Tess

[Guest guest]

Dear Sweet Tess,

Your idea is a wonderful one. The only way to perpetuate life is by

remembering and honoring those who have gone on. Love never stops

being love, no matter what, and you BOTH still love each other. I

think it is a beautiful thing to do, to commemorate your love in this

way, and it can't help but promote some healing in Vince's family.

You are not celebrating his death, but his life, and the number of

years you have been (yes you still are!) together. A celebration of

life is never sad. You are acknowledging a very special life and a

very special relationship.

As for Vince recognizing you when you meet again, all I can say is

that he will see the lovely woman he fell in love with. Ron still

makes me feel beautiful, in spite of what the years and my

indiscretions have done, and he never fails to tell me I am beautiful.

Now about that ping-pong...

My older brother and I used to play ping pong all summer long when we

lived in California. We had a table set up in the patio between the

2 houses in our duplex. I tried to teach TJ how to play recently,

and it ended up with both of us sitting on the floor and batting the

ball around.

OK, off to wrap more gifts. You have a wonderful peaceful night!

Love ya,

Judi

[Guest guest]

<PRE>tess, sorry you are having a rough night. that wasn't fair that your mom

changed her mind. (unless she is ill) it is very sad that you have not been

included in your family plans. you are always welcome here. hang in there,

(sick of being sick with a very horse voice) kathy in il

[Guest guest]

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((VERY gentle hug back to you,

Tess))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

I've never had my collar bones hurting, thank goodness. That must be awful.

My shoulders are really bad, though. It's excruciating to lift my arms. I

also have something new: my right arm has a very sharp, nerve-like pain in

the hand, elbow, and shoulder. It's so bad I have it in a sling so I don't

use it so much. The doctor said it's very inflamed, and maybe that's

pressing on a nerve. All my arm and leg joints hurt, but my hips are always

the worst. There's not a day my hips aren't painful, but they're

particularly bad now. If my hips always hurt, could I have some joint

erosion I wonder? Or maybe just inflammation that doesn't ease enough

You really need to talk to the Dr. about the sleep problem, because that can

cause a downward spiral. I've been having some trouble sleeping too, but by

1AM I'm able to get to sleep. Last year I had a spell where I couldn't

sleep until 4AM, and woke up at 7. Within a week I could barely get out of

bed. Stan finally made me go to the Dr. and get something for sleep, which

I really didn't want to do. But it did make a difference. I used Ambien for

awhile, and it was a blessing, but I didn't want to take it for more than a

week. I now have Trazodone, which I take one half of a tablet at night,

and helps a lot. It's a really low dose, but it's enough to help me wind

down. I chose the Trazodone because it's an antidepressant rather than a

sedative. It is safer, I think.

I can't imagine what it must be like to have Fibro pain in addition to the

RA flare. Are the headaches part of it too? I get eye and throat pain, but

I think mine's from extreme dryness.

After the 13th, will you be able to get back on your mtx and Remicade?

As you're resting, close your eyes and imagine a big hug from me and from

the group. You're such a sweet, special spirit and I'll be praying for you

morning and night to feel better soon. I sometimes have a hard time

understanding why such good people have to endure such difficult times,

although I'm glad we have the Lord to help us through it.

All my love,

Carol

[ ] Carol

Hi Carol...there is a lot of pain going on...my shoulders, collar bones,

arms, wrists and hands are the worse, but my hips hurt at night.

Headaches. My legs are full of muscle cramps, it's hard to walk

sometimes, my balace is off. My eyes hurt so much, and my throat chokes.

Sleep is not so good. I think it's one of those vicious circle

things...RA>>>FM>>>etc. Next 2 weeks will be lots of doctor appts, then

my procedures on the 13th. Hopefully, get back on track afterwards.

Going to try to take a nap. Are you feeling any better yet?

((((((((((((((Carol)))))))))))

Much love to you, dear Carol...

Tess