Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: billybob
Date: 15 Dec 17 - 09:17 AM

Oh dear, I have been away for far too long, just catching up and reading of so many sad losses of loved ones, words are never enough to heal the sadness but they are all we have. I lost a very dear cousin two weeks ago and although he had been very ill for some months and fighting bravely, it is still a shock to know that he is no longer just a phone call away, and there will be another empty chair at the Family Christmas dinner.

A death of a loved one is never easy but at this time of the year when others are full of joy and happiness it is very hard to put on a brave face.As many of you know I lost my darling mother at Christmas 2 years ago, the loss is still there, sometimes it catches me out when I see a familiar figure in the street and then realise that it isn't mum, but an elderly lady with the same hair or walk! But Christmas was her favourite time, she loved to see the children open their gifts, her delight was a full house, everyone sat round the dining table sharing Christmas memories of years past. So the circle turns and our memories this year will of happy times we shared with mum and remind ourselves how lucky we were to have her in our lives.

Wishing you all much love, healing thoughts and prayers, happy memories of loved ones no longer here.

Wendy

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: frogprince
Date: 14 Dec 17 - 10:00 PM

my...our...Christmas card for this year

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: frogprince
Date: 14 Dec 17 - 09:13 PM

I'm at home (Michigan) running the snow blower a little for the first time this season, and preparing to fly over to my family in Minnesota next week, which will be the first time I've gone alone in 34 years. I'm holding up okay, and getting reminded of how good some of our friends are. Printing and stuffing Christmas cards today.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: keberoxu
Date: 14 Dec 17 - 06:57 PM

Good evening, sweet frogprince, wherever you are.
No words, only thinking of you.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 13 Dec 17 - 06:53 PM

Refresh.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: keberoxu
Date: 10 Dec 17 - 12:52 PM

Rapparee, I don't envy you this,
and I sincerely hope the results of the surgery
are successful and an improvement
over your condition pre-surgery.

Is this carpal-tunnel stuff
from a lifetime as a librarian?

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Rapparee
Date: 09 Dec 17 - 10:06 PM

The cut at the base of my hand is perhaps a half an inch wide. The one on the backside of my elbow is about five inches long. Both hurt, the long one the most (unless I bang one or the other and then that one hurts the most).

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 09 Dec 17 - 07:56 PM

Rapparee, I'm glad you are recovering but wish you were pain-free. I'll try to remember your advice but hope I never need it.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 09 Dec 17 - 01:54 PM

Just checking up/in. A bit busy lately. I hope all are doing as well as they can. In case I don't get back soon, MERRY HO HO!

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Pete from seven stars link
Date: 09 Dec 17 - 06:21 AM

That's how I understood it Nigel - bless you.                                                                      It will be a hard day for frogprince but I hope he finds some comfort in it too       Blessings all.   Pete

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 09 Dec 17 - 03:55 AM

My apologies to all; the Christina Rossetti poem was intended for all who grieve, for all whom loss & sadness are unbidden, unwelcome visitors. I did not make that clear in the post.
          Season's Greetings & a Happy New Year to the Rainbow Crew & 'Catters everywhere,
                                                 With Love,
                                                                Nigel.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Rapparee
Date: 08 Dec 17 - 10:17 PM

Rapparee is recovering with as little pain as survives the pain meds. The splints came off yesterday, now it's just elastic bandages and good gauze pads. And meds. Suggestion: if you ever have this sort of surgery, do not accidentally stretch or knock the injured parts. That causes you to say things that would cause Sister Innocenta of the Spring Flowers to swoon.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Pete from seven stars link
Date: 08 Dec 17 - 05:48 PM

I found the song Janie. Good song . I was singing to tommy at the end of his journey too

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: keberoxu
Date: 08 Dec 17 - 02:43 PM

Sending sympathy to frogprince as the memorial service takes place this weekend.

Hoping Rapparee continues healing with as little pain as possible.

Thinking of Mysha, and hoping you're finding and keeping the fragile balance.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 07 Dec 17 - 08:54 PM

Nigel, that student must have valued his time with you.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Janie
Date: 07 Dec 17 - 08:05 PM

Ahhh. Hearts breaking open and releasing love into the world.

Terrible. Beautiful.

Somehow, we sail on.

Pete the song I linked to that wasn't available in the UK on that link was written by Ola Belle Reed. I am aware of 3 recordings. 2 by Ola Belle Reed and one by Critton Hollow String Band. I think you would really like it so maybe your own google search will turn up a recording available to you

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 07 Dec 17 - 06:53 AM

Echo

By Christina Rossetti

Come to me in the silence of the night;
Come in the speaking silence of a dream;
Come with soft rounded cheeks and eyes as bright
As sunlight on a stream;
Come back in tears,
O memory, hope, love of finished years.

O dream how sweet, too sweet, too bitter sweet,
Whose wakening should have been in Paradise,
Where souls brimfull of love abide and meet;
Where thirsting longing eyes
Watch the slow door
That opening, letting in, lets out no more.

Yet come to me in dreams, that I may live
My very life again though cold in death:
Come back to me in dreams, that I may give
Pulse for pulse, breath for breath:
Speak low, lean low
As long ago, my love, how long ago.

(Source: https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/echo-by-christina-rossetti)

Tomorrow, Friday, I shall be attending the funeral of a former student. We kept in touch over the years & in all that time, he unfailingly addressed me as 'Sir'. Most students make the change from 'Sir' to 'Nigel' or 'Mr.P' eventually, but not M. I remained 'Sir' until his letters stopped.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: keberoxu
Date: 06 Dec 17 - 07:28 PM

Glad this thread is here --

in fact, I'm especially glad it's here
in the lull inbetween storms.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Janie
Date: 06 Dec 17 - 01:47 PM

I knew the cost of the ticket when I bought it and handed it over to be punched. Doesn't make the journey easier, but I know I will survive it.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Rapparee
Date: 06 Dec 17 - 08:04 AM

I'm doing okay and may even go out today. I am using a tablet so don't expect long replies.

It seems to be the time of year for people to pass on. This time of year and Spring. No words can help except to let others know we care.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 05 Dec 17 - 07:08 PM

Oh, Dean, your song choices should be on target, and I love what you'll do with your wife's frog collection.

Janie, I'm so sorry. Hugs.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: keberoxu
Date: 05 Dec 17 - 02:45 PM

Thinking of you Janie.
And Pete and Frogprince.

Rapparee, hope you have a comfortable pain/med balance while you recover.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Pete from seven stars link
Date: 05 Dec 17 - 02:43 PM

Sorry for your loss Janie . I have thought of you and your friend over the last few weeks and offered a prayer , as also for frogprince . The vid was not available here. Wishing you peace               Pete

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Janie
Date: 04 Dec 17 - 11:21 AM

To quote Gram Parsons, "Sometimes all you can do is sing a gospel song."

Sing Me A Song

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Janie
Date: 04 Dec 17 - 08:48 AM

Chuck died Saturday afternoon.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Rapparee
Date: 03 Dec 17 - 10:09 PM

Yup, 8:45 a.m. MST tomorrow.

Dean, I'm so sorry.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Janie
Date: 03 Dec 17 - 08:09 AM

Sending love, Dean.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: frogprince
Date: 02 Dec 17 - 08:51 PM

The service will be this next Saturday. I think it's about laid out. Opening with Ann Hills and Cindy Mangsen's recording of "Land Where We Never Grow Old". Mid-way, a friend who knew Judy from childhood singing "Far Side Banks of Jordon". Concluding with "I Can See You Now", written by Bruce Murdoch. In between, A couple of more "churchy" songs, and words from family and friends.
   Did I ever mention here that she had a huge collection of collectible frogs? Quite a few of them will be on a table for folks to take as mementos or for children; she would have loved that; maybe we can say "She'll love that".
   It will be at the church where she has been very much a part for almost if not forty years. I'll sit down with the pastor tomorrow to go over it with him. Tomorrow would have been our 34th.

               Dean, the frogprince

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 02 Dec 17 - 08:08 PM

best wishes to Janie & her dear friend

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: keberoxu
Date: 02 Dec 17 - 06:33 PM

Thinking of our frogprince
preparing for the memorial service for his better half.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 30 Nov 17 - 05:52 PM

Janie, I wish your friend comfort.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Janie
Date: 30 Nov 17 - 01:50 PM

Continued good thoughts please for my friend and Dear Companion, and all who love him. Moving to hospice as soon as a bed is available.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ranger1
Date: 30 Nov 17 - 08:30 AM

Sandra, have you met Rap? He'd be my first suspect if cookies went missing!

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 30 Nov 17 - 07:43 AM

surely you're not still swiping cookies at your mature years, Rap?

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Rapparee
Date: 28 Nov 17 - 10:12 PM

Ranger 1, just tell everyone that he finally annoyed you beyond your limit and that's what he got. My left arm is going to be in a splint/sling after cubital/carpal tunnel surgery on Monday next and I'm certain that Pat will tell people that. Or that she caught me trying to swipe some cookies.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Pete from seven stars link
Date: 28 Nov 17 - 04:10 PM

Only just catching up . A bit of a shock seeing frogprince 's news , and so soon after my last post. May precious memories help the healing : bless you

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: keberoxu
Date: 26 Nov 17 - 04:37 PM

A dear friend of mine is seeing her adult son through his convalescence.
He'll make it, but it was scary.

All his young life he has participated in things like snowboarding
and has trained hard and well,
managing to compete without any really dramatic injuries.

Then he gets an invite to a party at someone's house.
There's going to be food, so he shows up hungry.
Coming in, there are some kind of flashy strobe-ey lights going on.
When he gets clear through the door,
he does a face-plant, just passes out cold.
It's a hardwood floor.

So now they are wondering if the lights triggered a seizure.
The facial fractures required plates. Yeeks.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 24 Nov 17 - 07:04 PM

Janie, thank goodness for hospice and people like you.

Ranger1, will J-boy tell others how he got hurt, or will he make up a dramatic story about skydiving or something?

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Janie
Date: 24 Nov 17 - 06:22 PM

Owww J-Boy!

Good friends are a treasure indeed.

Hospice will be coming to evaluate my friend’s needs in the next few days. We have been taking turns staying with him for the past week or so and that will continue.

Thankful for friendships, old and new. Thankful for all of you.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ranger1
Date: 24 Nov 17 - 01:56 PM

Got a phone call from the ER this morning. J-boy slipped getting out of the shower last night, fell, broke his arm, and banged up his face on the way down. Luckily, no concussion, but he does have a rather spectacular black eye. Picked him up and brought him back to my place for a couple of days. Healing thoughts would definitely be welcome.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 24 Nov 17 - 07:07 AM

good friends are a treasure

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: frogprince
Date: 23 Nov 17 - 11:32 PM

My friend of 57 years, who set me up on a blind date with Judy, and was our best man, invited me to their family thanksgiving at his daughter's home. I was taken a little off guard when they said very little, and then no more, about my bereavement. But I came to realize that that was what was right for today; I had a freer, happier day than I could have imagined.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: keberoxu
Date: 23 Nov 17 - 08:25 PM

Nigel, hope your recovery is moving in the direction needful, and that you are feeling well enough.

Janie, thinking of you as you support others and ask for support from those whom you trust.

A respectful moment of stillness for those who are recently bereaved.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 23 Nov 17 - 06:02 AM

I'm mindful of the fact that for some of our Dear Friends, this Thanksgiving will be different & full of mixed emotions. Nevertheless, I trust it's not inappropriate for me to wish all here a Happy Thanksgiving Day. May your time round the table strengthen the bonds, right some wrongs & give you hope for the future.
                                                               With Love to You All,
                                                                                                Nigel.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 22 Nov 17 - 08:55 PM

Thank you for the information about Jerry Rasmussen's wife Ruth, ranger1. If you can, tell him ChanteyLass sends her condolences.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: gnu
Date: 22 Nov 17 - 05:28 PM

Nigel... beautiful.

r1... thanks.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ranger1
Date: 22 Nov 17 - 02:20 PM

Jerry Rasmussen's wife Ruth passed away last evening. Jerry doesn't post here any more, but I wanted to put this here for those who knew him.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: frogprince
Date: 21 Nov 17 - 12:04 PM

Nigel: Oh yes...oh yes.
Thanks, all of ya.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: ranger1
Date: 21 Nov 17 - 10:18 AM

Meeting you and Judy was a joy. I sorrow in your physical loss, but I am glad she is free from the pain of losing herself.

Subject: RE: Jane's Rainbow: for all needing support & comfort
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 21 Nov 17 - 06:07 AM

Dear Dean, these uncredited words will have to speak for me:

"When we take our vows and say, "until death us do part," we are fooling ourselves. Death only brings a physical departure. A marriage and the bond between a husband and wife make two people into one. That means that even when we lose our wife, we are still left with that special love that burns inside and never dies. That internal love burns on even when our wife is no longer with us. Clinging to that love inside us, even though it can never be physically expressed again, can carry and sustain us in her passing". (edited)

                                                                Much love to You, your Family & Friends,
                                                                                                                                  Nigel.