Pics of us

[donnaplease]

Gosh, Donna....sorry about your brother.....sorry you had to go through that..... ...seen alot of death myself......some are harder to take than others....due to cicumstances...like the way they die......as in your brothers case. Put myself up for organ donation for years....but your story makes me think more about it...wouldn't want to put my family through that.....but I do believe in it....and I'm glad it gives you comfort that your brother gave of himself to help others and that part of him now lives on in them.....and he will always live on in you.

Thank you. I also would like to be an organ donor if possible. The thing about it was, since it was a non-cardiac donation, they were very limited in the time they had to harvest the organs, so everything was done in such a hurry. That's why I say he was euthanized ~ they really had to do it that way...

I guess if I would have had my way he would have been allowed to die naturally, in his own time, but in order to fulfill the requirements of the organ procurement, they had to do it that way. He was a hero, though, and I'll always be proud of him...

Now, on to happier topics...who's going to Clearwater??

[Blueskies]

Gosh, Donna....sorry about your brother.....sorry you had to go through that..... ...seen alot of death myself......some are harder to take than others....due to cicumstances...like the way they die......as in your brothers case. Put myself up for organ donation for years....but your story makes me think more about it...wouldn't want to put my family through that.....but I do believe in it....and I'm glad it gives you comfort that your brother gave of himself to help others and that part of him now lives on in them.....and he will always live on in you.

Thank you. I also would like to be an organ donor if possible. The thing about it was, since it was a non-cardiac donation, they were very limited in the time they had to harvest the organs, so everything was done in such a hurry. That's why I say he was euthanized ~ they really had to do it that way...

I guess if I would have had my way he would have been allowed to die naturally, in his own time, but in order to fulfill the requirements of the organ procurement, they had to do it that way. He was a hero, though, and I'll always be proud of him...

Now, on to happier topics...who's going to Clearwater??

I'm gonna call for tickets in the morning!!! Its only an hour away for me!

[Melissa]

Sorry to hear about your brother donna. I never knew what organ donation really involved until I was in nursing school. It's not easy at all for the family of the donor. We were asked by people when my mom died why her organs weren't donated, which surprised me since she had battled breast cancer, her body was completey beaten to hell with chemo & radiation, not to mention numerous surgeries, I wondered why people asked that. Even if she had survived she wouldn't have been able to even donate blood for a long time, let alone organs upon her death. Sorry about your parents too, I was there for my mom's last breath also, as was our entire huge family, while my dad held her because she asked him to. She was only 51. You're supposed to lose your grandparents when you're an adult I always figured, but my kids lost their grandma at 4 years old & 7 months old. Shattered my heart, my soul, & my faith.

[donnaplease]

Sorry to hear about your brother donna. I never knew what organ donation really involved until I was in nursing school. It's not easy at all for the family of the donor. We were asked by people when my mom died why her organs weren't donated, which surprised me since she had battled breast cancer, her body was completey beaten to hell with chemo & radiation, not to mention numerous surgeries, I wondered why people asked that. Even if she had survived she wouldn't have been able to even donate blood for a long time, let alone organs upon her death. Sorry about your parents too, I was there for my mom's last breath also, as was our entire huge family, while my dad held her because she asked him to. She was only 51. You're supposed to lose your grandparents when you're an adult I always figured, but my kids lost their grandma at 4 years old & 7 months old. Shattered my heart, my soul, & my faith.

Wow. Aren't we downers??

I'm sorry about your loss, too. Death sucks, huh? And yet, sometimes it's a blessed event, which kinda was the case with my parents (both with cancer ~ mom with GBM, dad with lung cancer). It's hard to reflect on it at times.

But...enough depressing stuff. You're going to ARF, right? And Clearwater too? Don't forget the "May Melee" at Vader's...let's party!!! We can toast all those that have gone before us!

[Melissa]

Sorry to hear about your brother donna. I never knew what organ donation really involved until I was in nursing school. It's not easy at all for the family of the donor. We were asked by people when my mom died why her organs weren't donated, which surprised me since she had battled breast cancer, her body was completey beaten to hell with chemo & radiation, not to mention numerous surgeries, I wondered why people asked that. Even if she had survived she wouldn't have been able to even donate blood for a long time, let alone organs upon her death. Sorry about your parents too, I was there for my mom's last breath also, as was our entire huge family, while my dad held her because she asked him to. She was only 51. You're supposed to lose your grandparents when you're an adult I always figured, but my kids lost their grandma at 4 years old & 7 months old. Shattered my heart, my soul, & my faith.

Wow. Aren't we downers??

I'm sorry about your loss, too. Death sucks, huh? And yet, sometimes it's a blessed event, which kinda was the case with my parents (both with cancer ~ mom with GBM, dad with lung cancer). It's hard to reflect on it at times.

But...enough depressing stuff. You're going to ARF, right? And Clearwater too? Don't forget the "May Melee" at Vader's...let's party!!! We can toast all those that have gone before us!

Ugh, I know, sorry to be a downer! lol

Yep to both of those, not sure about May yet, with that dress code & all! lol

[ForceInfinity]

Taking a stab at this. I'm sitting next to the Mt Whitney summit plaque here.

SeanB

[zino]

Here is a picture of Kirk (jrnyfan86) and I. It appeared in our local newspaper during the month of December with an ad promoting living organ donation awareness.

Very nice picture, Nat. My brother was a 'non-cardiac' organ donor, which means he wasn't brain-dead, but rather suffered from a severe TBI and hypothermia that essentially left him in a vegetative state.

His wife felt like he wouldn't have wanted to live like that (although it had only been about 5 days since his accident), and therefore decided to make him an organ donor. I have ABSOLUTELY no argument against organ donation, but I witnessed everything they did, from putting Betadine and other chemicals through his NG tube to help with preservation of the organs, to literally euthanizing him (they gave him a massive amount of morphine IV to stop his heart/breathing, which it did ~ but after about a minute his heart started beating again and they gave him another massive dose of Morphine, which did the trick). He was euthanized. I'm not sure how I feel about it, even to this day, because if he had to die, he certainly did not suffer. And I've been with many people over the years as they're dying (held both my parents as they took their last breaths), but that was the sickest motherfucking thing I have ever seen!! I guess, though, as bad as it was, I would be there with him again, if necessary. I couldn't let him go through it alone.

The only comfort I get out of it is that in giving his life, he possibly saved many others...and I'm sincerely happy for you & Kirk, Natalie!!

Sorry too hear about your brother, I went through almost the same thing 16 years ago my younger brother was 19 and had a massive brain anyresm (SP??) and he had put down that he wanted too be an organ donor and he gave his heart to a 57 year old man from Boston for a transplant. He saved this guys live but it sucked at the time because there was nothing that could be done for my brother, but he was able too save someone elses life. I was a bit bitter at first but after time went on it became eaiser too deal with. I miss hi everyday, we never had a chance too do the things that brothers should do. I went away too college when he was 10 and move away from home when he was 14 so he was jus my annoying brother at the time.

[donnaplease]

Sorry too hear about your brother, I went through almost the same thing 16 years ago my younger brother was 19 and had a massive brain anyresm (SP??) and he had put down that he wanted too be an organ donor and he gave his heart to a 57 year old man from Boston for a transplant. He saved this guys live but it sucked at the time because there was nothing that could be done for my brother, but he was able too save someone elses life. I was a bit bitter at first but after time went on it became eaiser too deal with. I miss hi everyday, we never had a chance too do the things that brothers should do. I went away too college when he was 10 and move away from home when he was 14 so he was jus my annoying brother at the time.

Sorry, Zino. It does get easier, but never goes away. The good thing is that nice guys like Kirk are benefitting from our loss every day, so it's not totally in vain. So Kirk, the next time I see you, I want that Alabama Slammer to stay in your pocket (or give it to me to drink)... keep those organs healthy. Hell, we might have to donate something to one of these guys around here before long, as much beer and GG as they consume. Ed...are you listening????

[Blueskies]

Taking a stab at this. I'm sitting next to the Mt Whitney summit plaque here.

SeanB

Great pic, FI! I love to hike and climb...never been on Mt. Whitney, though. ...My 2 favorite hikes I've done are in Hawaii....easy one....and hiking the Grand Canyon...more strenuous....but what a memorable experience!....I want to go back and do it again...while I still can! .....

[Natalie]

Donna, that is a terrible story about your brother. I am glad to know that you find some comfort in knowing that he helped others. It does illustrate a good point though. For all you organ donors out there (THANK YOU) let your families know your wishes, they will have the ultimate decision. Even though you have it on your driver's licence or you have an organ donor card, if the family declines, they won't harvest your organs. You should make sure your family knows exactly how you feel about organ donation so they can honor your wishes.

Kirk was lucky that he had a living donor (me) and we didn't have to wait on pins and needles for the moment they called and told us to come to the hospital now. We had a very controlled surgery and we even picked the date (June 14th) and went to the city where we had the surgery two days early to play and spend a day at a spa being pampered before being sliced open!! But not everyone is as lucky as Kirk so I thank all of those people who have donated organs either living or dead and also the families of both.

OK, where's Dean to come in and tell me that I have turned this into the gayest thread of the week?

[ForceInfinity]

OK, where's Dean to come in and tell me that I have turned this into the gayest thread of the week?

Actually I think Dean would come up with something a bit more creative than that, otherwise, I'll be disappointed in him.

[Natalie]

OK, where's Dean to come in and tell me that I have turned this into the gayest thread of the week?

Actually I think Dean would come up with something a bit more creative than that, otherwise, I'll be disappointed in him.

Oh I'm sure it will be more creative than that but that will be the general idea.

[zino]

OK, where's Dean to come in and tell me that I have turned this into the gayest thread of the week?

Actually I think Dean would come up with something a bit more creative than that, otherwise, I'll be disappointed in him.

Oh I'm sure it will be more creative than that but that will be the general idea.

Off the current topic NJT but do you run marathon's, I see your location is 26.2 from home !!!

[Natalie]

OK, where's Dean to come in and tell me that I have turned this into the gayest thread of the week?

Actually I think Dean would come up with something a bit more creative than that, otherwise, I'll be disappointed in him.

Oh I'm sure it will be more creative than that but that will be the general idea.

Off the current topic NJT but do you run marathon's, I see your location is 26.2 from home !!!

I haven't yet, I've run 5k and 10k's but never a marathon-yet but I am going to run the NYC marathon this November!

Nice pick up on the 26.2 miles from home thing!! And you?

[zino]

OK, where's Dean to come in and tell me that I have turned this into the gayest thread of the week?

Actually I think Dean would come up with something a bit more creative than that, otherwise, I'll be disappointed in him.

Oh I'm sure it will be more creative than that but that will be the general idea.

Off the current topic NJT but do you run marathon's, I see your location is 26.2 from home !!!

I haven't yet, I've run 5k and 10k's but never a marathon-yet but I am going to run the NYC marathon this November!

Nice pick up on the 26.2 miles from home thing!! And you?

I have done 4 half marathons ( 13.1) I ran the Miami half 3 times and the A1A Ft Lauderdale half once. I was suppose too do the Miami and Ft Lauderdale 1/2's this year on 1/29 and 2/19 but with the baby being born the past year I had a hard time with my training and the long runs got tough too get in along with baby's needs and getting rest and spending some time with mom !!. So last week i pulled out of the MIami 1/2 and might do the A1A. I still run 5K and some other races. Good luck with your training and keep me posted. Too finis a race like that is one of the best feelings you can have !!!. Did you get your ticket by lottery? Is the lottery still open I have bee thinking about making NYC my first marathon.

[Fourt9rkim]

Here I am....and yes...I am a redhead, with the famous temper.

[low d]

[Moon Beam]

Got some great new pics added lately here.
Thanks to all of you that had the courage to
post em, keep em coming, I love looking at
pictures.

[Blueskies]

Great pic Brent! Are you an engineer?

[Ms_M]

A new picture of me...

[Moon Beam]

A lil small but nice pic none the less lady!
What a bright smile you have Ms M.

[Ratgirl]

Here I am....and yes...I am a redhead, with the famous temper.

Great pic Ms. Kim!
temper? you? Now, who woulda thought?

[Ms_M]

A lil small but nice pic none the less lady!
What a bright smile you have Ms M.

Thanks Moon! I resized it so it wouldn't be gigantic... I think it shrunk too much! LOL!

[lowdbrent]

Great pic Brent! Are you an engineer?

I am the director of audio ministries for a mega church, produce two radio shows, sweeten TV audio for two shows, own and operate a mobile recording company, write, play, produce and engineer music for my little indie label. Our last production featured guest players from Petra (John Schlitt and Louie Weaver). Petra is kind of the Journey or Def Lep of Christian rock.

[Blueskies]

Great pic Brent! Are you an engineer?

I am the director of audio ministries for a mega church, produce two radio shows, sweeten TV audio for two shows, own and operate a mobile recording company, write, play, produce and engineer music for my little indie label. Our last production featured guest players from Petra (John Schlitt and Louie Weaver). Petra is kind of the Journey or Def Lep of Christian rock.

Wow! You are one busy man!.....Would love to hear something you've done....do you have something you can link up in the talent thread? and/or is there a video of something you've done with Petra on YouTube that you can link?

[Fourt9rkim]

Great pic Ms. Kim!
temper? you? Now, who woulda thought?

Thank ya! Temper? Ask the dude who I slugged in the face at a Jovi concert back in the 80's....I was trying to get Kathy out of the crowd because she was starting to hyperventilate...and this dude grabbed my ass as we went by....the look of shock on his face was priceless!

[jrnyfan86]

Donna hey if you remember I tried to give you my 2 Alabama Slammers, you wouldn't take em. I still have them. It was fun being the only sober person at the party. I had a blast watching everyone get wasted. It was so fun.

[ForceInfinity]

Taking a stab at this. I'm sitting next to the Mt Whitney summit plaque here.

SeanB

Great pic, FI! I love to hike and climb...never been on Mt. Whitney, though. ...My 2 favorite hikes I've done are in Hawaii....easy one....and hiking the Grand Canyon...more strenuous....but what a memorable experience!....I want to go back and do it again...while I still can! .....

Thanks for the complement on the pic. Whitney is a tough one to day hike as I did since the trail itself is 11 miles one way with a total ascent of nearly 6300 ft to a summit of nearly 14500ft. I think this took me about 16 hours total (all the rest breaks included). What amazes me is that there are hikers that are in so much better shape than I am. There was this one lady I encountered who was quite a bit faster than me and she was 62 years old. I found that both humbling (since I'm only 33) and inspiring that when you get older, you can still handle these kind of things if you set your mind to it.

SeanB

[donnaplease]

Donna hey if you remember I tried to give you my 2 Alabama Slammers, you wouldn't take em. I still have them. It was fun being the only sober person at the party. I had a blast watching everyone get wasted. It was so fun.

Well hell no I don't remember!!!! There are a few things I don't remember about that night, and I'm sure somebody knows what I mean!!!! (Nothing inappropriate or shameless, I promise!) It was nice of you to offer your Slammers to me though. I knew you were a good guy! NO...it is a major DRAG being the only sober person at the party. Besides, you weren't really alone. Travis was pretty sober too...had to drive my drunk ass back to Baltimore!

[Blueskies]

Wow! ForceInfinity! sounds like a great climb!....Good for that lady! I'm a bit older then u too...but age is but a number if you have the right attitude about it.....I can out hike my sons too....and their in their early 20's!....You've got to keep moving and keep striving and making goals for yourself.......to reach the top of a summit, complete a marathon, or career, creative or even relationship goals...whatever they are.....and whatever age you are at! Keeps you young in heart, mind, body and spirit!...Never say die! ha!....thanks for the story...would like to try that climb sometime!