Hello

I have been away from the board for a long time now, although I do lurk at times. When I read about Chris, I was filled with so much sadness. I had tried to contact Chris several times during the past few years, but no response. I do not know what happened with IV and it doesn't matter.What does matter is the friendship that was established there and here. Many of you ,along with Chris, brought me through tough times and for that I will always be greatful.
Let me update you on what has been going on in my life. My oldest DS is still in the Army and has has three tours in Iraq. Thank the Lord is he back in the states and safe. My DD is now happily married and they just bought their first house. My youngest DS is in San Diego (we are going out next week to see him). He spends six months doing a co-op there and six months going to the University of Cincinnati. My DH and I are still together (for those who remember the two years we were apart). Things are going good and it has been two years since we got back together. I am now a desk nurse (getting to old to do patient care these days). Not too much else is going on. I am eight years out and doing well.
My prayers are with you all and I think of you often
Hugs and prayers
Patty

Oh Patty it is so good to hear from you. I have thought of you often wondering how things were going with you and your husband. I had no idea your son had to go back to Iraq for the third time. Thank God he is home and safe. Your family sounds like it is doing well. I remember your daughter came with you to the group meeting in Cincinnati. So many years have passed since then.

Yes, we all tried to contact Chris, but she just would not let us in. I haven't been in Cincinnati for a couple of years. My mother is in Wheeling, WV in a home near my brother, so when I go north I usually fly into Columbus and my daughter, Chris from KY, picks me up and we drive to WV and spend time. My son has moved to near Gatlinburg, TN so we go there occasionally. Everyone is scattered anymore. I really would like to get back to northern OH but I never seem to have enough time to fit it all in.

Please don't stay away so long again. I am thrilled you are doing so well. As far as cancer goes, I am, too. The hernia thing gets more painful all the time, so I do less and less. My daughter has a recurrence of breast cancer after eight years, but so far treatment is doing well and she still works way too hard. They are making hay for their animals and she is right in there lifting and doing it all. Grrr. I wish I could convince her to rest more. Yesterday when I called she was out fixing the hay rake. A couple of days before she was installing a gas water heater. She is her father's daughter, very mechanical, and her husband is not so she usually does the plumbing and electrical repairs. LOL.

Take care,

Hugs, MK