Sometime ago, when I was unable to be online for a week or so, I promised a reader that I would let her know if I was ever "quitting" the forum. I had expected to be following the Y2K issue closely up to 2000, but the old saying, "Life is what happens while you're making other plans," has proven true once again.

The last two weeks my younger son and my father were both hospitalized. My son is now at his home and recovery has been swift. Tests have shown that my father has multiple metasticized cancer sites, however, and many further tests are underway in order to be able to discuss intelligently any possible treatments, pain management and prognosis.

The next few weeks or months I will therefore be marshalling my resources to help my parents. I just won't have time for much input into any online work or research. I hope to be able to access Energyland and the Yourdon Forum from time to time and continue reading about what's going on, but that will most likely be infrequently. So it's time for Suzie Sarandan to say farewell.

As many of you might guess, throughout my life I've been the kind of person who is always asking, "What can I learn from this?" This last week I've learned many things. I've learned that I'll miss delving into Y2K issues. I've learned how grateful I am for each and every person who has posted their thoughts and questions to this forum and thus expanded my own knowledge and basis for decision making. I've learned that I'll really miss the various personalities I've come to "know" here and have had the privilege to interact with on this forum. I've learned, as I'm sure some of you already have, that regardless of age and experience with the vagaries of life, that the child we once were remains inside..and grieves tearfully for a parent in pain.

Since we humans tend to easily forget or be distracted from important things, I've also been grateful for some reminders this week. I once saw a Family Circle cartoon where one of the kids was explaining to a younger child, "Yesterday is gone and tomorrow isn't here yet. Today is a gift. That's why it's called the present." Don't let your focus on next year ever take away from the joy in the gift of today. I've also re-learned how much perspective can change how we view the future. Since he was young, my dad has always talked about how he hoped to be able to see the millennium change. Many of us have serious concerns about what New Year 2000 will bring and haven't been exactly looking forward to it with relish. But for him it's a happy goal to strive for and attaining it will be reason enough for a joyous celebration.

There have been other contrasts this week. I remain steadfast in my opinion that individual/family preparation in light of the potential for Y2K disruptions is a sensible thing to accomplish. There is a greater preparation issue, however -- one that speaks to every one of us. Being prepared to meet our maker is an issue often sidestepped in life. Since Rick has done such a marvelous job of maintaining this forum and disciplining us to stay on topic (thanks Rick!)here is where I connect this post to utilities.

All the electric utilities around the globe cannot hold a candle to the illumination of the soul which God's love can provide. Find that "Light of the world" and you've got it all.

Finally, regular readers know that I'm a long-time Star Trek fan, and I've even been humorously teased in the past that I might be a Vulcan or perhaps Data's sister. *grin* I'm not telling whether those guesses are true or not (even a grandma has to have some secrets) but I will say that I have my own personal Vulcan response to, "Live long and prosper!" I will give it to you with my _deep_ and heartfelt thanks to Rick and all of you who post or read here, as I say my good bye for now.

Imagine my hand raised to you all, fingers spread in the Vulcan salute:

"Peace and illumination!"

-- Anonymous, October 20, 1999

Answers

we will miss you bonnie, thanks for your humor, insight,

god bless al

-- Anonymous, October 20, 1999

fare well, bonnie camp, and thank you. my very best wishes to you and your dad. may new year's eve find you both celebrating the prospect of a happy new year!

-- Anonymous, October 20, 1999

Bonnie,

I'll simply offer heartfelt thanks for your wonderful insight, research, and contributions to this forum. I will miss those elements of your posts, but most of all, I'll miss the humor, grace, and civility that you've contributed. For all of this, words alone are totally inadequate and can not possibly express my appreciation.

May the Lord be with you and your family during these times.

We'll keep the light on for you. Come back when / if you can. Spock did.

-- Anonymous, October 20, 1999

Bonnie, thanks so much for all you've shared with us. I've really benefited from your "illumination." Best wishes for a good outcome for you and your father. - Judy

-- Anonymous, October 20, 1999

Bonnie, Gods Peace to you and yours! You light will be sorely missed.

Mark De Vries

-- Anonymous, October 20, 1999

Bonnie, You brought much to this forum, and I want you to know that your posts made me work that much harder to ensure that my test procedures checked everthing, that all of our equipment was identified and Y2K ready, and that we finished on schedule (we did, in June).

My biggest Y2K failure was not technical, it was in not overcoming my human nature in my sometimes spirited debates with you. You were always more important than my winning an argument.

The time for Y2K debates is over. Y2K approaches for all of us, it will be what it will be, and words will not change that. There is nothing to fear, there never was, not with the Lord to trust.

God bless you, your son, your father, your family!

-- Anonymous, October 20, 1999

Bonnie,

You are an awesome being. You have raised my standards on what I believe people can attain in respectability, responsibility, integrity and so very much more. You are leaving an indellible, and most positive and apprecitated impression on me. Thank you for the gift of who you've created yourself to be.

The following quote came to me today and I find it quite appropos of my sense of you.

Eleanor Roosevelt once wrote:

Many people will walk in and out of your life, But only true friends will leave footprints in your heart. To handle yourself, use your head; To handle others, use your heart. Anger is only one letter short of danger. If someone betrays you once, it is his fault; If he betrays you twice, it is your fault. Great minds discuss ideas; Average minds discuss events; Small minds discuss people. He who loses money, loses much; He who loses a friend, loses much more; He who loses faith, loses all Learn from the mistakes of others. You can't live long enough to make them all yourself.

Such sensible wisdom plainly reminds me of Bonnie Camp.

I can't imagine ever really saying goodbye to you. You'll always be with me. Thank you for being you. Many of us will be looking forward to your contribution to our lives once more, when ever, where ever.

Most sincerely,

S

-- Anonymous, October 20, 1999

Bonnie,

I am so sorry to hear about the family difficulties that will take you away from us. I have always admired your excellent postings and the diplomatic way that you handled disagreements. You're a real pro and a great role model.

So, I guess maybe I shouldn't continue with "Bonnie Camp for President" campaign that I was working on and planning to surprise you with?

No matter what comes through your life in the weeks ahead, just remember, God works in mysterious ways. Trust in that, and God bless.

-- Anonymous, October 21, 1999

Bonnie, I echo the kind words above to you, and I wish you strength in the difficult times that lay ahead for your family. I too have enjoyed your insightful posts, regardless of whether I agreed with your conclusions (usually I agreed with you!).

I hope you can find the time to check in and post periodically; you don't have to do more research to do this--try shooting from the hip once in a while!

God bless you, Bonnie.

-- Anonymous, October 21, 1999

Bonnie:

Your situation is one I just recently faced myself, almost identical. Unfortunately, I live far from my folks. I regret terribly not having been there more for my Dad. From my perspective, your choice is the only one that will bring you peace, and I applaud your decision.

Even if we don't see it, the sun will always come up tomorrow. It may be masked by clouds or our own preoccupations, but it is there. Like God, it is a constant we can depend on when the dark seems to close in. May the Son always shine on you, Bonnie, and those you hold dear.

-- Anonymous, October 21, 1999

Bonnie,

Thanks so much for blessing me and the others on this forum. I'll be praying for your family, your father, and you as you all go through this tough and character-forming situation. Many verses from the Word go through my head right now, and the two that I leave with you are the following:

I Peter 5:7 "Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you."

Philippians 1:3 "Everytime I think of you, I thank God for you."

You've been a great encouragement when all of my DGI friends roll their eyes. Please keep in touch. Ann M.

-- Anonymous, October 21, 1999

I want to thank you for the gift of your time. You have more then enough knowledge and wisdom for lighting our lives with a few comments. May the Good Lord give you strength, my families prayers will be with you.

Richard Hurley

-- Anonymous, October 21, 1999

Bonnie

Your posts were always very important to me as I so respected your thorough research and balanced view. (You have made me want to see baby goats frolic and read more Robert Burns!)

Please do post now and then just to let us know how you are, and how your father is. I will include him and you in my prayers (modest as my credit must be in heaven) and hope to still read your posts from time to time.

We don't want to lose you. Please please check in now and then.

From a fond Canadian lurker,

-- Anonymous, October 21, 1999

Dear Bonnie,

I once read, a long time ago - that the best way to show sympathy is to simply put your arms around the person and cry with them. Please accept this virtal hug and these real tears (unfortunately - you cannot see them) and know that you and your family will be in my prayers.

Thank you for your example, your kindness and your patience. Thank you for helping to lead so many people into the "light" - whether on the issue of Y2k or the more overwhelming and important issue of humanity.

God Bless you and guide you. I will look forward to any posts you can squeeze in to update us about how things are going in yor life.

Adieu! a heart-warm, fond adieu! Dear brothers (sisters) of the mystic tye! Ye favored, enlightened Few, Companions of my social joy! Tho' I to foreign lands must hie, Pursuing Fortune's slidd'ry ba', With melting heart, and brimful eye, I'll mind you still, tho' far awa.

The Farewell - Robert Burns

Till We Meet Again,

Terri

-- Anonymous, October 21, 1999

We will miss you and your profound insights. God bless you and your family.

-- Anonymous, October 21, 1999

Bonnie,

Thank you for all you have given us. You have touched many lives. You will be sorely missed but you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

-- Anonymous, October 21, 1999

Addendum:

Bonnie,

In Star Trek IV Dr. McCoy told Spock that Captain Kirk had more confidence in Spock's guesses than in most other people's facts. I'm sure the readers of this forum would similarly value your future guesses about issues raised here (if and when you have the inclination and the time).

-- Anonymous, October 21, 1999

Bonnie, You are a Goddess. Thank you. Tim Castleman

-- Anonymous, October 21, 1999

I love you, Bonnie. You are beautiful. I'll pray for you and your family. THANK YOU!

-- Anonymous, October 22, 1999

Bonnie,

You have been like a candle in the wind for this forum. May God, the "Light of the World", be with you and your family during these times. I'll also pray for you and your family to see the "Light" in your lifes.

-- Anonymous, October 22, 1999

Thank you for your countless hours invested to help others. Thank you for your wisdom and kindness. May the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit make your paths straight.

-- Anonymous, October 22, 1999

As Bonnie's husband, I have been a faithful lurker on this forum for a long while.

My thanks to Rick, and all of you, for the finest and most intelligent discussion of Y2K issues to be found anywhere.

I'm posting to tell all of you how much your comments have meant to Bonnie over the last few days. But please understand that I have to live with her. If you don't stop soon, I'll have to turn off her emotion chip.

God bless you all.

Andy

-- Anonymous, October 23, 1999

My apologies. I gave an invalid email address. This is the correct one.

Andy

-- Anonymous, October 23, 1999

Andy,

I believe I speak for all on this forum when I say, you are one lucky man. Undoubtedly you, as Bonnie's choices are always on the money, must be a fine person yourself.

You must be so proud of this woman that has given so much to so many. Speaking personally, my wife and I are indebted to her. We are both 100% disabled and would have been in very serious trouble had we not started to prepare. We did this, in part, due to the dedication of wonderful people like Bonnie. We watched for her posts and listened intentedly when she would explain the upcoming situation as she saw it. If nothing comes to pass next year, GREAT! We'll have food and sundry other items to last a long time, no loss at all. If bad things do happen, due in part to your wife's vigilence, we will be able to "weather the storm". For this I can only say, "Thank you Bonnie, from the bottom of our hearts".

Your time now Bonnie is to be spent where it rightly should be, with your family, in Their time of need. Rest assured pretty lady, if you are in need of ANYTHING, you have only to ask your extended family here.

As meager an offer as it seems, your family will be in our family's prayers. Go with God and be at peace. Love to all.

Jeff & Joyce

-- Anonymous, October 23, 1999

Hi Bonnie and Andy,

I too am moved to tears by this outpouring. Especially from such an intelligent group. We will miss you Bonnie.

Victoria

-- Anonymous, October 23, 1999

Bonnie and Andy,

My prayers are with you. I am really at a loss for words. Your posts here have shed so much light and you can see how much you have meant to us and will be missed. I think this last post taught us the most though, not to miss the forest for the trees and that the important things in life are not what side of an argument you are on but that you care about people. I don't have any pat answers but I hope these quotes which echo some of what you said might offer some comfort. God Bless,

"So do not worry and say, 'What are we to eat?' or 'What are we to drink?' or 'What are we to wear?' All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tommorrow; tommorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil" Matthew 6:31-34

"For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39-39

Drop back in soon, we'll leave the light on for you ;)

-- Anonymous, October 23, 1999

Bonnie,

You will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your dad. FYI, I have a friend whose whole family has contacted cancer in one form or the other. Over the years he has became very knowledgeable in the latest treatments, test protocals etc. He also knows how one goes about becoming a test subject in these new treatments. His name is: John Blair and his email address is: johnb92246@yahoo.com , John would be happy to help you any way he could. I am posting his name and address here in case anyone else would like to use him as a resourse.

Take Care

Bill Watt

-- Anonymous, October 24, 1999

Bonnie, There is now one reason less to cause me to return to this forum.

Romans 15

13. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Thank you for your contribution.

-- Anonymous, October 25, 1999

Puff puff ...sorry ...puff puff ...few days late but just can't let the opportunity for a non-tech thread to disappear without me moniker.

Bonnie, You've saved lives and minds with your intelligence and wisdom. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

God bless you, your father and the rest of your family.

-- Anonymous, October 28, 1999

Bonnie,

Don't know if you're still checking this thread, but I don't come in very often. I am so sorry to hear about your father.

Even though I'm mostly a lurker, you have been a great influence in my families lives by helping us maintain the course and continue the 'preps'. Also, the dignity and love you have expressed through your posts have encouraged and edified us more than we can say.

Go in God's grace, and we hope to hear from you again.

Love to you and your family, LindaO.

-- Anonymous, October 30, 1999

Bonnie,

Like the others said, you are a model for internet research writers in your civility, focus on what's important, and thoroughness. I would have wrote this earlier, but realized I went a couple of weeks without mail alerts--somehow I got disabled temporarily. I just got re-enabled today and noticed this thread.

I've added your concerns to my prayers. God be with you and your family in ways you and your family can understand and accept.

Sincerely,

Roleigh Martin

-- Anonymous, October 30, 1999

Bonnie,

You've established the standard, IMHO, for rigorous research and analysis informed by compassion and breadth of spirit. You are a brilliant light to shine for your father's legacy, and to guide your family through adversity toward higher wisdom -- VTY, Malthusienne

-- Anonymous, October 30, 1999

Why the hell can't our society show more of the same concern, sympathy and support in times of crisis (y2k or cancer) as the people on this forum have shown? If the people in this land who call themselves followers of that wonderfull light of the world can live in their lives, with their neibhors, the way they "live" here on line, then there may be hope for our land even if the lights do get knocked out of us via y2k-related international failures...

Well, the Lord bless and be with Bonnie and her family, and make His face to shine upon them, and give them peace.

Shalom, now and forever, through the Prince of Peace, Sincerely, Walter Skold

-- Anonymous, November 04, 1999