Gratitude: (n) The state of being grateful, thankful. To appreciate and value what one has.
Hi Guys
Hello Everyone. I hope today’s instalment finds you all happy, healthy and grateful. I’m not really sure where to start with today’s post but I feel compelled to share with you some of what has been going on lately in my world. Being as you are my cyber family and all. Recent events have brought me to the realisation that despite the malicious reports and speculation that I am a cyborg, 
it would appear that I am in fact, human. Who’da guessed?
Life Beyond the Blogosphere
Well, the Motivator Dude has had a tough couple of weeks in his life away from the blogosphere but as always, I’ve been doing my best to find the good, to ask the right questions, to invest my emotional energy wisely and to learn the lessons I’m meant to learn. To say the last fortnight has been a little bit challenging is kind of like saying that Brad and Angelina are a little bit attractive. You see, two weeks ago my beautiful mum (mom) was diagnosed with bowel cancer and the roller-coaster ride began. While I won’t bore you all with a blow-by-blow account of the two weeks that followed that diagnosis, I will tell you that it all came to a head yesterday (Monday, I’m writing this Tuesday) when Mary (I’ve always called my mum by her first name – weird I know) underwent major surgery to remove the cancer. Needless to say there wasn’t a lot of sleep to be had in the Harper household on Sunday night. At all.
A Trip to the Country
My parents live in country Victoria, so I left the thriving metropolis of Melbourne on Sunday to head up to the bush to be with the folks and to make the trip to the hospital yesterday morning with Mary and Ronnie. While there wasn’t a whole lot of mirth and frivolity happening in the car on the way to the hospital, I will say that my mother is one tough chick. As we drove along I looked over at her and she seemed inexplicably calm. I’m sure she was more composed that the other two emotional dickheads in the car. Her big brave warrior men. The alpha males. And yes, if you were wondering, I am the only kid.
Does it show?
What Appetite?
We got Mary to the hospital, got her settled in her room and before long she was wheeled off to surgery. First cab off the rank. The nurse advised us that she would be a while and that we alpha males should take off for an hour or two and get ourselves something to eat. Gotta say, right in that moment, my appetite wasn’t at an all-time high. There were a few things on my mind but food wasn’t one of them. It’s amazing what goes on in the head of a child whose mother is in surgery which may or may not save her life. Especially when the predicted two-to-three-hour operation is still going five hours later! What a fertile and creative place my mind is.
Three Hundred Minutes
Keeping my mind and body in check for all that time was a major undertaking. It was possibly the toughest five hours of my life. The bloke who loves to help, support, encourage and generally “fix things”, could do nothing but sit and wait. Gotta be honest, I struggled a little with the sitting and waiting yesterday. Clearly, my meditative techniques need a little work. And then there was my dear old (not so old actually) dad, Ronnie. Yep, I call him by his first name too. Ronnie and Mary have been married for forty six years and they are probably more in love now than they were when they tied the knot all those years ago. Externally he was (trying to be) a fortress but internally he was a melting pot of emotions. Understandably.
Finally…
When the nurse wheeled Mary back to her room about six hours after she had been wheeled away, nothing else mattered. Not to me anyway. Or Ronnie. For a bloke who has a pretty busy mind (mostly in a positive, creative way), I don’t think I have ever been so focused or invested into one single moment in time. The building could have been falling down around me and it wouldn’t have mattered. I stood there and studied my mum’s face as though I was seeing it for the first time. It was the most beautiful face I have ever seen. Melissa the uber-nurse informed the two warriors 
that the surgery had gone exceptionally well and that the doctor would be in to see us at some stage. The collective relief swept over us both like a warm tidal wave of emotion. For a while, all I wanted to do was hold her hand, watch her sleep, kiss her forehead and watch her chest rise and fall as she breathed. So that’s what I did. And I loved and appreciated every moment. I was totally in the now and I wanted for nothing.
How are You?
For the man who has heard literally millions of words from the lips of his mother, I couldn’t believe how happy I was to hear her first post-operative words from those dehydrated lips. l’ll never cover my ears again (I promise mum!). And what was her first question to me? “How are you?” Of course it was. That’s what mums do isn’t it?
The Recovery
As I write this sentence, it’s only about thirty hours since she The Old Darl (my other name for Mary) came out of surgery but her recovery is coming along nicely. All things being considered. She’s still in intensive care (of sorts), still has a bunch of tubes, wires, machines and gadgets attached to her, but peering out from behind all that medical hardware and technology, she’s still finding a way to boss Ronnie around. And that’s gotta be a good sign right? I’ve never seen him so obedient or attentive. I wonder how long that will last. I think she might milk it for a week or ten. While she won’t be sky-diving or kick boxing any time soon (two of her favourite pastimes), she did tell me today (from behind all the tubes and wires) that she’s looking forward to getting back to the gym (she trains four days per week). And you thought I was weird.
Good Vibrations
By the way, if you’re a person of faith (I’m not fussy what kind), keep in mind that Mary will gladly accept all prayers, loving thoughts and healing vibes that you might want to send her way over the next few weeks.
So next time somebody you love is about to incur some of your unnecessary wrath, moodiness, intolerance or emotional ugliness, why don’t you just love and appreciate them instead? You’ll thank me one day.
Love you Mary. xxx
Over the last twenty four hours quite a few people have contacted me to enquire where they might send a get-well card to the lovely Mary Harper. Thankyou, I really appreciate it. Rather than me answering the same question four thousand times over the next week, I thought I might post that info here so that anyone who feels compelled to share a little bit of get-well-love with Mary, can do so. She will be in hospital for at least another week or so.
Mary Harper, C/O Maryvale Private Hospital, P.O Box 348, Morwell, VICTORIA 3840
I apologise if today’s post came across in any way as being self-indulgent, that wasn’t my intention. I almost didn’t write it for that reason. Anyhoozle, I do know that many of you care about me (in a cyber-friend kind of way) and by extension care about what’s happening in my world. So share I did.
Ciao xx
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Dear Craig,
Thank you for that post, my thoughts are with you and your Mom, and I wish her a speedy recovery.
You are truly dedicated to the work you do here, which I really appreciate, as I read your blogs all the time and get great enjoyment out of them.
Best wishes from the UK.
(Man Hug)
Love you Mate, see you soon.
Loads of love being sent to YOU Craig from all your cyberspace brothers and sisters…….
And especially from your best friends sister. A loving girlie hug to you. x
Self indulgent??????????????????? F**** that mate.
I don’t want to depress you but last year I lost my ex, 3 of my friends, the budgie, my aunt and my mum (though loss is such a stupid word), my career due to bullying, my house, my relationship with someone special who I cannot get over, no amount of stupid blogs advice or torture will remove this, and a family member who sued the pants off my family oh and I had an affair with a married woman which is amazing as you have probably worked out I’m a same team player and that never happened but anyway.
You know the point you made about your mum saying “how are you” The Wednesday night before my mum healed I said I could not go on, we were alone in the hospital room and I broke down and said I could not face the future and she put her hand on my head and was upset. Well considering she had organs failing and bed sores that made hardened nurses ill, that was something I am grateful for: she said “I have nothing to be sorry for”. This happened Mary 08 and is one reason I decided not to jump off the Story Bridge.
No Craig, I’m sorry to be so candid and open on a blog, but this is not self indulgent at all, god, I wish your mum the absolute best but please, we are all told to get over it and move on, but there are times when life delivers the tough stuff and we crumble. What’s wrong with that? If anyone has issues with that they will have a situation where they will learn empathy and compassion.
Best best wishes to her Craig, keep us posted.
Dear Craig,
I know what you feel. Be strong, patient and simply be there for her. It is the best help your Mom needs right now. And, remember: things always come right in the end.
Big hugs from France,
N
Sorry I meant May 08 not Mary, you need an edit function on this blog so when we get excited and type at 10000 miles an hour we can take back what we wrote
Best wishes Craig.
Best wishes that your Mum recovers well! She sounds a lovely positive caring lady, (who produced a son with great qualities). All the best to your Mum, family and yourself.
Pip
Hey Craigo,
Thanks for sharing what is such a personal and emotional experience for you. What strength you have.
It’s really given me something to think about, in fact I’m about to scroll back up and re-read it!
What a powerful thing gratitude is. It’s how you find the “good” no matter how “bad” it gets. I know I would do well to be more grateful … along with 99% of the population, no doubt.
Sending lots of positive thoughts to your mum, your dad and you. Get better soon Mary!
Em
( ) x
Hi Craig,
I know about this path, these lessons & opportunities to grow.
I know how a single moment can change the direction of your life and offer you a different perspective
about all of the things we once thought were important.
I know that what ever you think your journey with cancer will be, you are right.
Its a total head game. even more than a physical experience.
I know how to hold the space & light for recovery, normalcy and humor.
I have learned these lessons the hard way and the easy way, through love.
I am willing to share with any one who has questions. Cancer isn’t always an ending
but it is always a beginning.
I have a true sense of gratitude & appreciation for the one I love
who has accepted this challenge and has been my teacher. I
am grateful beyond explanation for every moment.
Every day is a gift..
Hi Craig,
Thanks for sharing your experience with us. It would have been very easy to just pretend that everything was ok. Your mum sounds like a remarkable woman with incredible strength and faith and I’m sure that she will recover rapidly.
Reading your post has made me remember an experience that we went through just over eight years ago. Please indulge a long comment because some positive lessons did come out of it (you might want to make yourself a cup of tea).
When my first child, Ainsley, was born, I was told rather roughly in the hospital that she had a problem with her skull but to not worry about it (the paediatrician then rushed out the door leaving me speechless and very worried). I was told again at her 6 week checkup to not worry about it. When she was four months old, I finally listened to my instincts, found a different paediatrician (one who could actually communicate) and was told that she had a very serious problem.
The gap between the plates in her skull in her forehead (known as a metopic suture) had prematurely closed. The plates are supposed to fuse together at about twelve months but she was born with them fused – impatient girl that she is.
Before we knew it, we were at the children’s hospital and Ainsley was booked in to have all the bone in her forehead removed – from her hairline, all the way across and to the bridge of her nose. As a parent, you just want to scream ‘Do it to me! Carve out my bones! Leave her alone!’ But, of course, you can’t. I knew that it had to happen to make her better.
The time in the waiting room was the worst. I wondered why it was taking longer than we’d been told. It’s amazing how many horrible scenarios a vivid imagination can come up with.
Thankfully, it had all gone well. In the next few hours I watched in horror and amazement as her face swelled. First her left eye and then her right swelled shut, becoming tight, round purple lumps. Her cheeks swelled, closing her mouth until she could no longer breastfeed. Her forehead swelled until she cried from the tightness of the bandage – she had been cut from ear to ear with forty-seven stitches hidden under wide, white tape.
What followed was a night I’d rather not remember (actually I thought I’d successfully forgotten it until I read your post). I have never felt so hopelessly, uselessly, helplessly wretched in all my life. Watching the suffering of someone you love and being unable to help is one of the worst experiences in life – and something that very few of us escape.
The strange thing is that not once did I think ‘Why me?’ I always thought ‘Why not me?’ or ‘Why not my child?’. Bad things can’t always happen to someone else or someone else’s child. Sometimes it’s just your turn. Walking down the corridor of the ward and meeting the children with leukaemia, talking with the mother with a six month old with uncontrollable epilepsy who had still not been able to take her baby home makes you very grateful for what you have.
In the days following her operation, I was able to witness the miracle of healing. The human body is incredibly resilient and babies are especially amazing. The first day I had to ask a relative to bring in a photo of Ainsley so I could remember what she looked like, she was so unrecognisable from the swelling. By the third day, the swelling started to subside very gradually, like a tide going out – almost imperceptible but unstoppable. At first, I thought I was imagining her eyes beginning to open but then I could see a tiny sliver of light blue beneath all that purple. By the fifth day she could see again and she was smiling.
When I carried Ainsley through the ward and said goodbye, I felt so guilty for being able to take my baby home. There are so many challenges and tragedies that families have to go through everyday in that special place. Some mothers never get to take their babies home.
I can still remember Ainsley’s first night home from the hospital. She had two black eyes, no forehead bones, 47 stitches in her head and she was laughing! Even though I felt like, well, you can imagine … my overwhelming emotion was one of gratitude. I was so grateful that she was well, grateful that her problem was something that was fixable, grateful that we live in a country where skilled surgeons are available to help and grateful for all the lessons that the experience had taught me.
Ainsley is absolutely fine now. There have been no lasting results from the surgery except for a pretty cool scar under her hair.
Thanks for letting me share this. One moves on and forgets until something like your post brings it all to the surface again. Which is a good thing because it makes me remember the lessons I have learnt.
Enjoy the next few weeks watching your mum get better. It truly is a miraculous and marvellous thing to see.
Christina xxx
Craig, I am sending prayers of healing for your mother. I will also put her name in the Prayer Circles of several area churches. Do you think she would be ok with me also sending Reiki energy to her to aid in her healing? If you don’t know what Reiki is, do a Google search and you should find tons of information on it.
I agree with whoever else who said that this wasn’t self indulgence. We are all blessed by you sharing this. I have been there in that lonely hospital waiting room with my youngest child when she was a baby and again with my husband and two brother-in-laws just 2 years ago when my beloved mother-in-law had heart surgery. Thanks for sharing.
You’re post is beautiful!
No apologies for honesty, openness, and humanity.
My thoughts and prayers are with Mary, Ronnie, and of course their bouncing baby boy.
My aunt (aka my mom for most of my life) is battling a similiar offender (colon cancer), I will be praying for both of these lovely ladies.
So, Mary is the original Old Darl…
(x)
Tami
Dearest Craig -
By the time I get a card from Chicago to Mary, she will be back in the gym working out.
Please know that prayers and love are immediate over distance.
And those I am sending very strongly to Mary and Ronnie and YOU.
We are your family out here.
Hi Craig,
Sorry to hear about your mum.
Your mum sounds like an amazing, and inspirational woman, and hope she gets better soon.
My thoughts are with you, and your family.
take care
Jodie
x
Hugs to all
You could never be self-indulgent. You are someone who gives so much inspiration to others and I am honored to have you share some of your own struggles, and to let the rest of us forget all our issues for a moment to take the time and to say “all the best Craig – my thoughts are also with you and your family – take care Mary hold strong and Ronnie (yes you will have to be on your best behaviour for a while
I wish your Mum a full and speedy recovery, Craig. I lost my Dad suddenly four weeks ago and find myself lost in more ways than I could possibly imagine. And I thought I was grown up…
I hope that the lovely Mary is around for you for many years to come.
Hi Guys. You’re all stars. Thanks for the healing vibes, love, prayers, energy and well-wishes. I’m off to see Mary soon so I won’t be commenting until later today but just know that I appreciate all the cyber-love.
So does Mary.
And Patricia… of course she would. Thanks.
xx
Thank you for sharing Craig. Your Mum is lucky to have you as a son.
Your love will surely help her heal. Hugs and prayers to you and Mary.
Hugs for you Kek (( ))
Hi Craig, best wishes to your mom and a speedy recovery.
Im gratefull as my mum had a brain tumour and we were told that the surgery would either a) kill her b) she would be alright c) be an epileptic or d) do nothing. she came out of it an epileptic and we struggled with her while her medication was being fixed for the right dose. Unfortunately they said it would grow back and after 7 years it did and 6 years ago she passed away from it.
I miss her terribly as she was mother and father to me and my siblings when my father passed away.
I often go to her grave and talk to her about things. she saw a lot of pain in her life with the passing of my father and her struggle with alcohol but she worked two jobs to support us and i am eternally gratefull to her.
good or bad I think mothers are precious people and we should thank our lucky stars we have one.
Wow Craig, love and hugs to you all.
I have been going through it all with my dad these last 4 weeks. He was admitted to hospital with a UTI, that seemed to clear so they sent him home only to go downhill again and back in hospital. He was in for a week had heaps of tests including a bome marrow biopsy and was sent home saturday lunchtime…sunday lunchtime he was back in and off to ICU being the sickest so far. Apparently we almost lost him. My mum called last Tuesday morning and asked that my sister and I come into the hospital…as we both work, I was a bit scared as to why….was I cheering him up or saying goodbye? He was very sick and they had no idea what was actually making him so sick. He was lucid enough, but I got a fright when I saw him. I went in again Wednesday morning to see him sitting out of bed and oxygen removed. He is now on a ward and eating a little again and when I went and saw him on Sunday I was so impressed with how much better he was looking….oh and we finally have an answer to why he was so sick…..he has a little bit on infection on the back of his heart! I have no idea when he will come out of hospital most likely later this week and he will have a nurse visit every day for 6 weeks for IV antinbiotics.
It is so hard when family members are sick, but I would like to wish Mary a speedy recovery and hope all is fine with her
Big hugs Craig
Chelle xxxx
Craig, I’m sending much love, gratitude and good energy from Planet Sue to you and your family. Many hugs too. The human body IS incredibly resilient. Its equilibrium is to be healthy, so it will always work to heal itself. I’m sure Mary will be around for many more sky-dives in this world and I hope she gets maximum value from the bossing-around power she currently has! Smart woman, methinks.
Take care of yourself and your folks. Your strength and positive energy is in abundance – allow it to support you all through this time. And we’re here for you anytime you need us.
Suz
xxxx
Thanks for sharing. Mary sounds like an incredible woman.
Hugs to you and your family. I have had several health scares over the past few years and when you can feel the love it really lessens the pain.
well I’m a blubbering mess right now reading all the posts, and feeling really GRATEFUL my Mum, Dad, husband and children are fit and healthy.
Cyber love to the Harper family and remember to keep positive during the tough time. Just a reminder, and to quote someone we all know……. “life is not fair or unfair, life just IS. The key is what we do with it.”
thats what i love about this site – have had 4 days of ‘Woah is me’ and then get slapped in the face with a little reality. my life is awesome really – i have my health and my happy kids – best wishes to you all Mr H. xx
All the best for your Mum, Ronnie and you!
She seems to be made of strong stuff {wants to go back to the gym…}. Hmm, wonder where she gets that from?
I find your post interesting {and not at all self-indulgant}. As an ICU nurse, I always wonder what is going on through the relatives minds when they are waiting {particularly if the operation is taking longer than expected}.
Thanks for being kind and complimentary to the nurses in ICU/HDU! Too often we are overlooked as relatives are overwhelmed/freaked out by machinery and the generally poor shape their loved one is in and believe me we are the first in the firing line if things go wrong!
Tell the uber-nurse how great you think she is or tell her boss…she’ll keep smiling for days! I know I would
Hey Craig,
Thanks for sharing what you and your family have been facing over these last few weeks. You’re right, buddy – we here in the blogsphere, your ‘cyber space family’ (thanks for calling us that) do care – heaps!
I have to say I only got to about paragraph four of your post, before the tears started to flow and were a bit hard to stop. I have been there – in that waiting room and sitting next to that hospital bed, holding my mother’s hand, wondering, worrying and finally, experiencing those moments of relief, love and gratitude for the amazing and wonderful gift of your beautiful, loving Mum. It’s clarity like no other.
My thoughts and many prayers are definetly with you, Mary and Ron. Make sure you take some breaks, Craig – you must be emotionally exhausted by now. Please also give Mary a huge big kiss from all of us here in cyber space, who her darling son helps, inspires and supports every day.
I wish her a speedy recovery and quick return to the energetic world that she is looking forward to. Look after yourself Mary…take it day by day.
With lots of love,
Mon
xxx
Hi Craig
I’m sending positive thoughts for your mum and all the family. Keep being there for her to boss around and she will feel like nothing has changed and will be back to normal in no time.
Take care of your dad
Maxine
Big hugs for Mary, Ron and you. Get well soon Mum xoxoxox
Hi Craig,
I wish you, your mum family and all the best… love the fact she loves the gym!
Timing again.. I vomitted all over my mum last night about my life…. GOD help me… ! I cant believe I am a horrible daughter.
I dont think it matters what you have lost in this life, what you have been through as in all honesty NO SELF PITY, CRYING or VERBAL VOMIT will change it! or the outcome… I am not saying life is fair at all, it is just how it is!
Nor am I claiming I am able to be in gratitude and love 24/7 but thank GOD for these blogs, reminders and all you guys to remind me!
My thoughts and prayers are with Mary.
Kate
Hey mate.
As always, our love to you, Mary and Ron.
Thanks for sharing your story with us.
xxxx
Johnny, Annie, Brodie, Jordan.
To be sure, Mary, and all of you who love her, have my prayers.
Karen
Love and Best wishes to the Harper family.
Our thoughts are with you.
Ian and Kaye from Perth
First off you weren’t self indulgent at all. If you can’t talk about major events in your life on you-dot-com then where the hell can you do it?
As a follower of your blog I think it’s wonderful that you share your personal experiences here to help guide others. It also makes us, your readers, understand you better and where you are coming from – this is important in a teacher.
I would never have guessed you were an only child – never! *gasp* (I mean that in an affectionate teasing way).
More importantly, I wish only the best for Mary, Ronnie and you. I wish and pray for a speedy recovery for her. Sounds like she is one fit and lovely woman – and that no doubt will aid her recovery. Please keep us updated on her progress.
Thank you for the lesson about cherishing those we love. An add on to that is: the old teaching about not ever going to sleep or leaving after an argument without sorting it out is a golden rule to live by (even if the interim ‘sort out’ is ‘I love you, I’m sorry I got so angry and we’ll talk about this later’). We should always tell our loved ones that we love them. Everyday. ‘Je ne regrette rein’ (aka ‘regret nothing’). Which to me means that I either do nothing I will regret or I make amends if I do.
ooohhh typo!!! ‘rien’ not ‘rein’
Heidi, yup you ICU nurses are awesome, they made my experience of seeing my dad in there so much easier (and his stay too I reckon) You nurses all do an amazing job!!!!!
Hello Craig,
Thanks for sharing your story, I wish your mum a quick recovery and to get well soon….xx
My thoughts & prays are with you all….
Charlotte love for you xxxx
Dear Craig,
why some of us have these situations and others don’t, I find sometimes hard to accept. I have learnt you attract in your life the lessons we need to learn and if we don’t learn, they keep on re-appearing.
I’ve had to deal with many health situations in my life and my family, which taught me the lesson of awareness. Awareness of being grateful, showing and feeling love and having faith ( which I really wasn’t into before).
You are such an inspirational person who has taught me and thousands of people sooo many lessons of life. To be in this uncomfortable place of feeling and watch your mum go through this is very painful but having this gift of being able to open your heart is a blessing.
Sharing your love and support will overflow her heart with so much warmth,sooo much love which will help her become the winner.
You are our teacher and now is your time to put into practice what you have taught (us) your pupils.
God Bless your mother and for bringing into the world such a gift YOU!
I’ve walked this road. It is difficult, yet enlightening. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Wishing your mum the best.
Hi Craig
Thinking of you and your family, my prayers and thoughts are with you all. I have also been down that road with my mother. That was nearly 6 years ago now and she is still going strong. We didn’t think she was going to see her 80th but she is coming up next year for her 86th!! Sometimes it’s good to share with your friends whether in ‘real life’ form or ‘cyber’ friends. It will also make you feel strong and loved! Thanks for sharing.
xxxx “Fran”
xxx
Hey Craig !
Thank you for sharing this with us. All my very best wishes, prayers, good vibes and love are heading Mary’s way, and also to you and Ron. I’m so pleased and relieved to hear that the surgery went so well and it sounds to me that your dear Mum’s attitude will see her up and running (skydiving !!) before you know it.
Huge {{HUGS}} to you all
Tina
Hi Craig,
just a small addition to my email. You were the gift that brought me acceptance,awareness,understanding the power of my thoughts which got me through the stepping stones to understand my life and to cope with my health issues. This gift is now for your mother.
I thank you.
Definately not self indulgent. I hope that by writing about it, it has helped you cope with the emotional roller coaster you have been on.
Like many above I to have been in that waiting room & chemo room holding that very special persons hand & just being. It is those moments that I most cherish (love you mum & miss you terribly).
Craig, you take all the time that you need to be there for Mary & Ronnie, everything else can wait, some things are just more important.
Sending hugs to you all. (((())))
Sue
Thank you for sharing your life with us, Craig.
Hugs to you and your family.
Hope your Mum Mary is out of hospital soon and that the operation was a success. Funny how things like this can happen when you least expect them. Makes you take every day with loved ones for granted. Wishing it all goes well for you and your family. Alison
ps. of COURSE, I meant makes you not take every day with loved ones for granted! Doh!
Your blogs are always timely.As I worried about a friends difficult work situation…I am reminded to value…good health, wonderful friends , having a job to go to and choices. Gratitude is a wonderful lesson and perspective a gift….even the thinking mind can comprehend.
I wish your mother a long and healthy life. You are a wonderful teacher Craig. X Fiona
Hi Guys – just got back from seeing Mary and she is getting bossier by the hour
. I told her about all your well-wishes, prayers, thoughts, healing energy and positive vibes and she said to thank you all SO MUCH. So thanks! 
And from me, thanks for all your concern, care and love – I’m feeling a little spesh today
xx
Hi Craig
So sorry to hear about your mum. It sounds like she’s nice and healthy and that fighting spirit of hers will definately get her through this. Cancer is a nasty word and all associated feelings makes one cringe at the sound.
I wish her all the best in her recovery and hope that this is the last of it. Knowing that she has the 2 alpha males should be enough inspiration for her to get back on her feet ASAP and start kicking!
Chin up….you are every mothers dream son.
Luv Gullu
Craig,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through this trying time. May God fill you with His Peace, surround you with His Love and bring complete healing to every area of Mary’s body, soul and spirit. Thank you for your vulnerability in sharing with us and allowing your cyber family to share this difficult time with you.
Love & Blessings
Cheryl ( )
( ) ( ) Special Hugs to Mary & Ron
G’day Craig
Glad to hear that all went well.
Pass on my best wishes to Mary & Ronnie and of course hope that you all can continue breathing that sigh of relief for a very long time.
And we all know you’re a softy Craig.
Regards and hugs
Alan
Wishing your mum Mary a speedy recovery and much strength to you and Dad.
Karla
Craig that was a difficult place you were in, one that strikes us all at some time or other. It’s a lonely time as we each grapple with our own thoughts but it’s also a time that brings family closer. So glad that your Mum’s operation went well.
Recovery takes time physically and emotionally
.
I send my best wishes to add to everyone else’s. Sending love and kind thoughts your way. Take it easy on yourself, take some timeout for you. Best wishes to you and your family.
Gratitude needs be a part of our every day life – just like cleaning our teeth, exercise and eating well. A non-negotiable. Five minutes a day reflecting quietly on what we have in our life and keeping a daily gratitude journal where we might list half a dozen things that we are thankful for.
Yesterday, a letter of gratitude was forwarded to me from my employer, personally thanking me and my partner for the kindness and care that she received when her mother suddenly passed away. I must say, I was chuffed. Really made my day and put a smile on my face. Receiving that kind of thanks is priceless.
While its important to quietly reflect on what we have in our own life, don’t forget to express your thanks too – either verbally or in writing to those who love and care about. So, stop complaining about this, that and the other and start really being thankful.
Thinking of you, Craig, at this difficult time. Much love and best wishes to the Harper family. Take care Mary. I wish you a full recovery.
Best of wishes to you and your mum. Wishing her a very speedy recovery!
Get her eating apricot kernels and apple seeds every day so the cancer doesn’t come back! That’s what prevents and cures cancer. If she does not change her diet to include foods with vitamin B17 she WILL get cancer again. Your body can only dissolve the cancerous cells that appear from time to time with the vitamin found in wheat grass, dark green leafy vegetables, and the seeds of over 1200 fruits and vegetables, B17. Note that you can go to jail in the U.S. and Australia for even suggesting this without saying “consult your medical professional” and “this does not constitute medical advice.” The medical industry wants us to keep getting cancer because it is a money maker!
Beautiful read.
Glad to hear that everything went well with the surgery.
It’s true that a lot of us take what we have for granted until we realize that we can lose it.
In any case, very inspiring. Send our best wishes to Mary.
I’m going to go appreciate the day, my freedom and my relationships now.
Thanks for opening my eyes up again Craig! Your writing’s very appreciated.
Dear Mary,
Milk it for what it’s worth. Ronnie and Craig love you dearly, and by the looks of it you’ve just won the love of the cyber world.
Please, receive our prayers our thoughts and love now and always.
God be with you
Maria
Craig,
I am catching up on the posts I’ve missed over the past month and I am saddened to hear of your Mums illness, but I shall think positive thoughts of her healing and imagine reading your future posts on how well she is recovering.
Ginny
(big hug for your Mum, Dad and yourself)
I hope your mother gets healthy again soon.
Big hug from distant place for you & your parents.
José