Good day to my ferret family. I have a request. Normally I wouldn't
post personal stuff here but right now I need y'alls support like
never before.

My Mom suffered a stroke two weeks ago. While in ICU it was also
discovered she has Leukemia. She has declined treatment. Tuesday she
was moved into The Legacy House, a hospice facility in FL. Dad was also
brought over the following day. Back in February he entered hospice
care & was brought home with in house hospice caregivers coming during
the week and Mom taking the evening\weekend shifts. He has chronic
acute heart failure & COPD. With Mom's condition advancing & Dad
needing continuing care my sister & I have each driven down from VA.
The doctors don't know how much time we'll have left with Mom so we've
called the rest of the family to come. They will start arriving Friday.

All the emotions one could possibly go thru, I have been... especially
on the 11 hour drive down (MapQuest directions are really hard to read
once they get wet).

I wish to thank those volunteers that are caring for my personal
ferrets as well as the shelter kids while I'm dealing with this.
You guys are truly a godsend.

Please keep my family in your thoughts as we transition through this
final phase.

Also please reflect on the friendships & bonds we have forged on this
list; words can hurt and leave unseen marks on a persons being. Please,
choose them carefully.

Tell those you love how you feel before it's too late. Regret is too
sour a drink to swallow.

I love & respect y'all. Pay it forward.

Debbie

[Posted in FML 6397]

=========================================================================Date:    Fri, 17 Jul 2009 21:09:12 EDT
From:    [log in to unmask]
Subject: Special People
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I have always know ferret people are special people. But from time to
time it is really driven home. Today was one of those days, and I
wanted to share it with you.

It's been a rough couple of months, My mother who I live with has been
very ill. Along with normal lifes ups and downs that we all have, I
have been feeling a bit overwhelmed. Today was an especially hard day.

When the mail came, and there was a big box with my name on it. I
couldn't figured for the life of me what I had ordered. I didn't
remember anything. I didn't recognize the return address either. So I
open it up and there is a sea of foam peanuts. As I started scooping
them out I was truly puzzeled. As I dug, it looked like a framed
picture. I still couldn't for the life of me figure what it was.

I pulled it out, and I swear I stopped breathing. Then the tears
started. I still don't know at this point where it came from. But in my
hands is a BEAUTIFUL cross stitched picture of Super Tonks. Framed and
matted. Once I started breathing I found the note that came with it.

Anna Walker, I love you! Your gift has touched my heart in ways you
will never ever know. You did a beautiful job. Your amazing to do this.
So very thoughtful. Thank you for reminding me that life has its ups
and downs, and that we all have blessings. You my friend are one of
mine.

Tons of Hugs,
Robin Jones

[Posted in FML 6397]