Ice, I'm so sorry to hear about your sad news, but as you've noted, what a wonderful blessing to have her son carry out her memory through his life - that all of you who loved Amanda can be there for him, and he will always provide you with her spirit.

I know this must be very difficult for you and her family and friends, losing someone so young and important to you, but you can look to each other for support because you all remember what a beautiful person she was, and you can share in special memories of her. Always remember that we're here to talk to if you need us.

Thanks again everyone...after writing all of that and sharing so much with you all I was hit with a wave of emotions that I hadn't felt since the initial aftermath of her passing. I guess I still haven't fully accepted the fact she's gone, and still find myself emoting at times over such a great loss.

Maybe it's just the man in me, but I think we can all agree it's sadder to lose a woman - especially a young woman at that age. There's an old Indian legend that says when the Sun and the Moon were born their mother subsequently died; and thus, the Sun then gave her body to the Earth, and from her all life was to grow. And from her heart the Sun took the Stars and placed them in the night sky so that he would forever be reminded of her love...or something like that.

ICE, I am so sorry to hear about your friends passing. I will keep you and her family in my prayers. Look forward to talking to her Son about her. Tell him stories about your friendship. That will help the both of you cope. One day you will have a wonderful reunion.

Sorry to be late on this.

My great-grandmother passed way just a little after midnight this morning. There were complications from intestinal surgery. She ended up in renal failure, and was too old and frail to handle the dialysis. She told the doctors that she has lived a good life, she has 4 great children, a ton of grandchildren, even MORE great grandchildren, and even a few great-great-grandchildren. If dialysis machines and all kinds of tubes and medicine is what she has to look forward to, she doesn't want it. So she signed a DNR, they put her in a medical induced coma to get through the worst of the pain, and she passed peacefully last night. She was 90 years old.

Rest in peace mom-mom.

I'm very sorry to hear that, X. My deepest sympathies.

Thanks SC. I actually returned back east to Maryland on Saturday for a vacation and to visit with my ailing grandfather, and as fate would have it, my great-grandmother passed away. It hurts that I didn't have the chance to say good-bye to her. It looks like I'll be attending a funeral while on vacation.

Sorry for your loss. RIP mom-mom.

X, we wish our loved ones could be with us forever, but, as she said, she had lived a good life and didn't want to deal with the tubes and machines. God rest her soul. She sounds like a very special woman, and you must have some wonderful memories of her. What a lovely legacy she has left.

I'm so sorry to hear this XDC, my condolences.

XDCX, You have my heartfelt sympathies. Treasure your memories of Mom-Mom.

Truly sorry bro, you have my support.

Hearts & prayers to you& yours, XDCX. May she be welcomed home by many open armed angels.

Sorry to hear of your loss, XDC dude.

I know it's not 2010 any more, but if you guys have any prayers left in you, please say one for my mom. Apparently she had a (hopefully mild) stroke yesterday and wasn't doing very well speaking or understanding, but my brother spoke to her and she seemed at least a little cohesive. They're still running tests and going through what they gotta go through. These things have a way of fixing themselves sometimes, so please... I'd appreciate it.

Have Faith, and keep your thoughts positive.
Prayer always seem to help.
and many prayers surely will.

and with this size group only good things can happen!

Geoff,

I am truly sorry. I am not unfamiliar with strokes, as both my brother and father were stricken. The fact that it was a mild stroke may be a good thing.

Your mom, you and your family will be in my prayers.

God bless you all! Keep us posted


TIS

Prayers & best wishes to your mom & family, JGeoff.

Both my mother and a good friend of ours suffered strokes many years ago and recovered. It all depends on what part of the brain is affected. Sounds like your mother got medical attention quick enough and will hopefully be allright after proper treatment and rehab therapy.

I'll be thinking of you and checking in for updates!!

Apple

Thanks guys, it means a lot. It just kills me she's in Florida; I'll likely go down in a few days. Luckily my Dr brother is going down tomorrow to check things out and be with my dad.

All the Maltas are in my prayers, Geoff, but especially your mom. She's a tough lady (as are all Brooklyn gals) and I'm praying she'll soon recover completely. In the meantime, get your ass down to Florida NOW and spend some time with her and your dad.

Let her know your consigliere is praying for her.

Geoff,

I will definitely keep your mom in my prayers, too.

I'm not unfamiliar with strokes, either. As has already been said, the fact that it appears to be a mild stroke is encouraging. And again, it will all depend on which side of the brain was affected. The first 72 hours are always the most critical. Being in the hospital and under constant monitoring is the best thing, at this point.

Signor V.

Hugs, kisses and prayers are headed your way, my dear friend. Please know that you and your mom are front and center in my thoughts. God bless and watch over all of you.

And get on a plane as soon as you physically can. xxooxx

(First of all: I don't want an indepth discussion and spoil this topic!)

I'm totally not religous myself and don't understand the use of prayers...

But...

To Geoff: I'm not going to pray, but I truly hope your mom will recover from the stroke!

Oh yeah I definitely hope Geoff's mom gets better. It's a terrible thing. Stay strong Geoff. As far as My ex's stepfather goes, me and him were very close once and he used to hate it when people prayed for him. I think him being an atheist had a lot to do with that.

Don Geoff,

I hope and pray that everything turns out ok. I will keep Mama and your family in my prayers. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need anything at all. May GOD bless you all!

I prayed for your mom and you, my friend. I believe in prayers.

My dad had a stroke, in Florida, that left him unable get up off the floor for one night. But, after four days in hospital, he recovered. I never saw a sign of any debilitation after that.

Sorry to hear this, Geoff. I will definitely be praying for her and all of you.

Thanks again, guys. My brother's almost there so he'll be able to tell me better. I tried talking to her earlier, and heard her say my name in a sentence, but my dad said she was too tired to talk. Still waiting on the MRI (she had a hard time cooperating yesterday), but I think she's a little better today than yesterday. I'm packing right now, but probably won't go until Wednesday (unless I hear otherwise)...there's only one flight/day out of AC. Thanks again, you guys are great.

Glad to hear that there's an improvement of ANY kind, sweetie, large or small. Any step in the right direction is a good one. Hope you hear more good news soon!

Keep us posted my friend.

Geoff,

The news sounds encouraging. No doubt it will take a lot of time. Hang in there my friend. I will continue to think/pray for you and your family.


TIS