Hi Folks,

Let me start first by expressing thanks to those that have responded to the meeting today in Marietta. Unfortunately, a serious illness in the family prevents me from attending toady's gathering.

My elderly grandmother of 90 years is presently in the last stages of life.Back in Jan. she was diagnosed with cancer.She elected to not take chemical and radiation treatments,stating that she was gonna leave this world with the hair that she was born with! All of the family since Friday have been pulling shifts sitting up with her. As of this morning 0815 her blood pressure is virtually non-exsistent,there isn't much time left.

It saddens my heart to lose my nanna,considering how much she influenced my early years. The knowledge this great soul posesses is an understatement.She was born on April 23rd 1909,survived the Great Depression, lived through both world wars and all of the other conflicts that this world has dished out. Being half cherokee nanna has always been a survivor. After talking with her most of the night during the times when she was there, I find a renewed faith in my preparations for my immediate family,loved ones and friends.

With this said,I urge everyone to take time to be with their families and try to look at our short-lived lives in a different perspective! Again,thanks to Robert A. Cook,Big Dog,Flint,Tom Carey,Stan Farnya and others who made me feel welcome.Maybe something else can be arranged later on.I was really looking forward to meeting you folks,but family has to come first! Take care and God bless all.

P.S.

Wanted to e-mail each of you personally,but time doesn't permit it!

-- SEMPER FI (etl@stc.net), May 23, 1999

Answers

Sorry to hear that!!!! I know how you feel. One of my grandma's was 97 when she was at last, at peace. It is a great loss to lose another link to the past.

-- FLAME AWAY (BLehman202@aol.com), May 23, 1999.

Semper Fi,

I am praying for her.

Sincerely, Stan Faryna

-- Stan Faryna (info@giglobal.com), May 23, 1999.

I extend my condolences to you and your family, Semper. I didn't know my OWN grandparents well, but my children certainly knew theirs. I remember at my dad's memorial service my young son sitting on a step writing a note that said, "I don't WANT Grandpa to die." As my children have grown older, I now see them visiting my mom in her type- B facility as often as I do. Yes, indeed...family comes first.

Anita

-- Anita Spooner (spoonera@msn.com), May 23, 1999.

Till next time - and wish your family my hopes and prayers.

-- Robert A. Cook, PE (Kennesaw, GA) (cook.r@csaatl.com), May 23, 1999.

Thank God for grandmother's. They are a precious gift. I lost my last one 2 years ago. While she was still healthy, i spent many evenings pouring us "a taste" and listening to stories of survival. Each time i use a piece of that shared wisdom i feel i am keeping her spirit alive.

Our prayers are with you and yours.

-- kitten (kitten@vcn.net), May 24, 1999.