Happy Birthday Netguyjoel

[David]

Many Happy Returns Joel, may your day have been good, the presents sufficiently large and the evening finds you contemplative

Hip Hip Hooray he's 44 today!

[netguyjoel]

Thanx...it's a bitter sweet B'day. Today my Mother is being taken off life support after 4 months...how do ya put a candle on this birthday cake?

[garyb]

best wishes Joel!
my condolences, i hope that the pressure eases now....

[Herr Voigt]

Your mother may rest in peace!
In such days we realise that death belongs to life - most time we repress it.
All good wishes for you, Thomas

[siriusbliss]

Sorry to hear the news...
Nevertheless birthday can still be a celebration of life - somehow...

Take care,

Greg

[netguyjoel]

I think in times like these...it just makes me remember, just how fragile life really is. My relationship w/ my mother was not the best...I honestly think we (men) don't say this often enough to each other...whether it be macho, male ego or whatever...but all in all..it should be said more often. I appreciate your well wishes...more than you could possibly know.....so I'll get all mushy and say it...every once in a while...you really know who your friends truly are...
I love you guys...thank you again.....I will never forget your generous words of kindness and concern....

[Neil B]

It's hard to wish you a happy birthday under the circumstances, but I hope that you will grow in strength from the experiences and emotions of this period.
My mother too is going downbank and I truly feel for you.

Perhaps no candles on the cake, but a time for reflection and preparation for what lies ahead.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[netguyjoel]

Just an update for all that are concerned and interested.
She is off the ventilator, and is being fed oxygen via a "T" fitting, attached to the trache...and now the DNR stage 2 and 3 are in effect as of last night.
She is barely speaking and now we wait. She has had respiratory failure three times now & the docs are all aware of what is to come....I can only pray at this time...just cuz I'm 1,100 miles away, and feel completely useless....I just want this to end for her soon....she does not deserve to go like this...
Thank you all again for your PMs and well wishes...cordially yours...