand new Amazon Fire Cube, which is simply amazing.  Tell it to turn on the TV and open a program by name, and it will find it.  It also works as a regular Amazon Echo, so I can tell it to play a certain radio station, or a genre of music.  Or just ask any questions. It works as an alarm clock and timer, also.

Then I broke down and added the brand new Amazon Recast which provides a great program guide for antenna programs.  It also records off the air.  It also automatically switches between tv inputs for antenna and the other apps.  I figure my savings from the cable company will pay for my new equipment in about 4 months.  Our local cable company has the best internet, but that is all I'm paying for from them now. 

I'm loving not having to use several remotes to operate my TV.  My voice, and occasionally the small FireCube remote, are all I need.

By the way, the Ooma phone system has the best call blocking I have ever had.

I'm  set for Saturday.

[Catfin]

Good Job Calico. We cut the cord 18 months ago. Big savings, better programming options. 

4th quarter is kicking my butt at work.  There are not enough hours in the day to accomplish all that needs to be done, and I’m very protective of my time after 5:30 PM.  

[Marigold]

I have a note to myself to pop over here 12pm EST Saturday.  

[Absolom]

I'll be here in thought tomorrow or try to be.  I'll be babysitting my granddaughter and she will probably be trying to sort through my closets.  She doesn't get to my house very often so it's like a treasure chest to her when she does.

[Mindthinkr]

I’m setting my alarm for 11:55. Are we meeting here or are all of us doing our own thing, but at the same time? 

[Zella]

On 11/4/2018 at 12:03 AM, Love2dance said:

Please get a second opinion before your granddad gets any shoulder surgery. Mr. Dance, a senior, dislocated his shoulder last year. We were told by several surgeons that they really do NOT recommend shoulder surgery for seniors as it doesn’t tend to attach properly due to the condition of the aging tissues where they have to pin it. It often fails. But he has been faithful doing physical therapy rehab and it is much better. He will never have full movement or strength, but he definitely can use it for most things not requiring his arm to reach completely overhead. Of course, your granddad’s condition may be completely different, but I suggest asking about the success rate they expect if it is recommended. So sorry he is going through this, and I hope he gets relief one way or another.

I know this is a few weeks later, but @Loves2Dance, I wanted to thank you again for your great advice on this. We finally got to see a shoulder specialist this week, and he confirmed their preference is not to do surgery on someone my grandpa's age. Fortunately, it seems like his injuries are healing well with with exercises prescribed him. He also received a cortisone shot for pain and can get another one in 3 months if need be. 

My life has been crazy lately, so not on here a lot right now, but all of you who are struggling or having family issues, please know you're in my thoughts and prayers. :) 

[Christina87]

Y'all!!! I went on a date with the online guy, and he is nice as can be! He looked like he did in his normal pics, and we had a great time at dinner and a light show! Hahaha just wanted to update you. 😉 He asked me out again too! Very glad I decided to go. 😃😃😃

[Loves2Dance]

58 minutes ago, Zella said:

I know this is a few weeks later, but @Loves2Dance, I wanted to thank you again for your great advice on this. We finally got to see a shoulder specialist this week, and he confirmed their preference is not to do surgery on someone my grandpa's age. Fortunately, it seems like his injuries are healing well with with exercises prescribed him. He also received a cortisone shot for pain and can get another one in 3 months if need be. 

My life has been crazy lately, so not on here a lot right now, but all of you who are struggling or having family issues, please know you're in my thoughts and prayers. :) 

Tagging @Love2dance So she sees this. 

[Zella]

1 minute ago, Loves2Dance said:

Tagging @Love2dance So she sees this. 

Oh I'm so sorry! LOL THank you! 

[galaxychaser]

I need some good vibes. I’m crying buckets so forgive my grammar mistakes.

i talked to my uncle on thanksgiving he was fine. We made plans to go to eat on my birthday (December). 

Today I call to just say ask him how he is. Find out he just came from the hospital but he is very sick.

next week he is supposedly to have surgery on his back. He might end up in a wheelchair. 

He kept telling me he is going to die soon, but I didn’t believe it. 

He also told me not to tell his son who lives in another state. He doesn’t want him to worry. Apparently that’s why his wife, kid and him didn’t tell me e.

he asked me to light a candle for him and pray.

life sucks.

[Love2dance]

2 hours ago, Loves2Dance said:

Tagging @Love2dance So she sees this. 

Thank you, @Loves2Dance, we are so easily confused. 

@Zella, I’m glad your grandpa is doing better, and hopefully will heal well without the surgery. Mr. Dance has continued to faithfully do his physical therapy at home, and his shoulder is about 3/4 healed without surgery. So hopefully the same will be true for your Grandpa.

@galaxychaser, so sorry about your uncle. I really hope his surgery goes well. ((Hugs))

[Loves2Dance]

I am so sorry @galaxychaser. We lost my grandpa in the Spring of 2017 and he started telling me he was not only going to die, but was ready to die, around 2001. I pray his surgery goes well.

You're welcome @Love2Dance I think we're used to it by now. 

I wish I had happier thoughts to share, but alas I don't. A sweet friend of mine has been battling liver cancer for years---she was such a fighter even when there was no hope and somehow she always managed to pull through just that bit longer. Heaven gained an angel yesterday morning, but she is now cancer free so I suppose there is that. Her husband is now left to raise 2 kids on his own and their oldest only just turned 13. My heart is breaking for them. 

[Love2dance]

1 hour ago, Loves2Dance said:

I wish I had happier thoughts to share, but alas I don't. A sweet friend of mine has been battling liver cancer for years---she was such a fighter even when there was no hope and somehow she always managed to pull through just that bit longer. Heaven gained an angel yesterday morning, but she is now cancer free so I suppose there is that. Her husband is now left to raise 2 kids on his own and their oldest only just turned 13. My heart is breaking for them. 

I am truly sorry for your loss. It is heartbreaking when young parents lose their lives. I can’t wrap my head around why these things happen. I just can’t imagine that family’s pain and sorrow. 😥

[Christina87]

11 hours ago, galaxychaser said:

I need some good vibes. I’m crying buckets so forgive my grammar mistakes.

i talked to my uncle on thanksgiving he was fine. We made plans to go to eat on my birthday (December). 

Today I call to just say ask him how he is. Find out he just came from the hospital but he is very sick.

next week he is supposedly to have surgery on his back. He might end up in a wheelchair. 

He kept telling me he is going to die soon, but I didn’t believe it. 

He also told me not to tell his son who lives in another state. He doesn’t want him to worry. Apparently that’s why his wife, kid and him didn’t tell me e.

he asked me to light a candle for him and pray.

life sucks.

Hugs and prayers. So sorry to hear about that!!! 

[Love2dance]

Thinking about our missing friends, Arwin and Micks Picks. 😢

[lookeyloo]

Here for Arwen and Nicks Picks 

[bythelake]

For Arwen and MicksPicks, we remember your quick wit, kindness and bravery in the midst of adversity. You both added so much to this forum and are sorely missed.

Edited December 1, 2018 by bythelake
Spellcheck booboo

[Marigold]

Well, I'm  a little late as usual.  ;)  

 

@Arwen Evenstar  I enjoyed all of your posts.  You were funny, snarky but never mean spirited.  I love how you called Derick a Stick Bug!  Every time I see one of those ugly stick bug looking things, I think of you and Derick!  I even told my kids about it and now we all giggle at those bugs. 

I'm so sorry that miserable beast of ovarian cancer took you too soon. 

 

@Micks Picks  I enjoyed your posts and remember you posting about your medical issues.  You are missed over here, in our little corner of the world.  Praying for those who knew you in "real life" and feel the loss. 

[Mindthinkr]

🕯 I lit a candle and said a prayer for our missing friends. 🙏🏻

[doodlebug]

I put on some Christmas music (Natalie Cole) and spent a couple of minutes thinking of Arwen and Mick.  Being a Catholic heretic, I also said some prayers for them and their loved ones.  I felt a deep sense of peace and tranquility.

[Marigold]

Me too, @doodlebug

 

I know Arwen is in a better place .   I hope we all gave her some laughs and distraction while she was undergoing treatment. 

[BitterApple]

I'm very sad to think about Arwen and Micks Picks no longer being with us. I hope this board brought them some distraction and a few laughs as they battled their health issues. 

[Temperance]

I"m having trouble saying what I want to say, but her goes: I don't remember Micks Picks as well, but what I remember most about Arwen was her sense of compassion, open-mindedness and love of humanity. The way she the people we follow as human and the way she wanted good things for most of them, especially the children.  She was a great friend and she inspired me to watch Ru Paul's Drag Race (a show she liked). 

I hope both Arwen and Micks Picks are in a better place.  I hope they are sending us positive energy from the afterlife (if that's a thing) and since most of us seem to need it. I second what @BitterApple said. 

[Love2dance]

15 hours ago, Christina87 said:

Y'all!!! I went on a date with the online guy, and he is nice as can be! He looked like he did in his normal pics, and we had a great time at dinner and a light show! Hahaha just wanted to update you. 😉 He asked me out again too! Very glad I decided to go. 😃😃😃

I’m very proud of you, @Christina87, for taking the leap and having the courage to go on the date with online guy. At the very least, hopefully, you have made a friend. 👍🙂

[Christina87]

5 hours ago, Marigold said:

Well, I'm  a little late as usual.  ;)  

 

@Arwen Evenstar  I enjoyed all of your posts.  You were funny, snarky but never mean spirited.  I love how you called Derick a Stick Bug!  Every time I see one of those ugly stick bug looking things, I think of you and Derick!  I even told my kids about it and now we all giggle at those bugs. 

I'm so sorry that miserable beast of ovarian cancer took you too soon. 

 

@Micks Picks  I enjoyed your posts and remember you posting about your medical issues.  You are missed over here, in our little corner of the world.  Praying for those who knew you in "real life" and feel the loss. 

You seriously made me start crying! Such s beautiful, heartfelt post. This really is a community, and a caring one at that. I'm glad we have all found each other. 

Awwwww @Loves2Dance thank you so much!!!

[emma675]

I'm spending the weekend with mom my in the hospital as she fights cancer so I am all too familiar with what Arwen went through. 

She and Micks Picks were wonderful, smart, lovely women and we were all the better for knowing them.

[Catfin]

Say, quick medical question. I’ve self-diagnosed (with the help of Buoy Medical) Achilles tendinitis. It’s time to get in to have it checked out. What sort of doc should I see? Thinking of going directly to an orthopedic person. Ugh. I suspect there is a boot in my future.

[doodlebug]

3 minutes ago, Catfin said:

Say, quick medical question. I’ve self-diagnosed (with the help of Buoy Medical) Achilles tendinitis. It’s time to get in to have it checked out. What sort of doc should I see? Thinking of going directly to an orthopedic person. Ugh. I suspect there is a boot in my future.

I'd go to an orthopod.

[Westiepeach]

I would like to thank @doodlebug for organizing our Saturday time remembering @Arwen Evenstar and @Micks Picks. I felt a wave of peacefulness, so I am sure we accomplished our goal. I think they know how much they meant to us.

[doodlebug]

35 minutes ago, Westiepeach said:

I would like to thank @doodlebug for organizing our Saturday time remembering @Arwen Evenstar and @Micks Picks. I felt a wave of peacefulness, so I am sure we accomplished our goal. I think they know how much they meant to us.

You're very welcome, but I think I got more out of it than anyone.  It wasn't my idea; I was on a newsgroup (remember them?) years ago where someone set up a remembering for one of our members and I really liked the idea.  I agree about the peace it brings.

[Jynnan tonnix]

4 hours ago, doodlebug said:

You're very welcome, but I think I got more out of it than anyone.  It wasn't my idea; I was on a newsgroup (remember them?) years ago where someone set up a remembering for one of our members and I really liked the idea.  I agree about the peace it brings.

It really was a great idea. I was a bit remiss about actually setting timers or anything, but just coming here and reading all the thoughts everyone was posting still made me feel part of an actual wave of emotion directed to their memory. I didn't know MicksPicks all that well, but did have a bit of a connection with Arwen, and we had chatted briefly a time or two aside from the boards, but somehow not after she got sick. I really regret not reaching out to her more during that time, but I wanted to make sure she had her space. As much as I'm always willing to listen, it's not easy for me to ask questions or initiate conversations. Even though I understand that most people do actually appreciate that, I always feel as though I might be intruding.

[doodlebug]

13 minutes ago, Jynnan tonnix said:

IIt really was a great idea. I was a bit remiss about actually setting timers or anything, but just coming here and reading all the thoughts everyone was posting still made me feel part of an actual wave of emotion directed to their memory. I didn't know MicksPicks all that well, but did have a bit of a connection with Arwen, and we had chatted briefly a time or two aside from the boards, but somehow not after she got sick. I really regret not reaching out to her more during that time, but I wanted to make sure she had her space. As much as I'm always willing to listen, it's not easy for me to ask questions or initiate conversations. Even though I understand that most people do actually appreciate that, I always feel as though I might be intruding.

I don't think a remembering has to be locked into a certain date or time.  Even if someone wasn't able to participate yesterday, it's fine to do it whenever it suits you.  Just reading through the posts here brings back some nice memories.   I think it also shows the relationships we form online can enhance our lives in ways we never expected, that most people are kind and decent and generous.  That even though we come here to snark at the Duggars, we've got a closer, better connection than that and it's worth celebrating.

[jcbrown]

28 minutes ago, doodlebug said:

 I think it also shows the relationships we form online can enhance our lives in ways we never expected, that most people are kind and decent and generous.  That even though we come here to snark at the Duggars, we've got a closer, better connection than that and it's worth celebrating.

There are only a couple of people in my offline life who know I have this one and they all think it's a bit... quirky, let's say. But they don't really get it, and I'm not sure I really do either, how a shared love of a  particular flavor of snark can turn into something more like real connections. I'm happy to be a small part of it.

(Though I always wish I had realized that my username was going to represent my persona when I signed up. Ah well.).

[Scarlett45]

@Christina87 I have NOT been on a Disney Cruise. I’ve actually never been on a cruise, I always thought I didn’t need encouragement to eat and shop. I did promise my Mom that I would cruise with her to Alaska one of these days.