My dad is dying of cancer. This was all discovered Monday, after a series of events that are too much to go into here. Whatever it is (he had a biopsy late yesterday, but only to see what type; there's no doubt that this is a metastasized cancer; they/we can tell by looking at him and feeling him) is spreading through his body at an alarming rate.

He has palpable and visible lumps that are multiplying unbelievably fast. The small blessing in that, is that they were able to biopsy one of the lumps rather easily, rather than submitting him to an invasive ordeal. He's currently hospitalized, but we're looking into the feasibility of bringing him home, with hospice care to help. I was called to the hospital yesterday because they expected him to go then. But he rallied, and is fighting so hard that he was refusing to sleep, even while on a morphine drip. Now the doctors and nurses say we can't tell how long he'll last.

Buffistas are so warm and giving but all I want and need is for as many folks as possible to please pray (or hold good thoughts) for an easy and dignified death, free from fear and pain, and for strength for my poor mum who loves him so (as do I, my dh and our children).

Vibes for you and your family, Cindy. Well, it looks like my grandmother is not going to come out of the hospital. She has congestive heart failure rather than pneumonia(she is 91 already and in the middle of a long and slow mental and physical decline.) Vibes for my mother though, as she also attempts to bring Grandma back home, like she would have wanted.

Uhm.

Tests mic.

Adian Michael was born at 9:54 am. Mom and baby are healthy and just got settled into the room. He's 8 lb. 1 oz. stretching 20 1/2 in.

Congratulations! Deena and family.

My breast cancer friend passed away, less than 8 months from her initial diagnosis. Unfortunately, she was angry with me. She left specific instructions that I was not to attend her memorial. That hurts me just about as much as the fact that she is gone forever.

Alice was ever immature, bless her steadfastly childish little heart.

Any vibes would be a comfort.

hey all -- just asking for the jobma vibes. I applyed for a postion at the library I have been subbing at. they got 70 applications. Right now - I just want an interview.

I'm about to cry. I just got the prettiest thing in my inbox - a Buffistas Amazon Gift Cert... And you all shock, amaze, and make me so shiny and happy.

Thanks guys.

I don't know what I'm gonna do with all that cred... buy stuff that's on my wishlist, I guess!

*sigh* (that's a contented sigh)

WOW.

Thank you!

They've found my replacement. Looks like my last day will be Valentine's Day. (Or possibly 2/18, if I don't have a temp position lined up, so I can orient the new person.) I started on Halloween and told them I was leaving on Epiphany.

I'm sure there's deep meaning in all that somewhere.

The way payroll works, I'll get full-sized paychecks for February and one eensy one in early March.

Job vibes, please.

Putting this here so it won't get lost in Natter:

Hec, Francine arrived today. She's lovely and beautiful and she cheered up my otherwise frustrating day. Thank you for the incredibly thoughtful gift. You're wonderful.

Asked-to-be-forwarded note from Deena's husband Greg:

Aidan and Deena are doing great. Deena is making remarkable recovery (It's amazing what that woman will do to be able to walk outside for a cigarette!!!)

Aidan has caused a bit of a stir. It seems he not only has white hair and light skin but he also had red eyes. Aidan is--so the doctors say--an albino. Deena seems to think they're right. I am a little skeptical (I have lighter skin than Aidan and I was born with white hair) However, Deena tends to be right more oftan than I am so . . .

Both Deena and Aidan get a follow up exam in a few weeks to see how much albinoism Aidan has. What we know now is that Aidan is not blind (this sometimes happens in albinos), he tracks light but may be displaying a sensitivity to it already. He may grow up to have poor eyesight--but so do his parents--he'll fit right in. ;)

In every way, Aidan is a happy healthy boy.

If you could post this for the Buffistas (especially the bitches) I'd be greatly appreciative.

My dad died yesterday at 11 o'clock in the morning (Thursay, USA).

His passing was very soft and sweet, even easier than the deaths of my grandparents. Rest assured your prayers made his passing even easier. I could feel love all around me. We got just a moment with him when he seemed to break past the morphine, just a look, but we all saw it and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

He'll be waked Sunday and the funeral will be on Monday. We've been through in four days what so many have to go through only after months of struggle and pain. We were blessed that he was spared that, and that he could go with us there loving him. I was holding his hand.

Thanks for all your support. I can't express what it means to me. As I told one Buffista via email, my dad was the kindest (truly and deeply kind) person I've ever known. One of my first thoughts after his death was that the world lost a great source of true kindness. I think I was wrong about that. It must remain. Thank you.