Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 06 Jan 14 - 08:16 AM

we don't need to seek warmth here - we seek coolth as JennieG calls it.

love

sandra

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Janie
Date: 06 Jan 14 - 10:24 PM

Wishing a measure of coolth, to all y'all experiencing high summer right now!

Well remember that those first holidays are particularly poignant, Nigel. It is when all the family is gathered round that the empty chairs are most evident, especially those just recently vacant.

May you dwell in your hearts.

Hope Tommy can sense he is surrounded by people pulling for him, our hearts raised in full chorus together for comfort and hope.

Not a big deal, but if you have a few random good intentions to spare, will ask they be directed to my mother, who is having knee replacement surgery tomorrow. No problems anticipated, and hopeful her quality of life will soon be significantly improved. She has no health problems unusual for some one of her age, but she is in her mid 80's with some kidney, hypertension and mild cardiac issues that are not uncommon at her age. The risks of anesthesia is always a bit higher for elderly patients than for younger patients. My nephew happens to be an anesthesiologist, and while he is not the attending, he has arranged to be there, and the nurse anesthetist attending will be the second wife of my brother-in-law (my deceased sister's husband and father to my nephews, and himself an anesthesiologist.) She is in as good hands as anyone could want, and I even feel silly asking for any energy from you at all - but this is my beloved mother, eh? I figure y'all will forgive me and also indulge me my brief anxiety.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 07 Jan 14 - 01:15 AM

good thoughts for a comfortable recovery after the excellent surgery

sandra

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Pete Jennings
Date: 07 Jan 14 - 06:12 AM

No forgiveness required, Janie, this is the Rainbow. Hope it all goes (went?) well.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 07 Jan 14 - 06:15 AM

Janie... feel silly? Tut tut! Mums are Mums, period! Of course we'll be wishing her well.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 07 Jan 14 - 06:54 AM

Sandra, not sure what advice would provide you with some coolth (Love that word). A temporary relocation to Maine might bring some much-needed relief, but could prove expensive...visualising icebergs...below deck on The Rainbow is usually a nice, comfortable temperature. I always say: "If it's too hot to sleep, then it's too hot!"
         
         Janie, all surgery comes with a measure of anxiety & this particular op. concerns your "Belovéd Mother". All very close to Home. Echoing Pete's words: "No forgiveness required". Your Mother certainly does seem to have a great team in attendance, which augurs well. "She is in as good hands as anyone could want....". Keep hold of that thought; take a deep breath, let it out long & slow & know that many here are holding you, your Family & particularly your Mother, close to their hearts.
                                           With Love,
                                                          Nigel
                                                          xxxx

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: maeve
Date: 07 Jan 14 - 06:55 AM

How be ye and your mum, Janie?

Maeve

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: billybob
Date: 07 Jan 14 - 07:34 AM

I'm here too, sending love and good thoughts for your lovely mother Janie.

My mum has gone downhill since Christmas, another chest infection . They noted enlarged lymph nodes on her lungs when she had the fall in November but decided,at 90, investigations would be too distressing?
She was doing so well, plaster cast off before Christmas and walking really well on her zimmer frame, but this week she is mostly sleeping and very unresponsive in the day and very anxious and confused at night! Billy has ,as usual, been wonderful but we are both very tired and finding having a carer in the house 18 hours a day rather difficult.... no private life at all.

BUT... I know I am blessed to have mother with us still and she is usually very content.

Rant over,

Much love Janie and to Tommy, Pete, hope things are looking better this morning.
Going below to make large pot of coffee,

With love

Wendy xxxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: SINSULL
Date: 07 Jan 14 - 08:48 AM

I keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Chris' memorial is Saturday. The kitties are still spitting and arguing and I am having strange dreams that wake me about 3 AM. Then I toss and turn until it's time to get up.
Temporary but really annoying.
One day at a time. Anybody want a cat or two or three?
LOL
SINS

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 07 Jan 14 - 04:02 PM

No cats for me, SINS, but I hope you find loving homes for them.

Janie, prayers for your mum? I'm on it, though by now her surgery is probably done, so I'll also hope for a quick recovery.

Wendy, thank you for filling us in on what's happening with your mom. This has to be tough on all of you.

Nigel, longer pauses than usual in conversations during the holidays? I'll bet there were lumps in some throats and blinking back some tears, too. That reflects love.

And Sandra, if I could send some of this chilly air to you, believe me, I would!

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Janie
Date: 07 Jan 14 - 07:12 PM

Mom's surgery went just fine, they had her up and already starting to walk and rehab within just a couple of hours after she "woke up." I know my worry was unwarranted.

Wendy, I know you are engaged in a long labor of love. Any labor, even of love, gets exhausting. I hope the sun-downing you mother is doing eases up soon - sounds like delirium on top of the dementia. Wish we could literally sail up and whisk you away for a bit of a break for a few days.

Will be thinking especially of you, Sins, on Saturday. Wish I knew a remedy for the periods of strange dreams and disturbed sleep. Maybe tucking in here aboard ship, around a cozy stove in the galley, gouty foot propped up, and the circle occasionally changing some come into to warm and have a cuppa and others head up on deck for their watch?

I am reminded by several of this loving crew here that sorrow unshared or unspoken feels so much harder to bear.

How is Tommy?

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: SINSULL
Date: 07 Jan 14 - 08:03 PM

Not unwarranted, Janie, All surgery has its risks. I hope your Mom recovers as quickly and effectively as my Dad did. For him, the knee surgery was life changing.. Up and about in a matter of weeks and never looked back.

No more gout - some effective diet changes have worked. But I do miss Jack Daniels on a winter night.

And how is Tommy?

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 07 Jan 14 - 08:31 PM

Janie... good to hear.

I have thoughts and prayers for all. I may be away for some time but I will check in every day if not more often.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: olddude
Date: 07 Jan 14 - 08:50 PM

janie
my prayers on the way for you and mom

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: GUEST,Peter from tommys bedside
Date: 08 Jan 14 - 01:11 PM

Been having connection problems, so only just caught up, and wishing well to the too hot, too cold, and the loving souls wanting health and brightness to their loved ones.       Tommy was taken off ventilator yesterday and the procedure went well, and his condition progressed and he has got brighter. However he had a hard time of it last physio session which deteriorated him somewhat so things still not certain. thankyou crew for pulling along with us.   Blessings.   Pete.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: billybob
Date: 08 Jan 14 - 05:41 PM

And sending " Blessings" to you and Tommy Pete,

Wendy xxxxxx

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 08 Jan 14 - 07:22 PM

Still sending thoughts & prayers for Tommy every time I see this thread.

And good to all.

Bless and be safe.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 08 Jan 14 - 09:57 PM

What Wendy and gnu said.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: rumanci
Date: 08 Jan 14 - 11:52 PM

still here - still pulling - hope, love and ups to all - big hugs too and constant thanks for the good people here....rum

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 09 Jan 14 - 01:24 AM

me, too

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 09 Jan 14 - 06:33 AM

Rum, good to hear from you.
Thinking just of Tommy & Pete today. Not a lot of energy to spare, but what there is, it's theirs.
         With Love,
                        Nigel
                        xxxx

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: maeve
Date: 09 Jan 14 - 10:47 AM

For us all:
"We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day."

~ Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: GUEST,Pete from tommys bedside
Date: 09 Jan 14 - 11:19 AM

Tommy still progressing but the turn out from anti biotics has made him red sore underneath.......but when we thought he might not make it this time.....blessings. Friends. Pete.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 09 Jan 14 - 12:17 PM

"still progressing"

One step at a time... if need be. My thoughts and prayers a day at a time.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Pete Jennings
Date: 10 Jan 14 - 10:46 AM

Progress is good. Still haulin' and keeping our heads above water...

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: catspaw49
Date: 10 Jan 14 - 01:06 PM

I have missed a lot lately I see but the beauty of this place is that it works collectively all the time. I'm sure some of you are also like me.....if we're gone for a bit, some of our everyday thoughts are still here. Sometimes I try to get in but I get tired of waiting on the 'Cat. Sometimes even sitting here is a trial. Ain't that some crap?

Most times I am doing well and after starting an IV iron program, I really do feel much better. Over Christmas everyone said I looked and acted better than I have for at least 2 years. 'Course when I think of 2 years ago............LOL.....In all seriousness, I went through a really tough period through December but by Christmas I DID feel really great and acted much better too.....more like me. This past week has been a Chemo week and I feel better coming out of it than usual which may be related to the iron but something has helped out this time. Note though that in this game the Chemo ALWAYS suits up.

The Vidaza seemed to have quit working in November and as there is only one other drug I can use, that was extremely troubling. The iron has made a tremendous difference now and the numbers look really good again.   Insert BIG SIGH OF RELIEF here. So I was feeling bad for awhile but it brought Karen and I to the conversation we both knew but had yet to voice in detail. Even with (or because of?) the wonderful relationship we have it was one of those things that still had to be said between us. A few tough moments but we are now, if possible, even closer. Folks, I be married to one superfine woman/best friend/buddy/pal/lover.   Not real sure how I got this lucky........

I'll try to be more diligent than I have of late as I feel pretty good nowadays (except for the Vidaza weeks dammit) but please know you are always with me and I with you.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: GUEST,pete from seven stars link
Date: 10 Jan 14 - 03:44 PM

pleased to report that tommy is doing even better, and may even be able to come home next week, at this rate of recovery. this was a surprise to becky and I ,as we thought he would move on to high dependency for awhile before leaving hospital.

UP SPAW !

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 10 Jan 14 - 04:26 PM

Maeve, that simply beautiful quotation from Edith Lovejoy Pierce has stirred the poet in me (If that doesn't sound too pompous). How be ye in the 'Polar Vortex'? Looks like it's coming our way, but a milder version (so 'they' say)

Pete & Tommy, what a transformation & maybe coming home next week. That is progress with a capital P. The human body never ceases to amaze me.

Spaw, I've missed your posts...it means so much to read your profoundly moving words. You & Karen really do have something special. I don't want your diligence, I want you well, happy & living your life full of love & emotion, just the way you describe it above. Your courage & optimism are an object lesson in 'Real Living'.
                                              With Love to You All,
                                                                              Nigel
                                                                              xxxx

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Janie
Date: 10 Jan 14 - 04:49 PM

Spawser, I've typed so much and then deleted it. Finally realized simple is best. Bunch of us sailing along with you, paradoxically in the same boat, and at the same time, in separate boats, but closely along side.

I don't know how subtle it is necessary to be here on this vessel (these vessels). Will risk erring on the side of caution. No matter where your attention and thoughts may be at any given moment in time, all indications thus far, are that you are accompanied by an able crew prepared to follow your lead in terms of what you want or need at any given time.

Love you, young and ancient soul,

Janie

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 10 Jan 14 - 09:20 PM

It's good to read that Tommy is coming along and may be coming home in a week or so, hopefully less. Hugs to Tommy and to you, Pete.

Spaw, I'm glad to read that you are feeling somewhat better than usual after your last round of chemo. Hugs to you and Karen, too.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 10 Jan 14 - 10:50 PM

love to spaw

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: billybob
Date: 11 Jan 14 - 05:22 AM

Up Spaw!!

Pete, great news,

Sailing along, nice and sunny at the seaside this morning, might go to the beach hut for hot chocolate after I finish work at lunchtime!
Nigel, THIS spring, beach hut !!

Much love

Wendy xxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 11 Jan 14 - 05:26 AM

Pete... as soon as I saw your old Mudcat handle, I knew Tommy had made a turn for the better. Sounds great!

I knew you were feeling a bit better, Spaw, as soon as I saw all those upper case letters on that other thread. >;-)

A good way to start my day.

Bless.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: maeve
Date: 11 Jan 14 - 07:20 PM

Thinking especially of Sinsull tonight, and the family of her friend whose memorial service they all attended today.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 12 Jan 14 - 03:46 AM

On the 12th January, 2012, I wrote: "Just found out that our eldest daughter has been diagnosed with a grade 4, inoperable tumour in her lung. She lives in Dubai...we in London, which adds an extra layer of logistical problems to sort out. Prayers, thoughts, meditations...whatever you do in a crisis, spare us a minute or two in your 'quiet times', we really do need all the help we can get,
                                           With Love,
                                                          Nigel & Ann Paterson.

A second post appeared four minutes later (999). Twenty three posts by the end of the day, followed by a constant stream. At the time of writing that first post, the thought had never entered my head that over the next fifteen months, I would lose so much & in so doing, gain so much.
            Today is our second anniversary, my Dearest Friends.
             With Love,
                            Nigel & Ann Paterson.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 12 Jan 14 - 04:01 AM

That's lovely Nigel. An ongoing legacy of lifting each other born out of your experience with your daughter's illness and passing.

Pete - wonderful news re Tommy. I have been watching this thread.

Janie and Wendy - your mothers are in my thoughts too.

Up Spaw

Linn - What can I say?

May 2014 bring warmth and joy for all of you.

Yesterday I (miraculously) sang 5 or 6 songs non stop with nary a cough and only a little hoarseness by the end. Wheeeeee! Suddenly (and I think this is due to the lack of rain) I am in much less physical pain and stiffness.

Yesterday it was boiling hot in the flat due to the recent installation of cavity wall insulation. It was sunny if not warm outdoors. The combination of bright sun and indoor heat may have made the difference. I certainly feel happier too. Sunshine does that to me. Or maybe the anti-TNF injections are beginning to have effect.    I've only had two (monthly) doses so far. Early days.

Last night I felt well enough to share a bottle of bordeaux with TheSilentOne as we caught up on Dr. Who. Today - more sunshine. Life is good at the moment.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 12 Jan 14 - 06:27 AM

Yeah, maeve. I had forgotten about SINS. I hope things are cool too.

Nigel... rainbows appear on rainy days.

VT... >:-D

Everyone... thanks. That's all I have the mental capacity for at the moment. When one watches NFL playoff football from 5:30 to past midnight whilst whetting one's whistle, well...

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 12 Jan 14 - 08:34 AM

lovely news for Tommy & his family (which I forgot to mention earlier - oops) & from Tam

hugs & love to all

sandra

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: catspaw49
Date: 12 Jan 14 - 09:18 AM

There is much good news to celebrate today and that is only right. I noticed last week that this "anniversary" was coming and did much what my wonderful friend Nigel did. I looked on down for a day or two and I am happy and pleased that so many of those names I still see here today.

Other names brought a ting, and sometimes far more than a ting, of sadness as I thought through situations they brought to this thread. At the time they had no way of knowing when they first arrived with support for Jane that their own stories would be told and lived......and sometimes not with the outcomes we would have liked.   Sometimes the outcomes brought great joy, other times great sadness. Kat tested our mettle as did the final days of Jane herself. The best part, if there was one, is that we collectively banded together and gave what we could. Through it all we became stronger for these experiences and I truly believe I am never alone as I have this place, this vessel of hope and support and the folks who sail in her, by my side and more than that, within me.....a warmth no other heat source can match.

Sitting here now I find myself feeling as though I need to thank Jane for what she has given us and for what we would all give back if we could return her to her loving family. Since we cannot........Thank you Jane. Thank you for your loving parents and my dear friend Nigel who brought us your story. We owe you much we cannot repay except by continuing on the voyage......and we will. Your spirit touched us all and continues to so every day.

I send Spaw "UPS" to all of you aboard, no matter what your current situation. Feelin' down, ill, really bad? Make it a double! Feelin' pretty good and ready to kick the world square in the ass? Save your free UP for later or pass it on.   It is a great anniversary for us Shipmates. The very best to you all!!!


Spaw

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: GUEST,Pete at tommys bedside
Date: 12 Jan 14 - 11:38 AM

That's where I am, and becky ,and tommy, sitting in his cruiser chair. He has just had a shower which before yesterday he had not been well enough to enjoy for appx four weeks, having been confined to the bed.still needs to build his strength up but still doing well.            Pleased to see your beach hut is ok, Wendy, after those coastal storms.       Blessings all.       Pete.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: catspaw49
Date: 12 Jan 14 - 12:05 PM

Tell Tommy he is our "Anniversary Boy" here aboard Jane's Rainbow!

Spaw

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 12 Jan 14 - 12:41 PM

Beautiful words, Spaw. Now... stop makin me tear up eh?

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Pete Jennings
Date: 12 Jan 14 - 01:15 PM

UP Tommy!

UP Spaw!

And my thoughts are especially with Nigel and his family. I never forget July 23, the day my sister died in 2002. It was a Tuesday.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 12 Jan 14 - 08:29 PM

I hope SINSULL will post to let us know how the memorial service went.

VirginiaTam, your news warms my heart and brightens my evening.

Pete, it is good to read that Tommy is continuing to improve.

Pete J, I'm sorry about your sister. I wasn't visiting Mudcat in 2002.

And Nigel, I'd rather you'd had no need to start this thread, but it has certainly been a blessing to so many of us.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 13 Jan 14 - 07:11 AM

There is much I want to say to all of you. After several false starts, the only way I can express what I'm feeling is to say: Thank you. Thank you for your Loyalty. Thank you for giving up your time. Thank you for your Wisdom. Thank you for sharing your Life Experiences. Thank you for your Love & Friendship. Thank you for your patience. Thank you for making me laugh. Thank you for drying my tears. Thank you for your generosity of spirit. Thank you for not shying away from the truth, when to do so might have been an easier option. Thank you for your courage. Thank you for your compassion. Thank you for your Prayers, Meditations, Candles, Positive Thoughts, sensitively chosen Music, anything you have done when you've put Ann & I first, ahead of your own needs & problems. Thank you for keeping 'Jane's Rainbow' afloat & on course.
                                           With Love,
                                                          Nigel & Ann
                                                          xxxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 13 Jan 14 - 03:17 PM

Nigel... re my small contributions... you are FAR more than welcome. These pale in comparison to what you and others have given me in this thread.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: GUEST,pete from seven stars link
Date: 13 Jan 14 - 06:18 PM

can only add my amen ,or here here, to whats been said about jane, nigel and anne, and this thread.
only just seen your post tam, great to read about your UP.
been at the hospital all day. tommy been tired and a few things to sort relating to his condition, and his equipment, but still planning discharge tomorrow if these things get sorted sufficiently.
thankyou crew, blessings    pete.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: billybob
Date: 14 Jan 14 - 04:24 AM

Every day I come on board The Rainbow, often I just sit and read the wise words of compassion, feel the love that is always here.

Sometimes I share how we are faring and when times are hard a loving response is always sent.

The friends I have made here I have never met but mean as much to me as friends I have had for most of my life.

Thank you Jane and thank you Nigel and Ann.May The Rainbow sail on and on.............

Much love to everyone who is sailing with us

Wendy xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: GUEST,999
Date: 14 Jan 14 - 06:14 AM

I seldom post, Nigel, but I read the thread frequently and keep Jane, Ann and you in my heart.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: catspaw49
Date: 14 Jan 14 - 10:03 AM

Appropriately our old friend 999 posts at this point. 3100 postings.

Nigel......Well said and I think most of us can share those same thank yous. Be happy at what you brought to life through a tragic personal loss.

Good news about Tommy!!!

Wendy, your solid postings have many times been the very backbone of this voyage. You and Maeve so often carry just the right tone and message. Along with Chantey Lass the three of you continue to supply so much positive energy, the rest of us owe you much and thank you.

Sandra, Tam, Janie.......I should write postings on each of you.......We have such a fine crew here I am always so damn amazed...............

Gnu......Kiss my ass.....and I mean that in the nicest way.......and I have no idea what the nicest way to kiss my ass is.............


Spaw