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...


I posted this in the lounge and someone suggested i post it over here as well.

Even though I kept my comments to myself while in hospital, you guys here and over on GDP kept me in touch with the world...

[graywarrior]

1. !

:hug:

[nadinbrzezinski]

2. Just keep getting better m'kay

Hugs

[Booster]

3. Good vides being sent from my rooftop right now. Funny how a

serious illness can put most things in perspective. Glad you're feeling better.:loveya:

[WCGreen]

6. It's a great way to learn perspective...

But I sure wouldn't recommend it.

Thanks...

[MinneapolisMatt]

4. Big hugs from Minneapolis!

:grouphug: :hi:

[Sinti]

5. Stay strong

and focus on letting your body heal. Glad to hear you're getting better.

[WCGreen]

8. This isn't the first time and quite frankly...

if I was younger, I would have tried to ride it out at home.

But several bouts with pneumonia and a month in hospital back in '04 really get your attention...

[Bossy Monkey]

7. See? Good as my word: K&R n/t

[Loki]

9. Your family here on DU

wants you to be well and strong and back with us on the front lines soon. :grouphug:

[FourScore]

10. I'm so glad you're getting better!!!

:hug:

[MadHound]

11. Good that you're back!

n/t

[KoKo]

12. I haven't been around here much in awhile. I'm sorry I missed being able to contribute

to what was going on in your life. I would have liked to do that.

I'm hoping you are on the mend..and I would have sent "Angel Wings" to fan your hope and keep your spirits up...if I had known.

Had a little bit to deal with on my own...Brother ...died suddenly of heart attack just two years after my Dad (98 years old) but so much a part of my life for that long time..for both bad and good...and brother..both bad and good. It's been hard to keep up.

I wish you all the best...which I could have been there as a fellow DU'er for you...but seems others were and that made a lot of difference.

(((((GOOD VIBES)))))) and really, I think our internet friends are even closer than our curious families for many of us. Less stress and more caring.

Peace and :grouphug: I didn't know but sending all that good stuff your way.

[WCGreen]

13. I would recommend taking a lap top with you, if possible, if you

have to stay in hospital for any length of time...

Sorry about your brother and father.

[KoKo]

14. Keep Well...and keep those good thoughts surrounding you...

for true...it does make that difference!

[niyad]

27. sending good vibes and healing thoughts your way as well

[babylonsister]

15. I'm very sorry, but I didn't even know you were sick.

I've been going through some trials of my own, but nothing remotely like yours, WCGreen.

I'm glad you are getting better, and so happy DU helped. Get stronger and better, friend. :hug:

And my next 'puter will be a laptop! :D

[WCGreen]

17. DU was there 24/7....

That makes all the difference.

I am recovering more strength as each day passes

[abq e streeter]

16. Very glad to hear you're on the mend

[Odin2005]

18. +1,000,000,000,000

[akbacchus_BC]

19. So sorry to hear you were hospitalized, glad to hear you are feeling

better. Sending you more healing vibes and hugs.

[bridgit]

20. ^

:kick:

[MadMaddie]

21. WCGreen I hope that you are recovering and getting better!

:grouphug:

[AwakeAtLast]

22. Glad to hear you are getting better!

My, has this taken some time. Try to keep your chin up - it must be so hard!

Hope you are better soon! :hug:

[ClayZ]

23. Wishing you a Speedy Recovery!

K and R

[unhappycamper]

24. Get better, my Friend.

:hug:

[truedelphi]

25. It's funny and wonderful how DU can help folks get through bad times.

I am glad to hear you are doing better, and will be waiting to hear that further news is even better (Fingers crosseed on this end.)

[ljm2002]

26. Glad to hear you're on the mend...

...take care of yourself!

[niyad]

28. wish I could rec, so glad to know you are getting better--continuing to send healing thoughts your

way

[Hekate]

29. It's good to have you back, WC. Get well soon.

:hi:

Hekate