Having an amazing experience

[robin]

Hey my friends...today I happened upon a file that my hubby, Tom, had made and placed in my file cabinet for me in Feb 2006 when I was hospitalized and not expected to survive. As I looked in the file, I found a ton of cards and e-mails that people, many who I never had "met" even in a forum had taken the time to reach out to a total stranger. I've been in a really mixed state of mind, one of those deep dark places you don't want to go and visit much less spend time there.

The folder brought me to tears, also something I don't do very often and when I do spill the tears, the event is burned in my heart, soul and mind. Think it may have filled me with a renewed strength to realize that tomorrow will be a new day. I found the strength to accept some things that have grieved me for months and to let them go.

I did reach out to many of those who contacted me during that stay and I hope to hear back from a couple of people who I had never heard from other than the one e-mail contact to the hospital. There were e-mails from a "hood" contact, who has since died secondary to liver failure and many of the names, I recognize from this or other forums I have visited.

So, I just want to take a moment to share with everyone how special something like reaching out to a stranger can be. Maybe we can all "pay it forward" because it could mean the difference in where a person goes in their heart and soul or the direction their life takes. Maybe I do have a gaurdian angel, who knows.

Keep your spirits high...robin   
 

[Hank's mom]

Hey Robin -

So great of Tom to have saved all the messages sent your way. I suspect the notes, etc. were a boost for him as well as a husband and caregiver. You've remained positive for all here, on other forums and I imagine for those in your family and among your friends.

The hospital may not realize just how much you gave them by holding them to a higher standard and even if they don't appreciate what you've taught them. they will avoid your, ahem, more expressive moments from the next batch of patients, by being better at their jobs.

Finally but not lastly - at your lowest of times and darkest of moods,many of which you posted about, you gave all your fellow heppers a ray of hope at times that seemed hopeless, a friend when we have been so lonely on our roads that giving up felt like the only road to take, and gave all those in your life of yourself in person and online.

We love you, sweet bird,
Susie

[MissyMouse]

               


I remember that.

Mouse

[Snowflake]

Robin,

How wonderfully touching that must have been for you... And, it sounds as if it could have not come at a better time.
Hopefully the renewed strength will carry you forward to better days.

TAKE CARE
 Winona

[JulieAnn]

I know from talking to my brother Ricky that there are times when he feels very alone, especially in the early morning.  And I know it helps him so much when he is reminded in some way that he has friends and family that do care--that we haven't forgotten about his daily struggle.  So I can appreciate a little bit how this recent experience has affected you. 

For those struggling with this disease, and also for loved ones like me, it is sometimes hard to keep that "glass half full" feeling going and you have moments of real despair.  I've only known you a short time but I can tell you that you are always "paying it forward" and I really appreciate it and appreciate you!  Thank you for sharing your amazing experience..

Hugs,
Julie

[hanklive39]

Hi Robin!

Sorry I haven't responded as of late but ,as you know these youngsters are keeping me very busy to say the least!!!

Anywho, What you just conveyed to all of us in here is also letting me know that your life is now going to become a much more meaningful, purposeful, and an inspirational one for the many, many new folks that the name I choose to call my higher power - GOD, will be sending your way from now on!!!!!

So get ready to start paying it foward on a regular basis... Oh and btw, don't worry because, God will only send you what you cna handle, and nothing more than that!!!
Next time you read this, you'll say to yourself: "That frigging Hank!!! He lied to me!!! God is sending me more than I can handle!!!"

Well, I'll just remind you that only God knows what we can handle because if we did, we'd never sense the challenge of the situation, and end up unmotivated to rise above the challenge itself!!! So this is how you'll be able to show one of the many ways of expressing your gratitude towards your savior!!! The name I choose to call my higher power - GOD is the name!!!

Get ready for the next chapter in your journey through your NEW LIFE!!!  
what a life huh??

Respectfully,
Henry

[robin]

Morning all...each of you are thanked deeply for your responses. Isn't it great when life has to remind us of where we have been in order to see what path we need to take? I wish each of you an amazing day and week and month and...well LIFE. Keep you spirits high...robin

[Hank's mom]

Robin -
Thanks for reminding me, won't speak for the others, about the important things we miss when we aren't paying attention.

Susie