Re: re. Gwynne; misc. to friends; Kate's proposal!

[Guest guest]

Gwynnie....Does your lung transplant now mean you no longer have the lung problems? What about the other lung, is that one ok? How wonderful to think of yourself as "normal" again....to go out w/o O2! You'll feel naked girl!!

Hugs to you as always.

Mama-Sher, age 69.IPF 3/06, NSIP 4/08 OR. Don't fret about tomorrow, God is already there!

re. Gwynne; misc. to friends; Kate's proposal!

Terry,I'm thinking of you and hoping that today finds yourspirits lifted a bit. Those down days are part and parcelof the disease, but they are sometimes harder to toleratethan others. They can be nearly debilitating. We justhave to work through them and not stay stuck in theblahs for too long. I'm pulling for you, my new friend.,Please take extra care of yourself during the move. What atremendous undertaking. I hope you're getting lots andlots of help, and that you'll be very happy nearer thosewonderful Carlsbad beaches. I would be. I certainly hopeto visit that area again one day before TOO long, withoutoxygen. My first travel will probably be to Austin to see mykids, and then hopefully to get doctors' approval to visitthe Colorado Rockies. It makes me cry to think I'll get todo that again... a big chunk of my heart is there from manyyears back.Re. Irene,What's up with this no surgery thing!? Is is possible thateveryone is just too afraid to operate on the girl due tothe multitude of ailments that afflict her?...liability andall. I don't get it, it doesn't make any sense at all to mehow she keeps getting left hanging and in pain.Wally,Syder-sized hail sounds like a poor idea. I'll be hopingthat won't happen for your special event, which I thinkis just terrific that you're doing. I'm having troubleimagining Bruce as either a cowboy or a cajun, though.Wishing you MUCH success on the entire endeavor.Bruce,I've had a couple of episodes of dizziness the past fewdays - no fainting, just dizzy. I'm supposed to avoidbending over or making rapid movements. I've gotclinic day as always on Tuesday. My tremors are stillterrible (meds) but I'm taking VERY little pain med andsleeping well at night. Amazing! They think I'm still justweak and recovering from the thoracotomy, and aren'ttoo worried as long as my b.p. doesn't get any lower orI develop over a 100 degree fever. For anyone who doesn'tknow, for single lung transplant, they don't go in from thefront or the sternum. They go in from the back and wraparound the side. They cut through muscle, nerves, and sawthrough bones. It's supposed to be the most painful incisionof any heart or lung surgery performed.Unfortunately, I very well may NOT be able to get togetherwith the group next weekend, :-( based both on doctorrecommendation and my degree of weakness. Thursdaywill mark just one month out. I have to avoid groups andcrowds and lots of stairs, especially for the first threemonths, and no buffets ever again. Oh, I wanted to tell youI DID get a call last night from Dr. Rosenblatt (my Dallasdoctor) - finally. That made me feel much better! He wantsme to keep him posted once a week or so. He's very pleased,and he informed me that my donor was local, which Isuspected but wasn't sure of. He said that's a real advantagein several respects.Hey Gang,I have some wonderful news! Yesterday afternoon Kate'sboyfriend drove in for the weekend, and last night hePROPOSED to her!!!! I had an omelet here and told the twoof them to go out alone for dinner. He came early while shewas working out, to ask my blessing and to show me thebeautiful ring, which was his grandmother's. I'm so excitedfor them. Their happiness is tangible and contageous, andwhen THIS one of my kids gets married I won't be on oxygen.It damned near killed me planning the other wedding twoyears ago, but I did it, so I should be much more up to thechallenge this time. ugh, but hooray. They, too, want anuntraditional outdoor wedding, in Austin (like did) -neither could make it simpler and do the deed in Fort Worth! :-)It's so obvious how much of all of our (and your) lives were/areon hold and affected by the shadow of the monster. I hate itfor everyone, and Joyce, I do take a deep breaths EVERY dayspecifically for YOU and my air family. I know what you meanabout praying - we have to pray remembering that God hasalready answered our prayers. He is faithful, even when theplan doesn't appear to fit what we would have imagined or inour timeline. I'm not so certain there is A single plan, but Iknow he loves us and works for good for us, and I know heis gracious. We have to remain aware, in whatever our stateof health, of the small blessings and miracles all around us.Thank God for your fighting spirit (and mine, and all ourAir Family) - you gotta have it!! Never give up!May,Any dress yet????,I never received mail from Australia before - how exciting!Thank you for the sweet thoughts and prayers, dear one.How's school coming along for Ahli? Have you seen herlately?Sher,I'm sooo glad to hear you went out putzin. It's one of thethings I look forward to the most. How liberating just toget out of the house. L,Thank you so very much for the sweet card. I haven't heardyou mention much about yourself lately. I'm thinking of youand wishing you good days and hugs. Z,I'm delighted that you get to spend quality MomMom timewith the little darlins. Someone needs to figure out how tobottle that intoxicating baby smell - I think it's what peace,love, and innocence smell like. I hope the disequilibrium isimproving steadily - I hate that for you. Thanks for the dearcard and your loyal support.

[Guest guest]

Gwynne, You are absolutely awesome. It is so exciting to follow your posts. I've never known anyone with such a huge surgery come through it so quickly and with such a positive attitude. k Central IlSher Bauman wrote: Gwynnie....Does your lung transplant now mean you no longer have the lung problems? What about the other lung, is that one ok? How wonderful to think of yourself

as "normal" again....to go out w/o O2! You'll feel naked girl!! Hugs to you as always. Mama-Sher, age 69.IPF 3/06, NSIP 4/08 OR. Don't fret about tomorrow, God is already there! re. Gwynne; misc. to friends; Kate's proposal! Terry,I'm thinking of you and hoping that today finds yourspirits lifted a bit. Those down days are part and parcelof the disease, but they are sometimes harder to toleratethan others. They can be nearly debilitating. We justhave to work through them and not stay stuck in theblahs for too long. I'm pulling for you, my new friend.,Please take extra care of yourself during the move. What atremendous undertaking. I hope you're getting lots andlots of help, and that you'll be very happy nearer thosewonderful Carlsbad beaches. I would be. I certainly hopeto visit that area again one day before TOO long, withoutoxygen. My first travel will probably be to Austin to see mykids, and then hopefully to get doctors' approval to visitthe Colorado Rockies. It makes me cry to think I'll get todo that again... a big chunk of my heart is there from manyyears back.Re.

Irene,What's up with this no surgery thing!? Is is possible thateveryone is just too afraid to operate on the girl due tothe multitude of ailments that afflict her?...liability andall. I don't get it, it doesn't make any sense at all to mehow she keeps getting left hanging and in pain.Wally,Syder-sized hail sounds like a poor idea. I'll be hopingthat won't happen for your special event, which I thinkis just terrific that you're doing. I'm having troubleimagining Bruce as either a cowboy or a cajun, though.Wishing you MUCH success on the entire endeavor.Bruce,I've had a couple of episodes of dizziness the past fewdays - no fainting, just dizzy. I'm supposed to avoidbending over or making rapid movements. I've gotclinic day as always on Tuesday. My tremors are stillterrible (meds) but I'm taking VERY little pain med andsleeping well at night. Amazing! They think I'm still justweak and

recovering from the thoracotomy, and aren'ttoo worried as long as my b.p. doesn't get any lower orI develop over a 100 degree fever. For anyone who doesn'tknow, for single lung transplant, they don't go in from thefront or the sternum. They go in from the back and wraparound the side. They cut through muscle, nerves, and sawthrough bones. It's supposed to be the most painful incisionof any heart or lung surgery performed.Unfortunately, I very well may NOT be able to get togetherwith the group next weekend, :-( based both on doctorrecommendation and my degree of weakness. Thursdaywill mark just one month out. I have to avoid groups andcrowds and lots of stairs, especially for the first threemonths, and no buffets ever again. Oh, I wanted to tell youI DID get a call last night from Dr. Rosenblatt (my Dallasdoctor) - finally. That made me feel much better! He wantsme to keep him posted once a week or so. He's

very pleased,and he informed me that my donor was local, which Isuspected but wasn't sure of. He said that's a real advantagein several respects.Hey Gang,I have some wonderful news! Yesterday afternoon Kate'sboyfriend drove in for the weekend, and last night hePROPOSED to her!!!! I had an omelet here and told the twoof them to go out alone for dinner. He came early while shewas working out, to ask my blessing and to show me thebeautiful ring, which was his grandmother's. I'm so excitedfor them. Their happiness is tangible and contageous, andwhen THIS one of my kids gets married I won't be on oxygen.It damned near killed me planning the other wedding twoyears ago, but I did it, so I should be much more up to thechallenge this time. ugh, but hooray. They, too, want anuntraditional outdoor wedding, in Austin (like did) -neither could make it simpler and do the deed in Fort Worth!

:-)It's so obvious how much of all of our (and your) lives were/areon hold and affected by the shadow of the monster. I hate itfor everyone, and Joyce, I do take a deep breaths EVERY dayspecifically for YOU and my air family. I know what you meanabout praying - we have to pray remembering that God hasalready answered our prayers. He is faithful, even when theplan doesn't appear to fit what we would have imagined or inour timeline. I'm not so certain there is A single plan, but Iknow he loves us and works for good for us, and I know heis gracious. We have to remain aware, in whatever our stateof health, of the small blessings and miracles all around us.Thank God for your fighting spirit (and mine, and all ourAir Family) - you gotta have it!! Never give up!May,Any dress yet????,I never received mail from Australia before - how exciting!Thank you for the sweet thoughts and prayers, dear

one.How's school coming along for Ahli? Have you seen herlately?Sher,I'm sooo glad to hear you went out putzin. It's one of thethings I look forward to the most. How liberating just toget out of the house. L,Thank you so very much for the sweet card. I haven't heardyou mention much about yourself lately. I'm thinking of youand wishing you good days and hugs. Z,I'm delighted that you get to spend quality MomMom timewith the little darlins. Someone needs to figure out how tobottle that intoxicating baby smell - I think it's what peace,love, and innocence smell like. I hope the disequilibrium isimproving steadily - I hate that for you. Thanks for the dearcard and your loyal support. K Central Il Hubby ipf- 2006 As for me and my house, we will

serve the Lord 14

Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.

[Guest guest]

Congratulations to Kate

Love Ze xx>> Terry,> I'm thinking of you and hoping that today finds your> spirits lifted a bit. Those down days are part and parcel> of the disease, but they are sometimes harder to tolerate> than others. They can be nearly debilitating. We just> have to work through them and not stay stuck in the> blahs for too long. I'm pulling for you, my new friend.> > ,> Please take extra care of yourself during the move. What a> tremendous undertaking. I hope you're getting lots and> lots of help, and that you'll be very happy nearer those> wonderful Carlsbad beaches. I would be. I certainly hope> to visit that area again one day before TOO long, without> oxygen. My first travel will probably be to Austin to see my> kids, and then hopefully to get doctors' approval to visit> the Colorado Rockies. It makes me cry to think I'll get to> do that again... a big chunk of my heart is there from many> years back.> > Re. Irene,> What's up with this no surgery thing!? Is is possible that> everyone is just too afraid to operate on the girl due to> the multitude of ailments that afflict her?...liability and> all. I don't get it, it doesn't make any sense at all to me> how she keeps getting left hanging and in pain.> > Wally,> Syder-sized hail sounds like a poor idea. I'll be hoping> that won't happen for your special event, which I think> is just terrific that you're doing. I'm having trouble> imagining Bruce as either a cowboy or a cajun, though.> Wishing you MUCH success on the entire endeavor.> > Bruce,> I've had a couple of episodes of dizziness the past few> days - no fainting, just dizzy. I'm supposed to avoid> bending over or making rapid movements. I've got> clinic day as always on Tuesday. My tremors are still> terrible (meds) but I'm taking VERY little pain med and> sleeping well at night. Amazing! They think I'm still just> weak and recovering from the thoracotomy, and aren't> too worried as long as my b.p. doesn't get any lower or> I develop over a 100 degree fever. For anyone who doesn't> know, for single lung transplant, they don't go in from the> front or the sternum. They go in from the back and wrap> around the side. They cut through muscle, nerves, and saw> through bones. It's supposed to be the most painful incision> of any heart or lung surgery performed.> > Unfortunately, I very well may NOT be able to get together> with the group next weekend, :-( based both on doctor> recommendation and my degree of weakness. Thursday> will mark just one month out. I have to avoid groups and> crowds and lots of stairs, especially for the first three> months, and no buffets ever again. Oh, I wanted to tell you> I DID get a call last night from Dr. Rosenblatt (my Dallas> doctor) - finally. That made me feel much better! He wants> me to keep him posted once a week or so. He's very pleased,> and he informed me that my donor was local, which I> suspected but wasn't sure of. He said that's a real advantage> in several respects.> > Hey Gang,> I have some wonderful news! Yesterday afternoon Kate's> boyfriend drove in for the weekend, and last night he> PROPOSED to her!!!! I had an omelet here and told the two> of them to go out alone for dinner. He came early while she> was working out, to ask my blessing and to show me the> beautiful ring, which was his grandmother's. I'm so excited> for them. Their happiness is tangible and contageous, and> when THIS one of my kids gets married I won't be on oxygen.> It damned near killed me planning the other wedding two> years ago, but I did it, so I should be much more up to the> challenge this time. ugh, but hooray. They, too, want an> untraditional outdoor wedding, in Austin (like did) -> neither could make it simpler and do the deed in Fort Worth! :-)> It's so obvious how much of all of our (and your) lives were/are> on hold and affected by the shadow of the monster. I hate it> for everyone, and Joyce, I do take a deep breaths EVERY day> specifically for YOU and my air family. I know what you mean> about praying - we have to pray remembering that God has> already answered our prayers. He is faithful, even when the> plan doesn't appear to fit what we would have imagined or in> our timeline. I'm not so certain there is A single plan, but I> know he loves us and works for good for us, and I know he> is gracious. We have to remain aware, in whatever our state> of health, of the small blessings and miracles all around us.> Thank God for your fighting spirit (and mine, and all our> Air Family) - you gotta have it!! Never give up!> > May,> Any dress yet????> > ,> I never received mail from Australia before - how exciting!> Thank you for the sweet thoughts and prayers, dear one.> How's school coming along for Ahli? Have you seen her> lately?> > Sher,> I'm sooo glad to hear you went out putzin. It's one of the> things I look forward to the most. How liberating just to> get out of the house.> > L,> Thank you so very much for the sweet card. I haven't heard> you mention much about yourself lately. I'm thinking of you> and wishing you good days and hugs.> > Z,> I'm delighted that you get to spend quality MomMom time> with the little darlins. Someone needs to figure out how to> bottle that intoxicating baby smell - I think it's what peace,> love, and innocence smell like. I hope the disequilibrium is> improving steadily - I hate that for you. Thanks for the dear> card and your loyal support.>

[Guest guest]

Gwynnie....how wonderful to look forward to having a new son!! Kate will now be all a-dither in wedding plans....do they know when yet...?

I can imagine your thoughts that you will not only be there but be there with no O2!

What a perfect cap on such spectacular events in your family!

Love ya

Mama-Sher, age 69.IPF 3/06, NSIP 4/08 OR. Don't fret about tomorrow, God is already there!

Re: re. Gwynne; misc. to friends; Kate's proposal!

Congratulations to Kate

Love Ze xx>> Terry,> I'm thinking of you and hoping that today finds your> spirits lifted a bit. Those down days are part and parcel> of the disease, but they are sometimes harder to tolerate> than others. They can be nearly debilitating. We just> have to work through them and not stay stuck in the> blahs for too long. I'm pulling for you, my new friend.> > ,> Please take extra care of yourself during the move. What a> tremendous undertaking. I hope you're getting lots and> lots of help, and that you'll be very happy nearer those> wonderful Carlsbad beaches. I would be. I certainly hope> to visit that area again one day before TOO long, without> oxygen. My first travel will probably be to Austin to see my> kids, and then hopefully to get doctors' approval to visit> the Colorado Rockies. It makes me cry to think I'll get to> do that again... a big chunk of my heart is there from many> years back.> > Re. Irene,> What's up with this no surgery thing!? Is is possible that> everyone is just too afraid to operate on the girl due to> the multitude of ailments that afflict her?...liability and> all. I don't get it, it doesn't make any sense at all to me> how she keeps getting left hanging and in pain.> > Wally,> Syder-sized hail sounds like a poor idea. I'll be hoping> that won't happen for your special event, which I think> is just terrific that you're doing. I'm having trouble> imagining Bruce as either a cowboy or a cajun, though.> Wishing you MUCH success on the entire endeavor.> > Bruce,> I've had a couple of episodes of dizziness the past few> days - no fainting, just dizzy. I'm supposed to avoid> bending over or making rapid movements. I've got> clinic day as always on Tuesday. My tremors are still> terrible (meds) but I'm taking VERY little pain med and> sleeping well at night. Amazing! They think I'm still just> weak and recovering from the thoracotomy, and aren't> too worried as long as my b.p. doesn't get any lower or> I develop over a 100 degree fever. For anyone who doesn't> know, for single lung transplant, they don't go in from the> front or the sternum. They go in from the back and wrap> around the side. They cut through muscle, nerves, and saw> through bones. It's supposed to be the most painful incision> of any heart or lung surgery performed.> > Unfortunately, I very well may NOT be able to get together> with the group next weekend, :-( based both on doctor> recommendation and my degree of weakness. Thursday> will mark just one month out. I have to avoid groups and> crowds and lots of stairs, especially for the first three> months, and no buffets ever again. Oh, I wanted to tell you> I DID get a call last night from Dr. Rosenblatt (my Dallas> doctor) - finally. That made me feel much better! He wants> me to keep him posted once a week or so. He's very pleased,> and he informed me that my donor was local, which I> suspected but wasn't sure of. He said that's a real advantage> in several respects.> > Hey Gang,> I have some wonderful news! Yesterday afternoon Kate's> boyfriend drove in for the weekend, and last night he> PROPOSED to her!!!! I had an omelet here and told the two> of them to go out alone for dinner. He came early while she> was working out, to ask my blessing and to show me the> beautiful ring, which was his grandmother's. I'm so excited> for them. Their happiness is tangible and contageous, and> when THIS one of my kids gets married I won't be on oxygen.> It damned near killed me planning the other wedding two> years ago, but I did it, so I should be much more up to the> challenge this time. ugh, but hooray. They, too, want an> untraditional outdoor wedding, in Austin (like did) -> neither could make it simpler and do the deed in Fort Worth! :-)> It's so obvious how much of all of our (and your) lives were/are> on hold and affected by the shadow of the monster. I hate it> for everyone, and Joyce, I do take a deep breaths EVERY day> specifically for YOU and my air family. I know what you mean> about praying - we have to pray remembering that God has> already answered our prayers. He is faithful, even when the> plan doesn't appear to fit what we would have imagined or in> our timeline. I'm not so certain there is A single plan, but I> know he loves us and works for good for us, and I know he> is gracious. We have to remain aware, in whatever our state> of health, of the small blessings and miracles all around us.> Thank God for your fighting spirit (and mine, and all our> Air Family) - you gotta have it!! Never give up!> > May,> Any dress yet????> > ,> I never received mail from Australia before - how exciting!> Thank you for the sweet thoughts and prayers, dear one.> How's school coming along for Ahli? Have you seen her> lately?> > Sher,> I'm sooo glad to hear you went out putzin. It's one of the> things I look forward to the most. How liberating just to> get out of the house.> > L,> Thank you so very much for the sweet card. I haven't heard> you mention much about yourself lately. I'm thinking of you> and wishing you good days and hugs.> > Z,> I'm delighted that you get to spend quality MomMom time> with the little darlins. Someone needs to figure out how to> bottle that intoxicating baby smell - I think it's what peace,> love, and innocence smell like. I hope the disequilibrium is> improving steadily - I hate that for you. Thanks for the dear> card and your loyal support.>

[Guest guest]

Gwynne

Sorry a couple of problems but still so incredible considering the

time. As much as all of us would love to see you, I couldn't imagine

groups yet being good. Most important of anything you need to protect

yourself. Plenty of time now to see us all, just not right now.

>

> Terry,

> I'm thinking of you and hoping that today finds your

> spirits lifted a bit. Those down days are part and parcel

> of the disease, but they are sometimes harder to tolerate

> than others. They can be nearly debilitating. We just

> have to work through them and not stay stuck in the

> blahs for too long. I'm pulling for you, my new friend.

>

> ,

> Please take extra care of yourself during the move. What a

> tremendous undertaking. I hope you're getting lots and

> lots of help, and that you'll be very happy nearer those

> wonderful Carlsbad beaches. I would be. I certainly hope

> to visit that area again one day before TOO long, without

> oxygen. My first travel will probably be to Austin to see my

> kids, and then hopefully to get doctors' approval to visit

> the Colorado Rockies. It makes me cry to think I'll get to

> do that again... a big chunk of my heart is there from many

> years back.

>

> Re. Irene,

> What's up with this no surgery thing!? Is is possible that

> everyone is just too afraid to operate on the girl due to

> the multitude of ailments that afflict her?...liability and

> all. I don't get it, it doesn't make any sense at all to me

> how she keeps getting left hanging and in pain.

>

> Wally,

> Syder-sized hail sounds like a poor idea. I'll be hoping

> that won't happen for your special event, which I think

> is just terrific that you're doing. I'm having trouble

> imagining Bruce as either a cowboy or a cajun, though.

> Wishing you MUCH success on the entire endeavor.

>

> Bruce,

> I've had a couple of episodes of dizziness the past few

> days - no fainting, just dizzy. I'm supposed to avoid

> bending over or making rapid movements. I've got

> clinic day as always on Tuesday. My tremors are still

> terrible (meds) but I'm taking VERY little pain med and

> sleeping well at night. Amazing! They think I'm still just

> weak and recovering from the thoracotomy, and aren't

> too worried as long as my b.p. doesn't get any lower or

> I develop over a 100 degree fever. For anyone who doesn't

> know, for single lung transplant, they don't go in from the

> front or the sternum. They go in from the back and wrap

> around the side. They cut through muscle, nerves, and saw

> through bones. It's supposed to be the most painful incision

> of any heart or lung surgery performed.

>

> Unfortunately, I very well may NOT be able to get together

> with the group next weekend, :-( based both on doctor

> recommendation and my degree of weakness. Thursday

> will mark just one month out. I have to avoid groups and

> crowds and lots of stairs, especially for the first three

> months, and no buffets ever again. Oh, I wanted to tell you

> I DID get a call last night from Dr. Rosenblatt (my Dallas

> doctor) - finally. That made me feel much better! He wants

> me to keep him posted once a week or so. He's very pleased,

> and he informed me that my donor was local, which I

> suspected but wasn't sure of. He said that's a real advantage

> in several respects.

>

> Hey Gang,

> I have some wonderful news! Yesterday afternoon Kate's

> boyfriend drove in for the weekend, and last night he

> PROPOSED to her!!!! I had an omelet here and told the two

> of them to go out alone for dinner. He came early while she

> was working out, to ask my blessing and to show me the

> beautiful ring, which was his grandmother's. I'm so excited

> for them. Their happiness is tangible and contageous, and

> when THIS one of my kids gets married I won't be on oxygen.

> It damned near killed me planning the other wedding two

> years ago, but I did it, so I should be much more up to the

> challenge this time. ugh, but hooray. They, too, want an

> untraditional outdoor wedding, in Austin (like did) -

> neither could make it simpler and do the deed in Fort Worth! :-)

> It's so obvious how much of all of our (and your) lives were/are

> on hold and affected by the shadow of the monster. I hate it

> for everyone, and Joyce, I do take a deep breaths EVERY day

> specifically for YOU and my air family. I know what you mean

> about praying - we have to pray remembering that God has

> already answered our prayers. He is faithful, even when the

> plan doesn't appear to fit what we would have imagined or in

> our timeline. I'm not so certain there is A single plan, but I

> know he loves us and works for good for us, and I know he

> is gracious. We have to remain aware, in whatever our state

> of health, of the small blessings and miracles all around us.

> Thank God for your fighting spirit (and mine, and all our

> Air Family) - you gotta have it!! Never give up!

>

> May,

> Any dress yet????

>

> ,

> I never received mail from Australia before - how exciting!

> Thank you for the sweet thoughts and prayers, dear one.

> How's school coming along for Ahli? Have you seen her

> lately?

>

> Sher,

> I'm sooo glad to hear you went out putzin. It's one of the

> things I look forward to the most. How liberating just to

> get out of the house.

>

> L,

> Thank you so very much for the sweet card. I haven't heard

> you mention much about yourself lately. I'm thinking of you

> and wishing you good days and hugs.

>

> Z,

> I'm delighted that you get to spend quality MomMom time

> with the little darlins. Someone needs to figure out how to

> bottle that intoxicating baby smell - I think it's what peace,

> love, and innocence smell like. I hope the disequilibrium is

> improving steadily - I hate that for you. Thanks for the dear

> card and your loyal support.

>

[Guest guest]

Gwynne and Kate

I'm so happy for Kate for everything that is good now in her life. Tell

her that when the time comes that I ever get the chance I'm going to hug

her so very hard...she's young, she can take it. It's such a blessing to

see a young girl as things come together for her.

> >

> > Terry,

> > I'm thinking of you and hoping that today finds your

> > spirits lifted a bit. Those down days are part and parcel

> > of the disease, but they are sometimes harder to tolerate

> > than others. They can be nearly debilitating. We just

> > have to work through them and not stay stuck in the

> > blahs for too long. I'm pulling for you, my new friend.

> >

> > ,

> > Please take extra care of yourself during the move. What a

> > tremendous undertaking. I hope you're getting lots and

> > lots of help, and that you'll be very happy nearer those

> > wonderful Carlsbad beaches. I would be. I certainly hope

> > to visit that area again one day before TOO long, without

> > oxygen. My first travel will probably be to Austin to see my

> > kids, and then hopefully to get doctors' approval to visit

> > the Colorado Rockies. It makes me cry to think I'll get to

> > do that again... a big chunk of my heart is there from many

> > years back.

> >

> > Re. Irene,

> > What's up with this no surgery thing!? Is is possible that

> > everyone is just too afraid to operate on the girl due to

> > the multitude of ailments that afflict her?...liability and

> > all. I don't get it, it doesn't make any sense at all to me

> > how she keeps getting left hanging and in pain.

> >

> > Wally,

> > Syder-sized hail sounds like a poor idea. I'll be hoping

> > that won't happen for your special event, which I think

> > is just terrific that you're doing. I'm having trouble

> > imagining Bruce as either a cowboy or a cajun, though.

> > Wishing you MUCH success on the entire endeavor.

> >

> > Bruce,

> > I've had a couple of episodes of dizziness the past few

> > days - no fainting, just dizzy. I'm supposed to avoid

> > bending over or making rapid movements. I've got

> > clinic day as always on Tuesday. My tremors are still

> > terrible (meds) but I'm taking VERY little pain med and

> > sleeping well at night. Amazing! They think I'm still just

> > weak and recovering from the thoracotomy, and aren't

> > too worried as long as my b.p. doesn't get any lower or

> > I develop over a 100 degree fever. For anyone who doesn't

> > know, for single lung transplant, they don't go in from the

> > front or the sternum. They go in from the back and wrap

> > around the side. They cut through muscle, nerves, and saw

> > through bones. It's supposed to be the most painful incision

> > of any heart or lung surgery performed.

> >

> > Unfortunately, I very well may NOT be able to get together

> > with the group next weekend, :-( based both on doctor

> > recommendation and my degree of weakness. Thursday

> > will mark just one month out. I have to avoid groups and

> > crowds and lots of stairs, especially for the first three

> > months, and no buffets ever again. Oh, I wanted to tell you

> > I DID get a call last night from Dr. Rosenblatt (my Dallas

> > doctor) - finally. That made me feel much better! He wants

> > me to keep him posted once a week or so. He's very pleased,

> > and he informed me that my donor was local, which I

> > suspected but wasn't sure of. He said that's a real advantage

> > in several respects.

> >

> > Hey Gang,

> > I have some wonderful news! Yesterday afternoon Kate's

> > boyfriend drove in for the weekend, and last night he

> > PROPOSED to her!!!! I had an omelet here and told the two

> > of them to go out alone for dinner. He came early while she

> > was working out, to ask my blessing and to show me the

> > beautiful ring, which was his grandmother's. I'm so excited

> > for them. Their happiness is tangible and contageous, and

> > when THIS one of my kids gets married I won't be on oxygen.

> > It damned near killed me planning the other wedding two

> > years ago, but I did it, so I should be much more up to the

> > challenge this time. ugh, but hooray. They, too, want an

> > untraditional outdoor wedding, in Austin (like did) -

> > neither could make it simpler and do the deed in Fort Worth! :-)

> > It's so obvious how much of all of our (and your) lives were/are

> > on hold and affected by the shadow of the monster. I hate it

> > for everyone, and Joyce, I do take a deep breaths EVERY day

> > specifically for YOU and my air family. I know what you mean

> > about praying - we have to pray remembering that God has

> > already answered our prayers. He is faithful, even when the

> > plan doesn't appear to fit what we would have imagined or in

> > our timeline. I'm not so certain there is A single plan, but I

> > know he loves us and works for good for us, and I know he

> > is gracious. We have to remain aware, in whatever our state

> > of health, of the small blessings and miracles all around us.

> > Thank God for your fighting spirit (and mine, and all our

> > Air Family) - you gotta have it!! Never give up!

> >

> > May,

> > Any dress yet????

> >

> > ,

> > I never received mail from Australia before - how exciting!

> > Thank you for the sweet thoughts and prayers, dear one.

> > How's school coming along for Ahli? Have you seen her

> > lately?

> >

> > Sher,

> > I'm sooo glad to hear you went out putzin. It's one of the

> > things I look forward to the most. How liberating just to

> > get out of the house.

> >

> > L,

> > Thank you so very much for the sweet card. I haven't heard

> > you mention much about yourself lately. I'm thinking of you

> > and wishing you good days and hugs.

> >

> > Z,

> > I'm delighted that you get to spend quality MomMom time

> > with the little darlins. Someone needs to figure out how to

> > bottle that intoxicating baby smell - I think it's what peace,

> > love, and innocence smell like. I hope the disequilibrium is

> > improving steadily - I hate that for you. Thanks for the dear

> > card and your loyal support.

> >

>