test test store to data file Send Patsy Ray Nora Dear.............I'll not think of you as anything but the vibrant, gutsy gal I remember from those days long ago with Howard. (My Christian Science influence from Aunt Francis).......... Visualize your wholeness (alternative work in cancer clinic in Mexico and California philsophy !)and give thought to olde French Doctor Couey from "every day in every way, better and better and better' fame. You're in your next learning experience Dear One and I wish you ease of dealing and discovering. Love to you and Paul Send Diane You talk to your neighbors, but you're not talking to your sisters. Is there a reason? Have we made you mad? We would love to know how you truly are. Paul's blogs are not sister conversations. Please call one or all of us. We love you and want to share this journey with you. Love you! Diane Send Barbara Hayworth Hi Nora! Just wanted you to know we are cheering you on. You are such a determined woman with such spirit that I have confidence in your victory! What a great way to communicate your progress using technology. Enjoyed reading Paul's description of your new neighborhood and the kid delivering flowers. I could just imagine his expression! Best wishes with PET SCAN. You hang in there cuz! Much love, Barbara Send Bill and Mary Edmonson Nora, Just wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know that you have been in our thoughts and prayers. Let us know if we can do anything to help. Send Dustin I will call soon. In the meantime, just want you to know you are in my thoughts. Hope the spinach isn't wearing on you already:). Let me know if there is anything.you need. Love you. Send Michele Hi Nora from very warm Dubai! Sorry I haven't had a chance to talk to you this month with all my travels but please know you are in my thoughts every single day! Good luck with everything the rest of the week and we hope to get down to see you maybe in March. Dustin will keep in touch so you can let us know how you are feeling and if you are up for visitors. Love you bunches and miss you both!! Keep staying strong, you are going to beat this!! Much live, Michele Send Jaine Hey there! I am sitting here on my lunch break looking at this, and I realized that I am patting my foot. Trying to be good about this waiting process...And I know it is harder for the 2 of you! I don't have anything exciting to tell you really. But just wanted to let you know you are in my thoughts constantly..even while stuffing my face :) Love you and keep up the good eating. Can you add semi sweet chocolate morsels to you trail mix?? yum We will talk soon.. Hugs Lil Sis Send Merwin .. there is no other! ;-) Hi Nora! .. I have a friend who lives in Berlin, Germany and the other day she sent me a note asking that I work some magic to make her smile .. so I wrote this .. and I thought you might like it too. I know you don't like new technology .. so if you should decide to lose your mind .. and want to write me a note .. my email is: peacefulmeadows@gmail.com ;-) :-) Once upon a time there was this princess who was wondering in the woods of time .. and came upon a little elf .. who was walking about under the ferns and mushrooms. He hid away from the princess as she looked over at him .. because he did not want to be seen .. but as she was looking .. she saw him out of the corner of her eye. So she kept her eye on him as he tried to hide behind every leaf and look for some place to get away .. but the princess was determined to find him .. so she kept coming closer and closer until he could go no further .. and she reached out to pick him up and just about the time she touched him .. he disappeared .. out of thin air. She looked around and then heard a wee small voice .. "Hey there .. Miss Princess .. what are you doing out here in the woods .. what are you doing here?" The Princess was startled and looked around and saw the elf standing upon a round rock at the base of a big tree. He warned her .. come no further .. do not come near .. or I will be gone for sure. So .. as he stood there on that rock .. she came closer .. but very carefully .. and again he said .. "Come no further" I am here watching you .. and want to let you know to be careful in the woods .. as there are many dangers .. but there are many beautiful things to see too. The Princess thought to trick the elf into thinking she was not interested .. but he knew better .. and as he continued to speak to her .. she became lost in his words. The elf said, "Follow me and I will show you some of the secrets of the forest .. but be careful lest you fall into a deep sleep!" The Princess assured him that it would be okay .. she'd be watching. The Elf turned and jumped down off the rock he had been standing on and quickly began walking down a little trail .. some places were covered over with ferns and low hanging bushes. The Princess had to hurry and keep up because the elf walked quickly. It seemed as she walked that some of the bushes reached their branches out and tried to touch and grab her .. but she kept moving. Soon they came to a little clearing .. and there were large ferns all around .. and big trees .. and it seemed she had begun to shrink in size because everything was so much bigger. As they entered the clearing .. the elf went over to a large rock and went behind it .. and the Princess followed as quickly as she could. On the other side of the rock .. there was a door to a home .. and on that door was a beautiful carving of a tree with many flowers and mushrooms. The door was small. As the elf got closer and went to the door .. he rang a little bell that was hanging outside. The door opened. Inside looking out was a fat toad .. who looked friendly enough and the elf and the toad seemed to be good friends as the toad invited us in. The Princess began to complain that she could not fit through the door as she was so much bigger .. but the elf said to her .. come closer and you will be able to fit through the door. The Princess moved forward slowly .. but not sure what to think. As she got closer walking up the steps toward the door .. sure enough with each step she became smaller .. until she was sure to fit through the door. Inside the toads home was quite nice .. a bed in the corner .. a table and chair .. and book shelf filled with books from many places. The toad offered the Princess a chair to sit on .. and the elf sat on a stool .. as the toad pulled a book off the shelf. The toad opened the book and as he did it's pages came alive .. with flowers, butterflies, honey bees, and flying insects of all kinds. The toad said, "I like these" licking his lips and pointing to several unusual ones with wings. Then the Toad turned the page .. and there was a lot of excitement as the next page opened another wonder. The elf seemed interested in something else and told the Toad to turn to page 32 .. and as he did a beautiful rainbow lifted from the pages with a flowing creek and beautiful meadow. The elf pointed to the mountains in the distance and said .. that's where we need to go. So the toad laid the book on the floor .. and the elf stood up from the place where he had been sitting on the stool .. and turned to the Princess saying .. follow me and I'll show you something else. So the elf stepped into the page on the book and began to walk toward the mountain. The Princess hesitated .. and the Toad said .. "hurry you must not be late". The Princess gathered up her skirt and began to walk toward the book .. and as she did .. it seemed to grow around her .. and before long she was following the elf as he walked through the meadow toward the mountain. Send Donna Ingle Moore Nora, I am praying for you. Send Gene Wagstaff Hi Nora! Been a long time since TCR huh? Sorry you are having to deal with this. Just wanted to let you know I am rooting for you and wish you the best. Peace and grace from God. Take care and keep fighting! Gene Send Jacquelynn (Abbott) sCHOBRING Nora, Wish I did not ever have to see thata another person has breast cancer.. Saw the note of Merwin's fb site.. I will add you and your family to my prayer list/jacque Abbott '69 Send Bettie Brown Presley I sent you a Christmas card. Hope it got to you since it sounds as if you have recently moved.. You are a bright star in my life and I am sorry you are having to deal with this c r ..ud. I get to sav often..hope we can connect soon. I love and adore you. Me and "the booger" are still playing house..6 grands (3 of them are triplet boys..makes for a seriously dysfunctional family as if we weren't already,remember I have 4 sisters,too!). Our address is 8 windmill way, greenville,sc 864.444.5629. You will always be a welcomed sight at my doorstep! God bless you,my friend!!! Send Jan Keiser Coin Just wanted you to know I was thinking of you! How many years has it been since we honkered down in the back pew at Skyland Methodist and tried to be respectable children! Oh my, I think Diane was the only one that truly behaved. You and I never have met a stranger that we couldn 't make laugh or smile-that truly is our strongest and best quality so don't ever give that up as it has done us well over the years! I love you and will keep you in my prayers-jan Send Darlene Creasman Layton Nora, Phil and I will be praying for you. Hang in there Nora. Send Kari Don't know why I haven't seen this site before. Haven't been at the computer much. I shall now look at it regularly. Nora,my most favorite sister-in-law, my thoughts and love are with you daily. We also have a little "angle on earth" praying for you all the time. Bailey served her first Mass not too long ago and clad in her server robes she looks like an angel. So, I've had to revert to cooking the past few weeks. I'm not nearly as adventerous as Marty but he isn't starving. You know how Marty will say he has 'concus of the boncus'. The other day when Bailey was over she say's "Pepere I think you have boncus of the concus." Marty said" is that worse than concus of the boncus?" Her reply-"Much much worse". Here's praying for just concus of the boncus. Love to all in your household, and a BIG hug to you Nora Send Ronnie Israel Sam ; So very sorry to hear about your cancer. Knowing you, it doesnt have a chance. Stay strong and positive Send Kari Roy's team did good today. I'm pulling for him and I'm doubly pulling for you. I love you! Send Thelma Nora, I'm glad you've got the first round under your belt. At least now, you know what you're up against. You can do this, girl. I love you. Thelma Send Patsy Nora, Enjoy seeiing the pictures. It looks like a healing place to live. The universe has taken me to those little spots often in my life but returning here has been a happy decision. i'll be staying in the Hudson river Valley where mountains and hills are more prevalent and I am surrounded by my Children and Grand Daughter... To miss 'living' on the water is momentary with all the other positives. I've only to delve into the memory bank which has been filling with those moments most of my life. We do have creeks, rivers and streams within easy access so no withdrawal symptoms . Love to you both....Patsy Send Tana Melton Hi Nora...thinking of you and wanted to drop you a line to say I think of you every day and remember you (and Bill) in my prayer each night. You are so dear to all of us...keep up the good fight and know you are loved. Your new home looks like a wonderful place on this earth and I am so happy you and Paul found it. xoxo Send Forrest MacGregor (... after I changed it from Earl Hegar!) Nora, and Paul... I am sorry to hear of this. I actually had tried to connect with Paul a while back to mend some fences and I have a brief letter I'd like to send to him, if you would be so kind as to accept it. Snail mail or email works. (My email is fm@chestnuttech.com ) If so, I'd be grateful. Growing older, I have learned a number of things, and one is that defining one's self by one's tragedies ad problems is a bad way to live life and I have been slowly trying to spread more healing energy as I age. I owe Paul a little. Your call, of course, but either way, it does not affect my sincere sadness that you are confronting this. I guess I shouldn't be surprised, given the world we live in, but I keep hoping my friends, acquaintances and family will be spared somehow, and fate periodically reminds me that it disagrees. I hope, Nora, that you can prevail over this, and for Paul, that you can keep up your strength and the effort to help her as she does. I went through something similar with Jayne, as you may have heard, and I know how helpful a strong set of hands and an unbending will can be when you need advocacy and support. Good luck to you both. I mean it with all my heart. Forrest, (now a transient Yankee in chilly Vermont) Send Forrest Paul..... I decided just to send this... I hope it doesn't complicate anything, but here's what I tried to send a while back: September 15, 2011 Dear Paul, Greetings from Vermont and from an old nemesis. I hope that this letter finds you well and healthy and that you will grant me the kindness of reading it thoroughly, though you may be tempted to feed it to the shredder. There was a time when I considered you an enemy, and I am sure there was at least one time you wished I’d just go away. I write with two purposes, and a hope. The first purpose is to say that I am sorry I wasn’t smart enough as a young man to let matters with Jayne run their course. As an older man, I have come to realize that life is full of complex situations, and that in retrospect, I wish I had had more maturity when you and Jayne connected. Who knows how things like this happen? Biology, love, youth, lust all compete with judgment, and sometimes, usually I think, judgment loses. Sometimes, it probably should! I do know that now, were I confronted with a wife in love with another man, I’d just wish her the best in making a decision, and relish the result, in full confidence that she’d choose the best person for her. I am now of the opinion that if she found someone better, then by god, she’d have found someone better! I now want the people I love to be happy, not to be trapped. The young confuse love and ownership, it appears. Older folks know the difference. Had I been this aware at 25, I’d feel a lot better about how things worked out. The second purpose I write is to let you know, as sincerely as I can, that you are not my enemy, and that I harbor no ill will towards you. Perhaps you don’t care, but you struck me as the kind of person who would, and it pains me to think someone ‘out there’ might think that they are thought poorly of. You aren’t, at least by me! You married one of my favorite high school acquaintances, Nora, who always was a lovely spirit and a fine person. I hope life has been good to you both, and to your family. Jayne and I were married for 24 years, until she died of cancer in 1998. At the time, she had a bunch of cats and no kids, and I promised her I’d see the kitties to their ends and then deliver the bunch to favorite sacred places in the Smokies. I’m headed out to do that soon. She didn’t die very peacefully, Paul. Her death was at her own hand, cognizant of the terminal cancer she hosted. I was there, and alone with her, and if you want something to be grateful about, be glad it was someone other than you. Pretty devastating. Nonetheless, when the day arrives and I make my pilgrimage to the Smokies to wish her goodbye, I’d be grateful to know if you’d allow me to include you symbolically, as another man who loved a complex, difficult, and captivating woman, even briefly. Just a little thing, Paul. There’s no poison between us, and no reason the world needs any more stress than it has. My wishes for you and your family are sincere. I’m not sure how Jayne would want this all to happen, but on her behalf, I’d like to think she sided with love, forgiveness, and kindness. People are people. We get through all this the best way we can. Some stuff works out better than others. In the end, we’re all so similar, it’s crazy. We’re all scattered to the winds and to time. No sense making it worse than it has to be, right? Anyway, I’d love to hear back from you, but understand if I don’t. Kind regards, Forrest MacGregor (I ditched the moniker “Earl Hegar” years ago, as did Jayne Van Laurel ditch “Jayne Fishburne”.) Send Kari I loved Kathryns photos! Those views are food for the heart and soul. I'm glad you're there. Love You! Send Walter and Karen Hello Dear Nora, We are praying for positive results from today. I feel so confident in you. Made shrimp creole for Paul...and you, if you want. Will bring it by tomorrow. The dogs enjoyed their time outside, but Tybee really wanted to go around front! xox Karen Send jaine Hey there... Just dropping you a line to let you know we are all thinking of you here. Hope you are not too tired from all the tests that you are having. Waiting( somewhat) patiently to see what will be happening from PET SCAN and Dr's visits. We love you ! Send Bro Bill It all just plain sucks Nora! I've been looking for the answer to "why" my whole life and all I get is more questions. But in the mean time I place a kiss on your cheek and pick fresh wild blueberries for you when you feel you want them. No honey this year though, sorry. We pray hoping it will make things easier, but mostly because we don't know what else to do, except love you. Oh, and Paul too. Send Regina Herzog I am so happy for you that you are done with this part, but I will really miss you on Thursdays. Please let me know what is happening--email - rherzog906@aol.com. I will definitely make a trip to "the Ridge" to see you (probably need my passport, huh?). Send Merwin Hi Nora .. my HS friend. :-) I know this time has to be very trying to you and Paul. I want you to know I've enjoyed helping raise awareness about your needs. I wish I was in a position to do more. There is no down-playing regarding the seriousness of the issues you face. As you proceed with this whole process .. know that my best wishes are extended to you in every way. You are certainly going through the wringer. Never doubt that you are a special friend and deserving the compassion you receive. I don't think anyone likes the idea of having their life exposed in such a raw way .. but this is an opportunity for others to dig into their hearts and find their own humanity. You will always be an important memory for me .. one of those that shaped my early life. Please stay strong .. have as much fun as you can .. don't let anyone take your personal joy! There are many gentle arms around you. I wish I could speak magic words that could take away all the pain you have felt in life. Through the windows of Paul's words I have caught a glimpse of you again .. I have enjoyed pictures of you posted on your sister's FB pages. We all grow .. up .. on .. and older. My biggest wish for you .. is that you have as much peace in your heart as is possible. Your friend .. ~Merwin. Send Barbara Hayworth Oh Nora, I love the four stones! They do symbolize the precious character and special connection you four sisters have with each other. Tears have welled up in my eyes. Even though I am a terrible communicator, please know you and Paul are in my thoughts constantly. I so enjoy his writings, especially the poetry. Continue to heal with grace. Much love. Barbara Send Patsy Ray Dear One wish I were near enough to make you chicken soup ! or whatever your wish list of desireable foods of the moment includes ! The Basil is ready so shall make Pesto this week. Not sure how I could send and have it remain edible..... Sure thats not your primary concern in any case.. Will be thinking loving healing thoughts of you. If parallel universes are permeable, Howard is undoubtedly pushing thru with his love and 'absolutely positive' energy... Patsy Send Regina Herzog Although I am glad you are done with chemo, I do miss you on Thursdays. I will be praying and thinking about you on the 29th. I am planning to come see you sometime after that--as soon as I get my passport in order! Keep the faith. See you soon. Send Bro Bill I cant be there to stand watch and help in some way. But I will pray and be here for you as you recover. You've fought a big part of this battle and there are certainly better days ahead. You are loved, Bill Send Regina Herzog So relieved all went well. Please send my love to Nora. I do miss her (and you too!) Send Mary McTigue Dear Nora: I don't care who if anybody sees this but I couldn't find the "Leave a Reply" button that is NOT showing and it pissed me off. If you want your hair to be not grey and you used to color it, do. I recommend Excellence by L'Oreal, golden blonde (light blond with body, no grey, not ostentatious like strawberry blonde in any way. Of course hair color is up to you. These little things mean something. When I was in the hospital with one arm in traction (immobile) they would not do my hair for me, I got a friend to bring in the supplies and I did it myself. I made a mess but I did it. You sound like the type of person who might do it yourself. I love the "drive by" surgery thing. I am recovering from full tear rotator, described as "simple office surgery." LIE. It was in a hospital, I couldn't use my arm for 3-4 months (meaning I could not put on make up or do my hair so just shoot me, I mean it) so I was so depressed I slept for about 3 months. The house went to hell. I am still in rehab, but of course I am not comparing me to you. I had a hangnail compared to you. YOu are brave and courageous and keep fighting and do little nice things for yourself. YOu deserve it! Love Mary Send Patsy Ray HOORAY. GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR RECUPERATION. YOU'VE MADE A GREAT START.....GETTING HOME 'DAY OF' QUITE A COUP. YOU LOOK TO BE IN A MOST HEALING PLACE, NORA. GOODER TOO, THOSE WHO LOVE YOU STANDING BY. LOVE FROM HERE, Send Bro Bill I am so happy you had successful drive thru surgery. You are one tough lady. I want to come see you perhaps in a few days. But you're like me, you don't want people around when you don't feel well. I'll call Paul in a few days to see if you're up to a short visit but in the mean time be a good girl, take your meds and we will pray for good lab reports. Love you, Bro Bill Send Regina Herzog Love the hairdo. Must be difficult to keep up with. So glad that there are no signs of cancer. Still miss you. Send Tana I have nothing private to say...just want to speak directly to you...you are right up there with those who stay strong and continue the journey with determination and amazingly find a way to smile...Nora is awesome...love you so much my friend. Send Regina Herzog So sorry about this latest thing. As they say--Cancer--the gift that keeps on giving. Please know that I am thinking of you always. Send Diane I hate that you are having this horrible pain while recuperating from the surgery! Hopefully, the medicine will help. Take it now, Nora!! Let the pain ease so you can rest without the headaches. I love you. Diane (aka the bossy sister) Send Tana I have nothing private to say...just want to speak directly to you...you are right up there with those who stay strong and continue the journey with determination and amazingly find a way to smile...Nora is awesome...love you so much my friend. Send Bro Bill Wow Nora, I would have never have figured you to be wound too tight. I'm so sorry for your all you're going through. But I would like to recommend an alternative, or at least an adjunct to the chemicals and and pain killers you need right now. There is an acupuncturist who has office hours at Joint Effort Wellness Center in River Walk as well as an office in Beaufort. Cindy and I have used acupuncture, massage therapy and natural medicine in the past and I promise you it does work. Though I can't remember her name, I have spoken with her and she is one you like instantly. She is our age, a little bit of hippie combined with years of knowledge, education and practical experience. Call Joint Effort at 379-1966 and see if you can hook up with her. Insurance may cover some costs too. Luv you. Send raygypsy@aol.com Dear Nora... Coconut water isn't too sweet, is 100% natural and is a good source of Potassium. I'd suggest trying the plain. Those that have something added like cane sugar or bits of coconut meat will be marked. Made the mistake of reading only the large print once. Three good brands (that I know) are Vita Coco, Maui and Sons, Trader Joe's brand. No artificial flavors, low sodium, hi Potassium and not from concentrate. As you probably know tomato sauces as well as fresh are also a good source if you can tolerate them. Good luck. I keep you in light. Love, Patsy Send Shaw Hollingsworth Dearest Nora...as I sit here, virtually pain-free, my heart goes out to you. I know you are a trouper and very proud....I admire that in you as I have that trait myself. Please know I think of you daily and am continuing to ask that your pain will STOP! Words at a time like this are really so useless; so know in your heart and mind that there are many, many who think of you daily and pray for your peace and for the pain to cease! shaw Send Regina Herzog So so sorry about all this. I would love to come see you. Would that be possible? Send Regina Heard that Nora won that beautiful blanket. Congratulations. I am sure she will put it to good use. Give her love and hugs from me. Send Regina Is she still in the hospital? I am praying for her every day. I hope they figure it out really soon. If she is still in the hospital, can I come see her today? It is my day at Low Country. Send Karen Ryker and Sarah Jo Burke Dear Nora, We opened a letter from Paul last night and were stunned by his news about you..... you're a brave, marvelous woman and we look forward to the time we'll see you again. You obviously have your beauties hovering, and friends to keep in touch. But know that we are thinking of you...STRONGLY. Knowing that you cannot see well, do you listen to audiobooks? If so, I could put together a couple chapters of our draft dvd of Sarah's book - in process - she's recorded it and I'm editing it, then we will add Burke Family Singers music to it - not all ready to go yet, but you might find it entertaining if you'd like to hear about her family's adventures in the 60's singing...... just let Paul know - but only if you want that sort of distraction. In the meantime, you have two friends up here in Connecticut rooting for you. with warm wishes for healing, Karen and Sarah Jo Send Patsy Ray Dear Ones...Nora and Paul, So sorry hearing of these recent challenges. Know you're both anxious to reach the point of going home where recuperation and seeing the water, birds, peace of nature and the lick of your dogs are healing........... You are both in my thoughts with love, Patsy Send Regina So so happy she is home. I will be in touch in the next week or so about coming to visit. Let me know if there is anything I can do. Love you both. Send Susan Zichy Michele keeps me update on your progress. Know that I think of you often & pray that God continues to give you the strength to fight this cancer. Paul's updates are so heartfelt and loving. Hugs & love to you both! Sincerely, Susan Send DB Can't stop thinking about all of you. I really wish I was there. No one could make me laugh like Nora. The worse thing for me was to know how much pain she was in near the end. No one should have to go through that especially one who could make everyone around her feel so good so often. Her laughter was infectious. Her opinions always made you think and sometimes made you wonder. A little bit of Nora lives in everyone she touched. Her children will miss her everyday of their lives but will carry a piece of her soul everywhere they wander. Now she's walking with Ann and mom and dad. She's watching over her children, and grandchildren and will be there to watch over her future grandchildren. And God knows she's still got to keep an eye on Paul. Save room at the bar. I want to be there to celebrate her life, toast her memory and hug her legacy. I miss you all so much. You are always in my prayers. Love DB Send