Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 09 Jan 13 - 05:48 AM

Janie, your beautiful words conjure up such potent images. It occurs to me that what we have created here & continue to maintain is our own 'Spiritual Internet'. It runs parallel to & is, of course ultimately dependent on Mudcat & the Internet for us to share & communicate in 'the real world', but away from that, all the connections we have established are active & vital & discreet, but as tangible as if we were all physically in the same space together. I derive great comfort & solace when, in a quiet, peaceful moment, I pause & simply imagine all of us, standing side by side together. No words are spoken; we become an entity with strength & power one hundredfold greater than the sum of it's parts. The geographical distances that keep us apart simply melt away.
       Wendy, is there any chance that the decision to withdraw the services of the Admiral Nurses might be reversed? I hope that you will be able to join with others, similarly affected, & bring as much pressure as possible to bear on 'the powers that be'. You say you are devastated; I'm certain that is something of an understatement! Ann & I wish you all the luck in the world with your campaign.
       Gnu, I'm more than happy to be hugged by you. It would be reciprocated in kind! Plenty of practise in a Family that thrives on Hugs & Kisses.
       With Love to You All,
                                     Nigel & Ann.
                                     xxxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: rumanci
Date: 09 Jan 13 - 06:39 AM

Hugs,hope,thoughts and love still on overdrive here to you all hanging tough out there. Wendy, I wish we didn't always have to fight for the smaller things that make all the difference to the rest of the road when the load is already heavy but I hope you win and I'd be there at your side too if I could. Nigel, Ann, Jane well - you know.... so do some of the rest of you. Love y'all for being here, there and for each other.
rum

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 09 Jan 13 - 08:18 AM

Wendy, you are one of many around the world fighting stupid decisions by systems that value money more than people so cut essential services to save the great god Money. Keep up the fight & best wishes.

more love & hugs to you & your family & friends, & to Jane & her family & friends

sandra

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: billybob
Date: 09 Jan 13 - 08:26 AM

Thanks both,
I have e mailed our local MP Douglas Carswell he is usually very supportive over local issues. There is a debate on Dementia in the House of Commons tomorrow so I will watch with interest!

Sorry to say mum is still very ill and I am waiting for another Doctor's visit, they came out last night to her. Her oxygen levels are very low and she should have gone into hospital but with the Dementia we all agreed it would be too distressing as she would be very confused, so have decided to keep her at home and shoulder on!

Meanwhile Billy still has the cough but is much improved. I hope Jane is feeling stronger today Nigel.

Knowing you are all here with me side by side is a great comfort, thank you again Nigel for your wonderful thoughts.

Sailing on with a cup of Earl Grey,(kettle is on, help yourself)

with love

Wendy xxxxxx

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 10 Jan 13 - 04:27 AM

For the first time in my life, I 'phoned The Samaritans Help Line last night. I'm home alone; Ann is staying at Jane's until the weekend but I have Doctor's appointments here in London. Making the 120 mile round trip three times was not a viable option.
    I was out getting some shopping & bumped into a colleague from my teaching days, who informed me of the death (from cancer) of a pianist with whom I'd worked, on & off, for over twenty years. What shocked me almost as much as learning of her death was the fact that she'd died 18 months ago & I had heard nothing via the local musician's 'network'. By the time I returned home, a list was forming in my mind of the Family members, close friends & colleagues, all of whom have succumbed to cancer. I stopped when I passed the twenty mark; it was all too distressing & overwhelming. A little later, I made my call to The Samaritans. I talked, a lady with a calm, gentle voice listened & said the right things at the right time. I went to bed a little earlier than usual & actually slept quite well.
    It's just after 09:00 & I'm feeling ok; a sense of balance & perspective has been restored. The emotional tsunami of yesterday has been displaced by something akin to rational thought. So, as Dear Wendy says: "Sailing on".
             With Love to You All,
                                             Nigel & Ann.
                                             xxxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 10 Jan 13 - 05:15 AM

Good on you for calling for help - often all we need is to be listened to.

We are all fortunate to have so many resources - friends & family & support in "real" life & on phones & the internet.

stay balanced until the next time you need to reach out.

sandra

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: GUEST,999
Date: 10 Jan 13 - 10:33 AM

Smart move, Nigel.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: Pete Jennings
Date: 10 Jan 13 - 11:17 AM

Yep, exactly the right thing to do. Much as we can help, sometimes a listening ear and a voice is needed and that's why the Samaritans are there. Well done, NIgel.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 10 Jan 13 - 12:36 PM

Is this the most honest site I have visited? It must be.

There are tales of true endeavour here.

This is one place where we are all truly in it together.

Best wishes to everyone.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 10 Jan 13 - 04:24 PM

Saturday 12th January is our first anniversary. Twenty three of you responded to my initial post on the same day. Many of you '1st Dayers' still post regularly. I like to think that everyone who has posted visits our Thread from time to time, along with other Folk who have never posted, but voyage with us nonetheless.
       We've come a long way since January 2012 & none of this would have come to pass, were it not, My Dear Friends, for your Love & Dedication; your Care & Concern; your Wisdom & Knowledge & your ability to draw deeply from The Well of Life.
       Ann & I have some difficult days & months ahead, as do several others aboard our Reparative Craft.
       Come close; stay close. Together, we can achieve so much.
       With All our Love & Eternal Gratitude,
                                                                Nigel & Ann.
                                                                xxxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: GUEST,999
Date: 10 Jan 13 - 04:36 PM

Nigel, your compassion has touched so many hearts. And that's the truth!

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: gnu
Date: 10 Jan 13 - 04:55 PM

Indeed, 9!

henryp... "This is one place where we are all truly in it together."

You got that right, Clary.

Support, education, and comeuppance when ya need/deserve it... I've had all three and am better for it.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: frogprince
Date: 10 Jan 13 - 05:59 PM

A little something on the "up"side. Not sure if I mentioned here that the necessary treatment at the time of my wife's heart attack was hard on her kidneys, and took that function down to a borderline issue. We've known for a while that she was gaining back enough to make that less worrisome. She saw the doc for that again today. He
said she is most of the way back to full function, and scheduled her next for 4 months from now.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: GUEST,pete from seven stars link
Date: 10 Jan 13 - 06:29 PM

gremlins somewhere i think as 2 posts got lost.
sadly tommy did have to go into hospital locally but later taken to evilena childrens hospital and is on a ventilator.he came off the assisted breathing early this morning but this evening had emergency procedure to put him back on it.physios shifting a lot of crud but due to the myotonia he is still at risk.the medical staff are wonderful but he is not a straight-forward case but needs continuous assesing.prayer much appreciated.
blessings on you all   pete.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: frogprince
Date: 10 Jan 13 - 06:39 PM

Ya got 'em coming, Pete.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: billybob
Date: 10 Jan 13 - 07:00 PM

Prayers here Pete,
Lighting a candle for all our loved ones,good news Frogprince xx

Nearly midnight here, but will be awake sitting with mum, so sleep peacefully Pete and Nigel, I will take the night watch.

With love

Wendy xxxxx

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: rumanci
Date: 10 Jan 13 - 07:59 PM

Prayers and loving hugs and thoughts from here too Pete. Good to hear from froggie about upward progress (flycatching?) - love and Wahey! smiles to J too - and Wendy - stay warm and safe - I'll take the dog watch xx

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 10 Jan 13 - 08:10 PM

Once again, the power of the Mudcat circle shines brightly. Much love and healing, Nigel, Wendy, and all.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: maeve
Date: 10 Jan 13 - 08:41 PM

I'll be on Middle Watch. So many worried minds, hurting hearts tonight. Remember Janie's quotation:"Truly, it is in the darkness that one finds the light, so when we are in sorrow, then this light is nearest of all to us." ― Meister Eckhart

We are, each in his or her own way, part of that light and further, responsible and eager to share the glimmer with one another.

Think of Rapparee and his wife as well; her mother has slipped off away the dock at last.

Kate & Anna McGarrigle and Linda Ronstadt : Heart Like A Wheel

Jody Stecher and Kate Brislin- "We Shall Meet Someday."

Gordon Bok's "Gulls in the Morning"

Jim Reid - I Saw The Wild Geese Flee

Bok, Trickett, Muir- "Hymn Song"

Steeleye Span- Somewhere along the road

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 10 Jan 13 - 09:26 PM

Nigel, I am glad someone at Samaritans was able to help you. I am sorry about the loss of your coworker. Frogprince, I am glad that your wife's kidney function is improving. Pete, I hope Tommy improves. Wendy, I hope your mom has a peaceful night. You and your loved ones are all in my heart, and I hope I didn't leave anyone out.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: Janie
Date: 10 Jan 13 - 11:39 PM

I don't think it possible, Chantylass, for you have left anyone out.

It seems to me that the open heart is absolutely inclusive.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 11 Jan 13 - 12:24 AM

love to all from me

sandra

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: catspaw49
Date: 11 Jan 13 - 09:07 AM

This is a beautiful crew here.......Makes me happy knowing that! My best thoughts to all.....Sounds bland, but sincerely meant.


Spaw

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: gnu
Date: 11 Jan 13 - 02:18 PM

Spaw + bland in same the sentence! Not every day ya see that.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: catspaw49
Date: 11 Jan 13 - 02:55 PM

Well geeziz Gnu, this ain't the kinda' thread where I can just throw in a quick fart reference for a cheap laugh!!!

Besides, I think Al Roker has cornered the market after telling how he popped a shart at the White House and left his underwear in a WH bathroom. So old Al went Commando the rest of the evening. He yells the damn story and every US news channel plays it a dozen times a day for 3 days..........

Fiscal problems, gun control, more and more obstructionist crap from the GOP, and they're reporting that Al shit himself. Even YOU can do that Gnu!



Spaw

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: catspaw49
Date: 11 Jan 13 - 05:36 PM

Dan (olddude) has a threade going but he's been along here with us from the beginning. Seems he's been diagnosed with bladder cancer.......Let's get a few things his way as well.


Spaw

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: maeve
Date: 12 Jan 13 - 04:46 AM

Sure, Spaw...Dan- and Tinker as well as the rest are all held here. By the way...Isn't it funny that our modest Janie so neatly sums up how many of us feel?

Good morning, to all.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 12 Jan 13 - 11:12 AM

Ann & I wish all of you aboard The Rainbow a very happy 1st Anniversary. It is a time to celebrate friendships old & new; a time to acknowledge the fundamental goodness that has become the core of our Thread; a time to thank each & every one of you for your gracious, compassionate words, often putting your own needs into second place. Such selflessness is a rare commodity in this hasty experience we still call 'Life'.
    I need to remain within the sanctuary of our 'Magical Metaphor' to continue. As I look to the horizon, there is a small, dark speck of cloud. As each day passes, it appears slightly larger & nearer, but a speck it remains for the present. Be prepared, we may be dropping anchor sooner than I had envisaged, My Dear Friends. In the meantime, go about your duties. The Rainbow is a fine ship; all her sails are set; she remains on course, but the barometer has fallen, just a mite, but sufficient for me to notice.
          With All Our Love on this auspicious Day,
                                                                         Nigel & Ann.
                                                                         xxxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: Janie
Date: 12 Jan 13 - 12:14 PM

Sometimes it is hard to know what to share or say. Would it be supportive or hurtful and frightening, Nigel, for some of us to share from our own family's experiences with journeys similar to the one your family is now on?

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: Janie
Date: 12 Jan 13 - 12:15 PM

as ever, I am apostrophe challenged.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: gnu
Date: 12 Jan 13 - 12:39 PM

Well, Janie, look at this way... every one you get right is an apostrophy.

Maybe not as good as Spaw but I didn't have to go so far for it.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 12 Jan 13 - 12:58 PM

Janie, Ann & I would welcome the sharing of these experiences. Be assured, it would be supportive.
                With Love,
                               Nigel & Ann.
                               xxxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: billybob
Date: 12 Jan 13 - 03:18 PM

Dear Nigel

One year of the Rainbow Crew, I popped in on day two just to send love to you and Ann and, of course Jane.For some weeks I just sat on deck reading the compassionate words of wisdom from these(now) friends, not knowing what the next few months had in store for my family and me.

In Febuary my darling husband Billy had an operation for skin cancer, a melanoma on his back, which was more involved than we had thought and he was 6 weeks to recover.We were lulled into a false sense of well being then in March were told the CLL ( leuchemia) that he had been diagnosed with 7 years before had become a major concern and he needed chemotherapy.which he said he would not do!! However with the consultant and myself ganging up he did agree and you all know that he completed the six months treatment in December and we await the bone marrow biopsy in 8 weeks to see how the treatment has worked.

All through this we have looked after my dear old mum, Dementia has its lows(lots of them) but also we have times of hysterical laughter when mum has some lucid very funny thoughts, often saying things about family members that maybe she has supressed over many years, so now the truth will out!!

She has been very ill since Christmas and I have been very down over the past three weeks, but the Rainbow Crew have been here for me and I cannot thank you all enough, wish I could get you all in a big room and tell you how much your support and friendship means to me, HUGS all round.But Nigel all I can say is "Thank you" and you are in our thoughts every day and will be thoughout the coming days and months.

with much love

Wendy xxxxxx

PS after three nights without any sleep,zombie like, I have just got mum to eat a homemade shepherds pie, first food since Monday !!

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 12 Jan 13 - 03:20 PM

It is hard to believe that it has already been a year except perhaps for when I look at the number of posts on this thread. They didn't get here overnight. Now let's continue together to work for another year. Rather than one day at a time, I'm thinking in terms of one year at a time.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: Janie
Date: 12 Jan 13 - 03:43 PM

And love to you and yours also, Wendy. Wish I could offer some instrumental help or respite.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: GUEST,pete from seven stars link
Date: 12 Jan 13 - 05:13 PM

thankyou so much for your prayers and interest.tommy still deemed too unfit to take off ventilator although it is now assisting rather than breathing entirely for him.he sleeps a lot but has some more alert spells.i taped some of my songs for him and that seems to help him and amuses the nurse who has picked up on some of it and sings along!
when he becomes sufficiently alert they will try removing the tube again
as i read the above posts i lift my thoughts to God for your needs and pressures,and thank him for your kind interest and friendship.
,pete

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: billybob
Date: 12 Jan 13 - 05:40 PM

Bless you Pete,

Will be here through the night, get some sleep, The crew will keep us all sailing on

xxxx Wendy

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: Janie
Date: 12 Jan 13 - 06:04 PM

As Wendy said, pete....

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 12 Jan 13 - 06:20 PM

Nigel, we'll be here whatever the winds that blow. Now that I've discovered this thread, I try to check in every day, though I don't always post. Wendy, Dan, Pete, remember that you, too, are being held in the hearts and minds of friends the world over.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: catspaw49
Date: 12 Jan 13 - 07:34 PM

So glad you decided to sign on fulltime Allison........So many fine folks sailing along here come what may. Full sail, reeefed down, spinnaker set or storm jib.....We all do our jobs and we can make it through together!


Spaw

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 12 Jan 13 - 08:02 PM

we can make it through together! yes

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: maeve
Date: 12 Jan 13 - 09:37 PM

Rapparee and his wife are sailing along with us all. Sending sleep to all who need it; light in the darkness, and hope in the Slough of Despond.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 13 Jan 13 - 06:03 AM

I don't usually make New Year's Resolutions & what I'm about to write is more akin to a Life Resolution, but it is my intention to maintain this thread beyond the end of Jane's Voyage. Originally, I assumed this would be a modest form of support for Ann & myself that would have it's own natural cadence. However, over the past year our Thread has grown in breadth & depth. It has become important to many more people than I ever expected. Indeed, I don't think I ever considered the possibility that other Folk might find Love, Help & Support here. I couldn't have been more wrong! I don't think it's possible or even necessary to attempt to quantify or define just what it is We have all created. What I will say is that it feels important, right & necessary that our Voyage continues.
      Today, my thoughts are focussed particularly on Wendy & Billy; Dan; Pete & Tommy; Rapparee & his Wife & several others of whom I'm aware, but who wish to remain anonymous.
      ChanteyLass summed it up perfectly: " I'm thinking in terms of one year at a time." I'm inclined to add: "....and the next, & the next &........."
                              With Love to You All,
                                                             Nigel & Ann.
                                                             xxxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Jan 13 - 11:43 AM

Nigel, you set the tone at the beginning and it was reflected back to you, Ann, and Jane. That so many have found solace, etc. here has a lot to do with your eloquent, raw/honest, beautiful writings and the soul which shines from them. I think I can safely say this is the Best of the best threads on Mudcat.

I know I've been kinda quiet of late, but I do read this every day and I am giving thanks for the Guidance we all receive.

much love to all,

kat

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: Janie
Date: 13 Jan 13 - 02:34 PM

During my father's year long illness with Melanoma Mudcatter's held all of us, and especially Dad and Mom in their thoughts and prayers. Although neither Mom nor Dad have ever been on Mudcat, I kept them informed that many from across the country and around the world were holding them in deepest positive regard. I really can not convey how meaningful the knowledge of those kindnesses from complete strangers meant to them.

At some point along the journey they opened a package to find a Mudcat Shawl done by Jacqui. It meant even more to my father than did the prayer shawl he had received from his church - I mean, one anticipates support from one's church, life-long friends and family. That shawl was the covering that stayed on the back of Dad's recliner, or wrapped around his shoulders or legs right up until he was confined to bed in the last 2 weeks of his life. Mom now has it carefully heirloomed and put away with the American flag that drapped the shrine at his Memorial Service.

That thread was also a blessing to me - a place where I could look for support at a time when my job in the family was to offer support and care. It was a place to share our story and to share a little something about my beloved parents and sister. Sometimes what we most need is to be able to tell our story and know that someone is listening with attention.

There is so much listening here.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 13 Jan 13 - 03:36 PM

Pete, it is good to read that the ventilator is supporting Tommy's breathing. I hope he continues to need it less and less and soon can be off it.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: gnu
Date: 13 Jan 13 - 03:39 PM

Nigel... your post brought tears to my eyes. Thank you.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 13 Jan 13 - 07:50 PM

I've also teared up reading Janie's post

love to all

sandra

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: GUEST,999
Date: 13 Jan 13 - 08:01 PM

Well, I ain't opening this thread again until I have a box of Kleenex with me.

Subject: RE: Healing thoughts & prayers please (Nigel Paterson)
From: frogprince
Date: 13 Jan 13 - 08:21 PM

Half-senile old coots like 999 and me tend to respond like that to things like this...