A HERETIC I AM needs some DU vibes, prayers, and love today.

[cherokeeprogressive]

His Mother has suffered a massive stroke and isn't going to be with us much longer. He's by Her side at the hospital in Port Charlotte, FL as I type this after driving straight there from Detroit via Atlanta. When I spoke with him last night he was on his way to kiss Her on the cheek one last time before She is taken off the respirator.

I know what DU is capable of as I've been on the receiving end of it myself. Time once again to show one of our own how important they are to us, and by extension, how important their families are as well. Please take a moment and put the world aside to offer whatever good wishes you can to a friend I consider to be one of DU's finest. In case you didn't know, his name is Paul.

Thanks in advance for your time.

Chris

[Peacetrain]

1. Prayers sent...

for Paul and his family.. John and Emily (the Peacetrains)

[magical thyme]

2. sending healing vibes and peace to A HERETIC I AM

and the rest of his family

and to his mother for a gentle passing.

[MADem]

3. Oh, dear--this is so sad. It's terrible to say goodbye with so little warning. So stressful.

I hope Paul will be OK, and can lean on friends and family. Sometimes it's the connection with those who are close to us, as well as the fond and happy memories, that get us through the worst moments of these events. It's just not easy.

[livetohike]

4. Holding Paul, his Mom and family in my thoughts that comfort and peace surround them at this

difficult time.

[madokie]

5. Consider it done Chris

loosing ones mother is a tough time in our lives.

[yellerpup]

6. So sorry for Paul.

Sending warmth and love and wishes for sweet memories to help him through this difficult time. Hugs to you too, for being a good friend.

[CTyankee]

7. I am so sorry to hear this. My heart and vibes go out to A Heratic I Am.

May her passing be one of peace.

[littlemissmartypants]

8. Love, Peace and Shelter.

Prayers and Hugs.

[steve2470]

9. all the best to you, Paul

I hope your last moments with your mother are good ones. May she RIP.

[Skidmore]

10. Comforting thought to him and his family as they

say their good-byes to someone who was so special to him. May her passing be gentle.

[malaise]

11. Sending good vibes and a group hug

forA HERETIC I AM. Losing a mom is painful

[merrily]

12. Sure. I hope this thread gets a lot of views, too.

[Lugnut]

13. I am so sorry.

Holding good thoughts and positive vibes for Paul and peace for his mother.

[In_The_Wind]

14. I'm very sorry.

[Liberal Jesus Freak]

15. All the above for you Paul.

[riqster]

16. Thanks, Chris. Paul, all the best to you and yours in this time.

Feel free to DUmail me if you need to vent.

[MerryBlooms]

17. Sending prayers of peace of mind and strength to Paul, and a peaceful passage for his mom.

[Scarsdale]

18. Condolences

Stay strong, Paul. May the end be peaceful, and pain free.

[Raine1967]

19. A candle is lit.

Prayers, love and light are being sent to Paul and his family.

Raine

[onecent]

20. Sending strength and hugs for Paul, his friends and family!

[NJCher]

21. my heart goes out to you

Words are inadequate; I know because I've been through it, too.

Your mom knows you're there for her, Paul.


Cher

[Surya Gayatri]

22. Sending you positive and supportive thoughts, Paul.

Bless you for rushing to your mother's side before her final journey.

[SnowCritter]

23. Prayers said

Safe journey.

[DinahMoeHum]

24. Stay strong, Paul, and remember. . .it's OK to cry.

Losing a parent is tough, but it's a passage we all take as the older generation passes on to the next.

We're here for you, and we'll keep your mom in our thoughts today.

[msanthrope]

25. Paul, I will hold you and your mother in my thoughts today. I wish you Peace. nt

[eShirl]

26. *love*

[DFW]

27. Here's hoping he finds the strength he'll need

I've been there, done that. It's one of the hardest things a person can do. Ever.

[brer cat]

28. Sending good thoughts

to Paul and his family. I hope they find a measure of peace and comfort at this very difficult time.

[PowerToThePeople]

29. best wishes in these difficult times.

[riderinthestorm]

30. ((Hug)) Paul. May your mother's passing be easy today...

[JNelson6563]

31. I'm really sorry to hear this.

Heretic is a good guy and I am glad he gets to by his mom's side at this time. Please pass on my hugs and encouragement to him.

Julie

[antiquie]

32. Peace and strength to you and family.

[catbyte]

33. You are in my my thoughts, A HERETIC AM I

We are here for you.

[MannyGoldstein]

34. Wishing peace to all

Positive thoughts.

[Tetris_Iguana]

35. Hugs

[sabrina 1]

36. Sorry he is going through such a difficult time.

[A Little Weird]

37. I'm so sorry to hear this

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[Oilwellian]

38. My condolences for the loss of your mom, Paul

Hugs for you and your family.

[FSogol]

39. Best wishes. n/t

[cherokeeprogressive]

40. This is DU at its finest. I know Paul has seen this thread...

And I know he thanks you all from the bottom of his heart.

Keep this kicked for him.

[Mopar151]

41. Hang in there, Heretic!

Sending good Karma, vibes, whatever i can find

[LiberalLoner]

42. Sending healing vibes and love.

[nadinbrzezinski]

43. Hugs

Tight ones

[Greybnk48]

44. Love and best wishes

to you and your dear mom.

[kairos12]

45. Positive thoughts sent.

[PeoViejo]

46. Sending good vibes his way..

[panader0]

47. A good son--best to you and your mom.

[rurallib]

48. Our best wishes for the best outcome

it is good to have friends at times like this.

[Xyzse]

49. Thoughts and Prayers sent.

[peace13]

50. Paul, I send you love and healing energy.

May your mama feel your loving presence and travel safely on. She will know the secret that the rest of us only ponder. My thoughts are with you.

Peace and love, Kim

[MissDeeds]

51. I am so sorry

Sending prayers and good vibes for A HERETIC I AM and his mom. I hope he has family and friends nearby to support him at this difficult time.

[greatauntoftriplets]

52. Best wishes to Paul and his mother.

This is a difficult time for a good man.

[H2O Man]

53. Will do!

Recommended.

[Coventina]

54. Hugs and loving vibes.....

[LoisB]

55. Peace to Paul and his mother.

[jwirr]

56. I will be praying for her and the family.

DU=family

[Texasgal]

57. Always!

Much hugs and vibes sent your way Heretic.

[DeSwiss]

58. A HERETIC I AM!

[pnwmom]

59. Wishing you and your mom all the best, Paul!

So sorry you're having to go through this.

[woodsprite]

60. Sending prayers of support, strength, and love! n/t

[Avalux]

61. Sending love and light your way Paul.....

and hoping it gives you strength as you and your family go through this difficult time.

[Jack Rabbit]

62. ()

[mountain grammy]

63. Best wishes to Paul and family..

so glad he can be there with his mother.

[mopinko]

64. may she have a peaceful walk through time.

hold the memories tight, and let them keep you warm through the coming cold.

[secondwind]

65. I've lost my mom, and I know what you will be going through.. I send you a ton of good

wishes for strength, and peace to accept the inevitable. And I hope you will have many many good memories of your mother to hold you over during this hard time.

Memories are the diaries we carry with us... Hope your diary is FULL

[PeaceNikki]

66. Peace and comfort to her, him and the whole family.

[Enthusiast]

67. Forwarding positive vibes.

[onecaliberal]

68. Sending warm

Positive thoughts to you and your precious mother. May your loving memories provide comfort and peace at this difficult time.

[GreenPartyVoter]

69. Vibes on their way!

[hue]

70. I know this is so hard Paul! Cherish Her love for You: Her love stays with You always!

[840high]

71. Prayers on the way.

[N_E_1 for Tennis]

72. Peace be with you and Mom

[MineralMan]

73. My thoughts are with him and his mother.

[TeeYiYi]

74. (((((((A HERETIC I AM)))))))...

TYY

[A HERETIC I AM]

75. THANK YOU ALL SO VERY, VERY MUCH!

I am very touched by your kind sentiments. My siblings are gathering and I am on my phone typing this, so I don't have the time or the ability to respond further, but please know that this means an awful lot to me.

When I saw this thread earlier, it was the first time in the 36 hours since I heard the news that I have allowed any tears to flow.

I'll put up a thread in the coming days as a way to further thank the DU community, and to tell you about my mom.

Thank you CherokeeProgressive (Chris) for your incredible thoughtfulness in posting this thread. You are a kind and gentle man and you have my undying respect and affection


That's all for now.

Thanks DU. Truly.

Paul

[Tuesday Afternoon]

122. vibes and prayers for you and your family at this time. May her passing go easy.

[cherokeeprogressive]

161. I firmly believe that companionship is the best pain reliever ever discovered...

That's why I posted this thread when I woke up this morning. I thought about it for a long time after we got off the phone last night, and decided that companionship might help you deal with the pain that comes with great loss. DU didn't let me down. I knew it wouldn't.

Take comfort in the number of brilliant people who came forward to help shoulder your load and walk this painful mile with you. The list reads like the Who's Who of DU. This can be attributed to one of two things: A) The sway I hold over DU's Best and Brightest, OR B) The high regard in which you're held here at DU. Pick one (choose wisely Grasshopper or be forever doomed to a life of trying to snatch useless stones from my hand).

The picture of your Mom in her wedding dress is beautiful. What a day that must have been. Celebrate her life. Last night when you told me how old she is my first thought was "She's in the bonus." She's outlived every actuarial table there is. I don't know what kind of sports fan you are, if at all, but when my friends and I go to a baseball game and it goes to extra innings... we call that "bonus baseball". We're getting more baseball than we paid to see. More baseball than we reasonably expected. Your Mom was playin' bonus baseball My Friend. How cool is that? And judging from the fact she was living alone, she was playing pretty good ball as well. On top of it all, when she crosses over, she'll do it with her children by her side. That's a pretty good way for her game to end. I'd say just about every Parent alive would pick that way if they had a choice...

I've always thought of you as more or less a Mentor. When I was out there on the road (what I romantically think back on as Sailing the Asphalt Sea) your texts and your advice were always more than welcome and never anything less than a joy to get. I thank you for that. It was a thrill to finally put a voice to the mental image last night, albeit I'd rather it have been under less stressful circumstances.

My heart goes out to you Paul. I wish there was something I could do, something I could say, some way I could make this a dream you could wake up from. I can't. I can offer some advice though... keep your family close. When my Mom's Brother died last Christmas, and her only other brother stood up to speak at his funeral, the only words he got out before he broke down and wept were "We lived 30 miles apart and saw each other twice in the last 10 years and now he's gone and I'll never get him back."

Celebrate her life. Keep your Family close. Stay Safe.

We're gonna have that meetup, I promise. And I've been bothering that woman from Broguiere's about when the eggnog run is going to start again every coupla weeks. So don't be surprised when it shows up on your doorstep.

Much Love
Chris

[A HERETIC I AM]

164. Thanks.

I've been up now since about noon yesterday, so I'm knackered but one final check of GD found this response waiting and I had to reply.

Yes and double yes on the actuarial tables, but I told several people today, the Neurologists Nurse Practitioner among them, that if we had been standing in my mothers living room on Saturday and you had asked me how much longer I thought she would live, I would have bet a weeks salary on at least 5 more years if not ten.

Your words mean a lot, Chris. Really.

I've had the following thought for many years and this gives me comfort;

Consider a still, mill pond.
A mill pond with no shoreline
A pond stretching to infinity.

Toss a pebble into the center
Ripples are formed in a perfect circle
spreading outward, ever outward.
Science and Newtons laws say
that the waves will never cease to be,
just slowly diminish in strength.
But they go on forever.

We are all that pebble
And the pond is the universe which gave birth to us.
We return to it and become part of it again.

My mothers ripples have just begun their everlasting outward spread
and her essence affects the entire pond
just as we all do


I'm content to be a pebble.

[Loki]

76. Loving thoughts to you and your mom.

May she pass peacefully into her next journey and may you find grace and healing.

[WilliamPitt]

77. (((HUG)))

[cal04]

78. Thoughts, Prayers, and Love

to you and your family A HERETIC I AM

[libodem]

79. .

[oldandhappy]

80. Hugs and love for Paul

[one_voice]

81. How awful for him...

peace to both he and his mother.

[raouldukelives]

82. Prayers and good thoughts for your mom and your family.

[mylye2222]

83. My thought and condoleance to Paul.

May his mom be surrounded with nothing but peace and love during her final paths on this side of life.
From Emilie, aka mylye2222.

[navarth]

84. courage and comfort to you.

I'll have to face this with my Mom someday. You are not alone.

Love Heals All.

[trusty elf]

85. You have my deepest sympathy.

I'm so sorry! Our thoughts are with you.

[octoberlib]

86. Sending peace and hugs to Paul and family.

[laserhaas]

87. {{{{{ Paul }}}}} May you and yours remember the great times

and find solace in the fact that you are the joy of your mother and your mother is the joy of you!

[PasadenaTrudy]

88. Keeping him and his mom in my thoughts... n/t

[femmocrat]

89. Sending prayers and best vibes to Paul and his other.

[slipslidingaway]

90. Wishing you and your family strength and peace in the coming days. n/t

[LiberalEsto]

91. I'm so sorry for your loss, AHIA.

Sending you and your family my best wishes for peace and healing.

[Sissyk]

92. Paul, I'm so sorry for what you are going through.

It's so hard. But, with family and friends around you, you will find peace.

My thoughts are with you, your family, and of course your mom, today.

[Sienna86]

93. Sending prayers and peace

So sorry.

[Phentex]

94. Thinking of you and your family...

[Karmadillo]

95. Our thoughts are with you and your mom.

[wryter2000]

96. {{{A HERETIC I AM}}}

Thinking of you at this difficult time.

[Tsiyu]

97. (((((((((((A HERETIC I AM))))))))))))

[Solly Mack]

98. I'm so very sorry. Good vibes heading his way.

[Kaleva]

99. Vibes sent.

[Tanuki]

100. I am glad your siblings will be there for support and reminiscence.

That must have been a stressful drive all the way from Detroit to Florida. It was wonderful that you got there for that last kiss and farewell. Peace and comfort to you.

[shenmue]

101. {{{Hugs}}}

[WillyT]

102. (((((((A HERETIC I AM)))))))

Peace...

[Lifelong Protester]

103. I am so sorry to hear this.

I will send healing vibes their way. Thanks for posting this.

[rhett o rick]

104. I send my best to him and his family. nm

[nolabear]

105. Wishing him peace and sending loving vibes.

[hamsterjill]

106. My sympathies to Paul and his family.

I send warm comfort vibes and prayers for them during this time.

[spanone]

107. k&r...

[joeybee12]

108. That's very sad...vibes coming his and his family's way...

[Snotcicles]

109. Dear Paul, My father, when he went, made my childhood a gift of half century. Antonio Porchia nt

[herding cats]

110. Sending him wishes for strength, peace and much love.

You are in my heard today.

[ChisolmTrailDem]

111. Much love to AHIA and his mother and his family. Good vibes in progress.... nt

[alsame]

112. Sending positive vibes your

way.

I've been through this twice and I know what you are going through. I hope you lean on those who love you as much as you have to, they will help with the grief and the healing.

[ColesCountyDem]

113. Prayers going up.

[KT2000]

114. Sending thoughts of strength

and peace to A HERETIC I AM..........

[haele]

115. Lighting a candle for you Paul -

It is difficult to be with someone you love as they are slipping away, and I wish you good friends and family to support you through this trial.
Peace to you, your family and friends - and peace to your mother.


Haele

[fizzgig]

116. peace and love to he and his

[BlancheSplanchnik]

117. chanting for A Heretic I Am

Now.

We care.

[kaiden]

118. So sorry, Paul. Hugs.

[denbot]

119. Peace and Vibes for HERETIC I AM

And for his mom

[westerebus]

120. There's not much anyone can say, is there?

I hope her passing is peaceful.

[Hekate]

121. For peace and strength to the living; for gentle passage to the departing

[Buns_of_Fire]

123. I'm sorry, Paul. I know how hard those last moments can be.

[Triana]

124. BIG hug to Paul and his family at this difficult time

Wishing you and your family strength and peace, Paul.

[FLyellowdog]

125. Hugs...

[Zorra]

126. My sincerest, deepest condolences, A H I A.

[roguevalley]

127. I send all the love I have. It is one of lifes worst aspects that we have to part from each

other when we need each other so much. But time is your friend. All the love that is possible is on its way. Take care, Paul. You aren't alone and you are loved.

[babylonsister]

128. Paul, my sincerest condolences

to you and your family. I'm glad you'll get to kiss her goodbye. Moms are really tough to lose; hang in there and hugs to you!

[Worried senior]

129. My deepest sympathy.

[OnyxCollie]

130. My sympathy goes out to you, Paul.

[NealK]

131. {{{Hug}}}

[TygrBright]

132. Holding the family in the Light. n/t

[DirkGently]

133. Peace & warm FL good vibes to HERETIC & his mother & family. n/t

[Ishoutandscream2]

134. Peace be with the family.

[passiveporcupine]

135. May love bring you comfort and peace at this time

My deepest sympathies for you and your family.

[cordelia]

136. I'm so very, very sorry.

[defacto7]

137. Peace to you A HERETIC I AM

[Blue_In_AK]

138. I'm so sorry.

Losing a parent is always hard, especially to a stroke, which is what took my stepmother, as well. My thoughts are with you, Paul.

[Jackpine Radical]

139. May her passing be peaceful; may your grief be followed

by healing; may your memories of her be a solace.

[hedgehog]

140. Prayers for an easy passage for both of them!

[A HERETIC I AM]

141. My mother on her wedding day. Oct.,1951

[QED]

155. She's beautiful.

Holding you in my thoughts, Paul.

[Granny M]

174. How beautiful.

You have my deepest sympathy. I hope the memories and pictures of your mother with bring you comfort.

[Vincardog]

142. Be well Paul.

[Unknown Beatle]

143. Prayers and positive thoughts.

[mithnanthy]

144. I'm so sorry....

our thoughts are with you, Paul.

[kiva]

145. Best thouhts to him,

and to her

[wildbilln864]

146. Best wishes to Paul and thanks cherokeeprogressive. n/t

[csziggy]

147. (((((((A HERETIC I AM)))))))

Sending strong thoughts and good vibes to Paul.

[TheKentuckian]

148. All my best to you and yours, Heretic

[2naSalit]

149. I little more positive enrgy

is being sent your way Heretic... hope it finds you and is of some help somehow.

[progressoid]

150. ...

[redwitch]

151. I wish his dear mom a peaceful passing.

And I send him a big hug and a wish for beautiful memories and healing.

[Stellar]

152. (((Paul)))

May your mothers love continue to comfort you always and bring you peace now and for ever more.

[Punkingal]

153. Peace to you as you say farewell to your Momma...

It's difficult to let go, but allow her to go with love. Sending you good vibes and hugs.

[Curmudgeoness]

154. I am sorry to hear about this. Peace. nt

[Bossy Monkey]

156. So sorry, Paul. You have all my best wishes. n/t

[cry baby]

157. (((((hugs))))) for Paul, his mom, family, and friends. nt

[thecrow]

158. Paul...

...holding you close in my prayers.
I lost my mom 3 years ago. The pain subsides, but I think of her every day.
Remember the good times.

[SoCalDem]

159. Hugs to you and your family & friends

Times like these are never easy, but in time you will be able to reflect on your life with her and remember the good times.. Like when she wiped away your tears, or bandaged a skinned knee...just as we all hope our own kids will do when it's our turn

[niyad]

160. prayers and healing vibes for your mother, paul, and for you and your whole family in

this difficult time. please know that your du family is here for you as well.

and chris, thank you so much for letting us know. please let us know how it is all going when you can.

[calimary]

162. Thank you, Chris.

I remember the avalanche of kindness and love and support I received the night my mom died. I couldn't believe it. It was overwhelming, and so incredibly sustaining. I have thought about it many, many times since, and it's always buoyed me up. One of a lot of reasons why I love this place.

This is so loving and supportive of you! I can only imagine what a difficult time for him and his family. Many of us can sympathize AND empathize, too. Hopefully it will give him strength and solace at this very strange, sorrowful, stressful time. You are a mighty good friend.

[WheelWalker]

163. Blessings

[Maynar]

165. Peace and good vibes

To AHIA. I dread when my Mum's time comes.

May she pass peacefully and with comfort. I am not religious but when I say "bless you all" I think you know what I mean.

[mackerel]

166. So touching to rush down to kiss yer Mam one last time. God love him. My best to him.

[Maraya1969]

167. Sending healing white light and love.

[mac56]

168. My best to mom and to Paul.

[pacalo]

169. Paul has my heartfelt condolences.

I wish him comfort & strength.

[AllyCat]

170. Healing and peace to you and your mother.

[Oldtimeralso]

171. My Thoughts and Prayers Go Out to You and Your Family

I was there when my mother died after a long suffering and it was hard but my last words to her were "You let go now we are all here with you and will soon join you".

That was 20 years ago and my eyes think that I just peeled an onion.

[tblue]

172. Sending hugs and best wishes

to you and your family.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

173. Glad to hear he could be with her. That's rough.

[SleeplessinSoCal]

175. support is so essential at a time like this

And being part of the DU family, you Paul, have much support in this trying time

[B Calm]

176. I have you in my thoughts Paul. .

[mfcorey1]

177. (((PRAYERS AND HUGS)))

[gademocrat7]

178. Condolences to you and your family.

[saidsimplesimon]

179. Dear cherokee and Paul, my thoughts are

with you.

[Gothmog]

180. They will be in my prayers