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Factor Fiction
You're right. Thanks.

posted by avant-garde on October 13, 2006 at 1:42 PM | link to this | reply

Blogging is not just about writing

It is an extended support group that so many people do not have these days when "community" is lost while everyone is busy keeping up with the Joneses and life.

I know Luke will be fine in time. But taking the time to appreciate what you have is never a bad thing.

posted by FactorFiction on October 13, 2006 at 5:54 AM | link to this | reply

Whacky
Thanks a lot.

posted by avant-garde on October 12, 2006 at 1:53 AM | link to this | reply

Wiley
Thanks, my friend. I see this place as a unique opportunity to make friends all over the globe. It's a very nice thing to have. Thanks for the support.

posted by avant-garde on October 12, 2006 at 1:53 AM | link to this | reply

Blanche
This is a good support group. There are many other things I could write a book about,l one of them being my job. I don't see many paramedic experiences written down- at least not the way I am intending on doing it. We'll see.

posted by avant-garde on October 12, 2006 at 1:52 AM | link to this | reply

My thoughts are with you.

Hope Luke get better fast!

posted by Whacky on October 12, 2006 at 1:06 AM | link to this | reply

avant-garde.
Sorry to read of Luke in that condition my friend, I shall add him in my prayers. Yes, it is hard to keep writing and commenting here, but some folks like yourself have become as family and I can't quit now. Hope you don't leave here, but understand if you have to.

posted by WileyJohn on October 11, 2006 at 8:57 PM | link to this | reply

Avant, I only have a minute or two, as I'm at an online cafe, but I wanted

to stop by and check on Luke's condition and your overall spirits.  I hope the fever or acute point has passed and he is resting comfortably, although you and your wife must still be feeling vigilant as parents must. 

Thank you for your kind words as well.  I posted a quote from Emerson the other day that I am trying to commit to memory, and have not succeeded yet, but one line that stands out in his definition of success is "to earn the respect of honest ciitics."  and you've more than proven your integrity here.  Your words carry weight because of that.

This book that you want to write about Michelle will probably require patience and a willingness to be gentle with yourself, as it is not wise to force memories, the mind has protective devices and barriers, and the softening of memory is a blessing from God.  However, since, like Julia., and me, as well, you have a story that you have a burning desire to tell, for cathersis, peace, to benefit the family and the world at large, I don't think you can NOT write the book. You may not do it here, but in a word processor, or share as much as you care to, when you feel like it, but in my heart I believe that telling the stories that have seared themeselves into our soulds is our only release.

God bless you and your family.  (and happy birthday soon to Noah, I believe his and mine are very close, Nov. 6). 

posted by Blanche. on October 11, 2006 at 4:55 PM | link to this | reply

Pam
What can I say? You're the best. I'm so glad you're back. If it weren't for you and a few others, I'd have lost interest long before now. There is a positive side to blogging, after all.

posted by avant-garde on October 11, 2006 at 4:29 PM | link to this | reply

Nickie
I feel the same as you about writing. It does bring clarity. Thanks for the well wishes.

posted by avant-garde on October 11, 2006 at 4:28 PM | link to this | reply

Blanche
Of course, I always poke into your posts when I first arrive on here, as well. I like to hear what you're up to. Thanks for the concern. You're very appreciated. It's nice to feel supported.

posted by avant-garde on October 11, 2006 at 4:27 PM | link to this | reply

Julia
There are a few here- you included- who feel like old friends. There aren't many who I can speak frankly with. I see you as a person of great honesty and integrity. Thanks so much for your concern. Luke is doing better. We're not out of the woods yet, but I am feeling very relieved.

posted by avant-garde on October 11, 2006 at 4:26 PM | link to this | reply

Tanga
You are a man of great strength and compassion. Thank you very much.

posted by avant-garde on October 11, 2006 at 4:24 PM | link to this | reply

sannhet
I got depressed when you left. There was this inner circle I was used to. I'm likely to be staying, but I'm unsure of what avenue to take here. Maybe I'll just back off a bit and start a book or something.

posted by avant-garde on October 11, 2006 at 4:24 PM | link to this | reply

OFFBEATS
You're very kind. Thank you so much for the comment.

posted by avant-garde on October 11, 2006 at 4:23 PM | link to this | reply

Jadest97
Thank you for sharing your story. You've certainly had your share of trials. You and your child will surely grow immensely from this experience. God bless you both.

posted by avant-garde on October 11, 2006 at 4:22 PM | link to this | reply

bel
I have the utmost respect for you. Thanks for your concern and well wishes.

posted by avant-garde on October 11, 2006 at 4:21 PM | link to this | reply

Bhaskar
You are a gentleman and a scholar. Thanks for thinking of Luke in his time of need.

posted by avant-garde on October 11, 2006 at 4:20 PM | link to this | reply

Mrs Tanga

This morning, I was very emotional over this whole thing with Luke. You showed up just at the right time. I was so overwhelmed that I began crying. There are many great, caring people here. Thank you so much.

Luke is doing better. We're giving him a steroid syrup to combat the swelling. It seems to be working all right. We're all exhausted and will likely sleep well tonight. Thanks for caring.

posted by avant-garde on October 11, 2006 at 4:20 PM | link to this | reply

avant
You, Cameron, Luke, Sam and Noah are in my thoughts and prayers. Croup is always scary, any kind of breathing stuff is. You have been very dedicated to blogit for a long time...you have searched yoru heart and given much from its contents and I think you have grown and been filled too. We are always needing to re evaluate our life and our pursuits. Hugs to you my friend, and to Luke.

posted by MysticGmekeepr on October 11, 2006 at 4:00 PM | link to this | reply

Avant-Garde,
I always find that writing has a therapeutic value. I write when I'm distressed. It helps to overcome the problems and see them in perspective. Hopefully your son gets better soon!

posted by Nickie-Fleming on October 11, 2006 at 1:50 PM | link to this | reply

Avant Garde, add my own prayers for Luke, and your family today

I pray that this passes safely and quickly, I can only imagine how helpless that must feel watching your child in distress.  I hope he is getting the best of medical care, and since you are well-informed yourself and keeping an eagle eye on him, I'm sure it will.   I'm not sure about croup, or the nature of it, but as terrible as it sounds, there are probably more than a few mothers and fathers here whose children have passed through it safely. Not that that makes your own situation any less critical or nerve-wracking.

I appreciate your comments, your thoughtful sagacious posts.  Do what you feel you need to, but even if you are feeling uninspired, I've seen (and I know other discerning readers) have seen important changes in your willingness to write openly, to speak what's on your mind, to explore the painful parts. I would miss you, Avant.  I look for your posts every day. You're not talking into a vacuum, and quite honestly I don't know why your ranking isn't higher, because it's not about the quality of your thoughts or writing, merely a reflection of public taste.

Hang in there, my friend, my best to you, your wife, Luke, Noah and your other son.  May God speed Luke's healing. 

posted by Blanche. on October 11, 2006 at 12:25 PM | link to this | reply

avant--
my prayers are with you and yours.

as for Blogit, I feel that way sometimes too, that it is an escape, something that I occupy myself with because it keeps me from doing the writing that I know is really important, i.e., my "book." I guess I have to believe in divine timing, and I will get to the book in due course. Until now I enjoy the friendships I've made here, and you are certainly one.

Here's wishing Luke a speedy recovery!

posted by Julia. on October 11, 2006 at 7:49 AM | link to this | reply

Prayers and Strength

posted by Tanga on October 11, 2006 at 7:22 AM | link to this | reply

Avant -
My prayers are with you and your family in hopes of a speedy recovery for Luke. I know the challenges with regard to blogging and time. Hence, my occassional visits right now. But I must say that, like bel_1965, I'm finding that I need to write. Part of my soul wilts when I have to put off writing and reading, so I will be getting back to it in the next couple of weeks. I may not write every single day (since I believe I was doing that mainly to stay in the top 10) but I will be writing much more frequently than I do now.

posted by sannhet on October 11, 2006 at 6:54 AM | link to this | reply

I am very sorry to hear about your child avant. Your right about the thoughts of losing one's child puts a different out look on life. I think it would pretty much sink mine too. I pray all will be well with yours my friend...

posted by Offy on October 11, 2006 at 6:53 AM | link to this | reply

Trials and Tribulations?
I am a mother of 3 children and my oldest who is now 11 has never been what you might concider healthy.  He spent more time in the hospital from the ages of birth to 5 years.  It was common for me to go to work from the hospital and return just as I left.  It became the norm. As he got older we learned the secrets.  He couldn't go outside if it was too cold, hot, humid or dry.  Basicly he didn't enjoy the normal activity as the other children did.  One day he came up to me and asked why God had done this to him.  I had no answer.  In time he grew to accept his limitaions and bless other children with them.  So what seems bad in one moment can be a blessing in the next.  Take it with stride and learn from it.  That is what I call a testimony.  It can change the next persons life that you tell, so go out and share.

posted by jadest97 on October 11, 2006 at 6:49 AM | link to this | reply

Luke and all of you are in my prayers
I left Blogit shortly after Carl came home for various reasons.  Part of it was the money the other part was I felt I needed to put my family first.  I came back at Carl's insistance.  I need to write, I need to interact with others and I need to do it in safe enviroment.  Carl felt this place was good for me.  Sometimes it's get a little drama ridden but this is the one thing that I do for me and I am realizing that is rather important.

posted by bel_1965 on October 11, 2006 at 5:13 AM | link to this | reply

avant
I deeply regret the illness your child is suffering from. Our prayers and wishing Godspeed will surely put him on the way to recovery. Do not take blogging too seriously until then and decide what is pressing demand at hand that needs attented to first, and let the rest follow. God's blessings are with you.

posted by Bhaskar.ing on October 11, 2006 at 4:38 AM | link to this | reply

Well, you were inspired enough to read me.. and I am so glad about that!!

I know what you mean.  There is not enough hours in the day to do everything that one needs to do.  I find it extremely hard to do all the things on my "To Do List".  I do not even have time to make a "To Do List" for heavens sake.LOL  I have to try and keep it in my head and then I forget!

I am so sorry to hear about you little one.  It is very hard if your child is sick and you as a parent have the biggest fear in the world for that little one.  I cannot think of prayers harder and louder than a prayer for your child to get better!  I hope for you and your wife that your child will get better soon.  My children has not have croup yet, and know by reading about it, it can be life threatening.  Good luck and keep us up to date.  I will send a little prayer for you!

Mrs Tanga

posted by Tanga on October 11, 2006 at 3:44 AM | link to this | reply