I know I have been remiss in thanking each and everyone of you who helped me

[WCGreen]

through a very tough time.

Sitting alone in a hospital room for ten or so days with everyone surrounding you wearing a mask so that they don't catch what you have is a little on this side of terrifying. Throw in the fact that they didn't really know what was causing my lungs to suddenly turn against me and you can see why I was a little unglued.

The folks who came to visit always stayed with me as long as they could but they were pulled away by life outside the quarantine area. Some even risked infection because they understood the power of human touch on those of us who are so cut off from normal life.

But I had a portal, a window to a world that didn't require masks or washing hands. This window to the world was filled with information but that was beside the point since I had the attention span of a hamster.

Of course that window was DU.

I tried, I really did to keep up with all of you running about your daily lives, debating weighty issues and a whole lot of issues that just go poof once they drop off the front page, but I couldn't.

I was selfishly wrapped inside my own survival cocoon.

But it started to unravel bit by bit as I gave you all updates about my condition. I know a lot of what I wrote was way out of it, hell, I didn't sleep more than an hour or two a day. You were expecting Hemingway? They were also giving me Morphine and percadans on request and still I couldn't sleep. I was out of pain and in a fog but I just couldn't sleep.

Several times during my "visit", dark thoughts of death and survival came flashing before me.

And it was at those times that I reached for the bed table where the lap top was, pulled it close and logged on to DU.

A lot of people still don't understand the connection that can be made in cyber space, but I know now how real cyber space can be.

I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

I still have a ways to go. I am getting ready to have another scope of my lungs today, they are still bleeding a bit. The X-Ray yesterday was encouraging and I am confident that I will be well, although it will take more time for my to bounce back. Being over fifty doesn't make it easier.

I guess I just really want to say thanks for being there.

You will never really know how real cyber space is until you reach out from the darkness and find a whole vibrant, alive world at your fingertips...

[peekaloo]

1. Best wishes for your return to better health.

:hug:

[Bertha Venation]

2. Thinking of you.

I'm glad you could rely on DU. I was glad to see your posts, even though it was hard to imagine what you were experiencing. As I read each one, I couldn't believe the suffering. I am so sorry. I'm glad you're on the mend and I will keep keeping good thoughts for you. :hug:

[theNotoriousP.I.G.]

3. Hey man

just glad you are finally on the road to "normalcy" whatever that means to you. I enjoyed your thoughts and observations during your hospital stay and some of it freaked me out because we are all going to be forced to come face to face with out own mortality and you reminded me of that.


I'm glad DU was able to help you in some way during your long ordeal.

:hi:

[lizziegrace]

4. You've always got friends out here

:hug:

I'm around all day. Give me a call if you're up to it.

[Kali]

5. Glad you are doing a little better.

DU saved my sanity in 04. My isolation wasn't medical/physical, just political but it was severe. So I have a small clue.

[WCGreen]

6. They actually might be able to recapture some of my lung function

with what the found over the last few weeks...

[Capn Sunshine]

11. wow, that would be awesome

welcome back :hi:

[WCGreen]

12. They opened up an air way, don't know the technical term,

that,for now at least, opens up more of my lung for doing it's work...

[Pool Hall Ace]

7. That survival cocoon isn't selfish.

You need it. :hug:

[annabanana]

8. I am so glad to hear from you.

Having been in a hospital lately, with the never ending night time interruptions and the endless hours before dawn, I know how close you can get to the laptop.

Very glad to hear you upbeat and looking forward to some more encouraging info.

[Bossy Monkey]

9. Hey. Hey! HEY! Repost in GD so it can make the Greatest page.

Since I can't K&R, just a K in the meantime. Hope you're feeling better soonest!

[WCGreen]

13. Good idea....

There were a lot of people over in GD who kept me going...

[Odin2005]

10. Good that you are doing better!

:)