Seen in the chat thread that you were going though some rough times right now. I just wanted to let you know you are missed and hope you come back around soon. How are you doing? How is your family? Your in my thoughts and prayers.

Yes Jill - let us know how everything's going - I/we miss you!!

Me, too, Jill!! I'm so sorry to hear that your family is facing a challenge right now. I'm thinking warm, bolstering thoughts for you, and I'm really looking forward to your return. Hope everything's ok.

Jilly,

You and your family are in my thoughts and in my prayers. Take care of you..

Warm hugs,

You are definitely in my thoughts and prayers.

I was just thinking the same thing.

Love you...hope your doing ok.

Thinking about you EVERY day Jill, hope everything is going as well as possible in a challenging time like this

Love you,
Linda

Thinking of you and praying for you and your family.

Take care

It's just not the same without her, is it?? I hope all is well. Come back to us soon Jilly, we miss you!

Beverly

Wow...you're all so sweet (and making me teary-eyed )

Quite a few of you are aware of what's going on right now and I really, really appreciate the support and thank those who have shared their own experiences when it comes to contemplating the loss of a parent.

Here's the situation: My parents were vacationing in Britain when my father took ill and had to be hospitalized - arrangements had to be made to get him and Mum home (my mother, naturally, was beside herself). Anyway, they got home and Dad went into surgery – apparently he had a tumour on his bladder and it erupted. He was in ICU for quite awhile and then we got the biopsy results and it wasn't good news. Yes, its cancer - but only stage 2 at this point and the doctor says because he's so healthy otherwise (non smoker, non drinker, physically active, etc.) that'll stand him in good stead for awhile.

Dad's decided not to go the chemo or radiation route - he wants to enjoy the time he has left and not take "brutal" measures. He's showing the good old British stiff upper lip and worrying more about how all this is affecting Mum. He's pretty optimistic and feels he has a couple of good years left and plans to pack a lot of living into them so we'd better not start any mourning yet! He'll be having more surgery on August 6 to remove surrounding tissue and since he's still in a pretty weakened state, its all still rather touch and go.

Sigh, I know he's almost 80 (in September) but I can honestly say I've never known my Dad to be ill (other than injuries in the line of duty as a policeman). He and Mum have always been the most active of people. They've literally travelled the world, are volunteers for the cancer society (ironically), lawn bowl, golf, are on the library board and socialize constantly. When my Dad retired from the police force he began writing a newspaper column for "seniors" (he was only 55) and ended up syndicated in 13 papers. He even had his own cable TV show in later years (called "Getting On" – again for seniors). They retired up to cottage country about two hours north of Toronto, but came back because they missed city life! So you could say he's had a very active and fulfilling retirement, but it was still a shock to see him in ICU hooked up to all the machines and looking "old".

Yeah, its difficult to deal with but I know when we reach this age we're naturally faced with this sort of thing. Anyhow, I've been spending lots of time with Mum and keeping busy with the kids (we have them for most of the summer) and don't have a heck of a lot of time for internet right now. Of course I miss the forum, so once things calm down I'll be back with a vengence!

I've quickly perused some of the threads and think its wonderful that Howie, Kimberley, Sarah and Lorraine got together and had a great time. Yes, more get-togethers should be planned - I have the fondest memories of my wild weekend in Chicago with Sandi, Boiaby and Jiffypop (hard to believe its almost a year ago!)

I thought I'd better check in because I didn't want anyone to think I was avoiding this place because of fear of pregnancy Congrats, Dawnyal!!

Thanks again for checking up on me and providing support (and who said this site was just about weight-loss?!)

Take care all,
Jilly xo

Just wanted to send you and your family my best thoughts and wishes, Jilly. I haven't had to go through this with a parent yet (knock on wood), but I can imagine how difficult it must be, particularly with such a vibrant firecracker as your Dad!

We will be thinking of you often and will miss your advice and a**-whuppins! Perhaps you can appoint a whuppin proxy for while you're on reduced 3fc duty?

We heart you, Jilly!!!!!!!!

Jillegal - (((Hugs))) go out to you and your family! You are going through a difficult time right now, and need to take some 'you' time. I will say a prayer for you and your family!

(((Hugs)))
- Kari

Oh, Jill, my heart is breaking for you. It's all inevitable, but damn if it isn't hard. Your dad (and mom!) sound amazing. What a gift to have such healthy, vibrant, dynamic parents who live and are ALIVE when they're living! As an adult, I've lost 2 mothers, and I have at least an idea of what you're dealing with emotionally. I send you much love and truckloads of positive thoughts. I'm really sorry this is going on. It's got to be terrifying. You and your family are in my heart, thoughts, and prayers. I'm just so, so sorry.

A smilie seems pretty inane, but you'll get the sentiment : a thousand s to you, Jill.

Your dad sounds wonderful. Lots of healing vibes for him and hugs for all of you.

Catherine mom to 11
mabear's homepage
Restarted Jan 17 '05 at 243.

You are in my thoughts and prayers Jill - I agree, your parents sound like amazing people and I pray that you have as long as possible left with your father.

Love Amanda x