Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 17 Feb 12 - 03:14 AM

Woke up early this morning with a head full of thoughts & 'what ifs' which I really didn't want to confront or have to deal with. However, one of the thoughts needs to be shared here. This 'Ship of Hope' which I launched on Jan. 12th, whilst we know it's probable final destination, the time taken to reach our ultimate port of call remains, and will almost certainly remain, unknown for some time to come. The voyage could be longer than we had anticipated, the seas hostile & rough, supplies could run low...it feels unreasonable of me to expect all of you currently 'on board' to remain so until we drop that final anchor. Maybe you could join me in my metaphor & let me know how you feel about this.
                                                    With Love to You All,
                                                                                    Nigel & Ann.

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: banjoman
Date: 17 Feb 12 - 06:48 AM

I think I speak for most contributors to this thread - when I say that we signed on for the journey no matter how long it takes. You need support and prayer for yourselves as well as for Jane, and I know that you are included in all our prayers and best wishes.
Your ship of hope has a first rate skipper in yourself, and a trusting and dedicated crew. We will keep you in mind even if you feel you may have to stop contributing to this thread.
Bset wishes to you both
Pete

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: gnu
Date: 17 Feb 12 - 07:09 AM

I ain't leavin. I don't post every day but I am onboard every day. This is the first thread I look for. Some days, I only read your post(s) and go on.

Heave round to the wind. (I ain't a salt at all... just recalling a song about getting home in a storm.)

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: jacqui.c
Date: 17 Feb 12 - 07:35 AM

Here for the duration Nigel.

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: fat B****rd
Date: 17 Feb 12 - 07:42 AM

Still with you in Scotland, Nigel.
The Very Best Regards from Charlie.

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: GUEST,999
Date: 17 Feb 12 - 10:08 AM

"it feels unreasonable of me to expect all of you currently 'on board' to remain so until we drop that final anchor."

Nigel, I was on-call for 15 years as a volunteer firefighter. Of the 8760 hours in a year I spent 2000 of them working at a job I couldn't leave. I also spent 500 hours out of the province or otherwise indisposed. That left 6260 hours when I answered the pager. I don't think keeping your daughter, your missus and you in my thoughts for however long you need it will be much of an inconvenience if you know what I mean. In the words of my grandmother, "Are you daft?"

Friendship doesn't look at clocks.

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: GUEST,I Don't Know
Date: 17 Feb 12 - 10:32 AM

Still thinking of you and your family every day.
Read your posts even if I don't contribute.
Sending good thoughts and hugs.

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Feb 12 - 01:08 PM

Nigel, thanks for telling us of your thoughts and concerns for us. I echo what Pete/Banjoman said...in it for the long haul, that's what life really is anyway, isn't it? Prayers, good thoughts, thanks givings...these cost nothing and whatever good we each send out can return to us threefold or more. That's NOT why most of us offer it, but it is said to show you it is NOT a burden to help in this way, as we are each able. Fair sailing through thick and thin, stormy, sunny, and in-between to land on the shore, wherever and whatever that may be, we are here with you.

With all good wishes for Peace Profound,

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: GUEST,pete from seven stars link
Date: 17 Feb 12 - 04:34 PM

most all of us currently have or have had stormy seas to traverse.this leads to empathy with others tossed around on an ocean of turmoil, and prayer infused with love and compassion.God bless you.
pete.

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 17 Feb 12 - 09:50 PM

I'm not jumping ship! Prayers!

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 18 Feb 12 - 04:21 AM

My Dear Friends...What a Crew! I couldn't have hand-picked a better one! As we voyage together, along with your intercessions & words of wisdom, perhaps we could also include the occasional: "You'll never guess what happened to me today" type of thing or a simple reflection on how your day has gone...I'll endeavour to do the same. Whilst my feet are firmly planted on the deck of this wondrous vessel, I don't want to forget what dry land feels like.
            With Much Love to You All,
                                                    Nigel & Ann Paterson.

PS Please don't feel obliged to engage or play with this nautical metaphor once it's served it's purpose.

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: Janie
Date: 18 Feb 12 - 08:10 AM

What others have already said, Nigel....

Janie

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: Maryrrf
Date: 18 Feb 12 - 09:07 AM

I also remember your family daily in my prayers.

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: maeve
Date: 18 Feb 12 - 09:12 AM

Good morning, Nigel and Ann. I reckon it's spring here in Maine, because:

*The skunks are on the move, with their "perfume" wafting along the road
*Black-capped Chickadees are singing their spring song
*We have tulips, crocus, and daffodils on our windowsills
*Our bantams have begun laying again
*The seedling tomato we potted up in November is full of ripe, golden, "Garden Peach" tomatoes... inside...by our south windows.

Carpe deum!

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: GUEST,999
Date: 18 Feb 12 - 09:31 AM

Can't make up its mind here whether it's gonna be winter or become spring. Knowing Canada, it'll get right nasty later, thaw for a few hours, freeze overnight and be just fine for skating whether or not ya want to. Only fell on me arse once this winter. Had nowt to do with weather. It ain't the vodka that gets ya, it's those darned steppes.

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 18 Feb 12 - 11:41 AM

Saturday afternoon...a wet, chilly East London...not much to lift the spirits, so a clumsy attempt at poetry will have to suffice.

"Walk beside me, hold my hand.
We're using time that wasn't planned.
Don't walk behind & force my pace,
There is no need for us to race.
And if in front your feet should stray,
Hold back, slow down, don't run away.
So walk beside me, touch my face
And feel the warmth of my embrace
As walking side by side forever
Binds so tight that none can sever".

       Ann is spending the weekend with Jane...just Mother & Daughter together, so I had them both very much in mind as the lines above took shape.
       Much Love to You All,
                                        Nigel & Ann

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: GUEST,pete from seven stars link
Date: 18 Feb 12 - 05:04 PM

if that was clumsy nigel it was very good clumsy.
i did,nt realize you are almost a neighbour;i live in the dartford area so like you had wet weather.nice and breezy AM so made the mistake of putting the washing out!

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: gnu
Date: 18 Feb 12 - 05:08 PM

Holdings hands is what this thread is about.

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 18 Feb 12 - 08:55 PM

ditto

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 18 Feb 12 - 09:24 PM

I was thinking about all things nautical today, but mostly the music. Today was the start of the first weekend since Mystic Seaport reopened on Thursday, so that's where I spent the day. The weather was beautiful: not too cold but with a brisk wind. Now I'm home, remembering you, and praying.

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 19 Feb 12 - 05:55 AM

SUNday is certainly living up to it's name...wall to wall blue skies...barely a cloud to mar the view here in London. Too early to splice the mainbrace, but much to admire when the countryside is bathed in glorious sunshine & yes, my spirits have been given a boost.
                   Much Love to You All,
                                                   Nigel & Ann.

PS Thanks gnu...hit the nail right on the head!

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 19 Feb 12 - 06:06 AM

ChanteyLass, my apologies, I forgot to say that your references to: "...all things nautical" combined with Music & finally your prayers fitted so well with the sun streaming through my window.
            With Love,
                           Nigel & Ann.

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: banjoman
Date: 19 Feb 12 - 06:23 AM

Sunday - weather is fine & sunny. Played music at vigil service last evening & met a priest visiting from Africa. He gave a sermon about people ignoring each other in Church. Reminded him of the wealth of people (This site) who really do care for each other. Anyway - his prayers are now included for Jane.
It suddenly dawned on me that a lot of people are praying for me, and probably lots of others on this thread who have health problems.

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: GUEST,Manuel
Date: 19 Feb 12 - 10:42 AM

To no one in particular:

"The little boy lost in the lonely fen,
Led by the wandering light,
Began to cry; but God, ever nigh,
Appeared like his father, in white."               

William Blake, "The Little Boy Found" (A M Wilkinson, "William Blake: Songs of Innocence and of Experience", University Tutorial Press, 1958.

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 19 Feb 12 - 09:20 PM

I am glad you had a sunny day and that your spirits brightened. I wish you many more sunny days.

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 20 Feb 12 - 05:18 AM

Monday morning & the sun is still shining. Two days in a row...that's nothing short of a miracle for the UK! My mind is suddenly filled with an image of Jane, standing in some wide open space, way out in the countryside, bathed in sunlight. As she stands there, the rays of the sun gently heal her...wouldn't that be something.
                                     With Love,
                                                    Nigel & Ann.

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: jacqui.c
Date: 20 Feb 12 - 08:25 AM

Nigel - try to retain that image - healing can come from all sorts of places.

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: GUEST,999
Date: 20 Feb 12 - 03:44 PM

The sunshine just broke through the clouds.

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 20 Feb 12 - 09:12 PM

Praying for more sunny days and healing rays.

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Feb 12 - 12:25 AM

As jacqui said, that is a GREAT visualisation to hold onto!

Your poem went straight to my heart. How beautiful, loving, and poignant. Thanks so much for sharing it with us.

Our part of Colorado is laughingly called the Banana Belt for its mild winters. Yesterday we had a raw, cold wind with huge grey clouds filling the sky. This morning we woke to 2-3 inches of snow, BUT a bright sunny, deeply blue Colorado sky and it was gloriously beautiful. Most of the snow is gone and the sun has remained.

Each night, my grandson and I read to one another over the telephone, then I sing him a couple of lullies, and we say a prayer of giving thanks, part of which includes, "...we give thanks for blessings for all of our families and friends..." May it be so for all of us, esp. Jane, Nigel, and Ann.

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 21 Feb 12 - 05:46 AM

You wonderful people never cease to amaze me...your words of wisdom so eloquently expressed...your intercessions & your desire to 'crew this ship' on it's voyage of hope...it takes my breath away. I'm reminded at this point that I always write in the 'first person', but rest assured, my beloved wife, Ann is standing shoulder to shoulder with me at the helm.
            I've received PMs, emails, handmade, thought- filled gifts...what more could I ask for.
            We voyage onwards, but there are rough seas ahead. The latest weather forecast anticipates testing times.
                                     With Love,
                                                    Nigel & Ann.

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: banjoman
Date: 21 Feb 12 - 05:48 AM

Keep this thread active with prayer and good wishes.

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 21 Feb 12 - 05:59 AM

Keeping the thread active or 'alive' becomes a metaphor in itself, don't you think?

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 21 Feb 12 - 11:07 PM

This is the first thread I opened tonight. With Mudcat being slow, I am picking and choosing more carefully than ever. I wanted to make sure you knew I'm still praying!

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: GUEST,999
Date: 22 Feb 12 - 05:14 AM

You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 22 Feb 12 - 07:51 AM

I'm not a "God-fearing" man...not too keen on labels either, but if pushed, I would describe myself as a Humanist. I worship at the church of Life & Nature. I do, however, believe fervently in the power & integrity of The Human Condition, which includes our desire & ability to 'do whatever is needed to alleviate the suffering of others'. This thread underscores that 'desire & ability' in ways I have rarely experienced in my 64 years. Please continue with your intercessions, your prayers, your meditations, your positive thinking...whatever it is you do when you reach out to that 'needy other'. Ann & I try to visualise all of you every day...a sea of smiling, welcoming, compassionate faces. Knowing you're all there is a great comfort...stay close,
       With Love,
                      Nigel & Ann.

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: GUEST,999
Date: 22 Feb 12 - 09:45 AM

Nigel, that's about where I'm at, too. But you said it better than me.

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: GUEST,pete from seven stars link
Date: 22 Feb 12 - 03:54 PM

continuing to pray whatever your faith position.i appreciate you inviting those of us who do believe on board as well.pete.

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: GUEST,999
Date: 22 Feb 12 - 04:48 PM

You're a good man, Pete.

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 22 Feb 12 - 07:58 PM

Keeping at it!

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 23 Feb 12 - 03:22 AM

Good people are Good People, pete. You're surely welcome on our 'Ship of Hope' with it's Rainbow Crew. Ditto what 9 said.
                                                 With Love,
                                                                Nigel & Ann.

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 23 Feb 12 - 05:52 AM

Difficult couple of days...tests...paucity of any meaningful information...feels like we've both let go the helm & allowed our ship to drift with the wind & tide. I'll be in my cabin if you need me. In the meantime, Bosun Bruce, would you take command please?
                                  With Love,
                                                 Nigel & Ann.

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: maeve
Date: 23 Feb 12 - 06:21 AM

Sometimes that's the thing to do in a storm, Nigel. When the winds die down a bit you'll take care of what's next. Keeping watch here.

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: GUEST,999
Date: 23 Feb 12 - 07:51 AM

We got you covered, Nigel. Love and prayers for you all.

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 23 Feb 12 - 09:47 AM

Thanks Bruce...don't take your eye off that compass now. And keep a sharp lookout for squalls ahead.
                     With Love,
                                    Nigel & Ann.

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: maeve
Date: 23 Feb 12 - 02:43 PM

"...don't take your eye off that compass now"

Bruce, that's not a literal kind of thing. Put your eye back in your face, and keep watch. Got it?

Whew!

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 23 Feb 12 - 06:48 PM

Now I'm praying for meaningful information from tests. It seems a shame to have to endure them and not get clear results.

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: GUEST,999
Date: 23 Feb 12 - 07:09 PM

"Bruce, that's not a literal kind of thing. Put your eye back in your face, and keep watch. Got it?"

Sheesh, Maeve, tell me NOW!


Nigel, Ann and Jane surely know by now there's a gang of us pulling for all of them. And we'll continue to keep doing so. Our mamas didn't raise no quitters (and neither did theirs). Good people do good things. This is a good thing.

We'll keep taking care of the thoughts and prayers for y'all and you three take care of business.

LABW [love and best wishes],

The gang.

PS I don't presume to speak for the group, and I pondered this post for a while as a result, but I think it safe enough given the quality of the folk hereabouts.

LAVBW

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: Bobert
Date: 23 Feb 12 - 07:22 PM

Hang tough and kick butt... One day (and kick) at a time...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: Healing thoughts & prayers please
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 24 Feb 12 - 04:04 AM

Maeve & Bruce, your humour is so welcome. Even in the bleakest of times, there are still opportunities for laughter & smiles.

Bobert, You've got it in one...I don't think Ann & I could cope any other way. There are, however, one or two butts that I would like to kick more than once on the same day!
               Much Love to All,
                                        Nigel & Ann
                                        xxxxxxxxx