fortune smiles

[zyzyly]

Ok, I got back from my walk (and my doctor appointment and Arlina's doctor appointment and a chinese food lunch) to find all these beautiful comments to my last post. It made me cry (in a good way), because you guys are so there for us. I can't tell you how much that means.

The other day, someone wrote in cancersupport about how a lot of her friends had kind of dropped off the map after she had been dealing with a family member's cancer for a while. It happens. There are a lot of people in my three-dimensional world who have disappeared in the past year, even some that I didn't expect. But then there are other people, some who I really wouldn't have counted as close friends, who have just stepped right up and been there for us every step of the way.

And then there are you--my lj friends. I have had the wonderful experience of meeting some of you in person, but many of you I know just in the cyberworld. But even if we have never met in person, you have touched me in very real ways. I am humbled and awed by your generosity of spirit, your willingness to listen, and your words of support. You help me through this. I wish I had better words to say "thank you".

We saw the surgeon this afternoon to go over things before tomorrow. He is so cool--he just radiates "everything will be ok". He thinks the MRI will be fine--that the pain is caused by how Arlina has had to adjust her posture to the hip pain. It makes sense.

Oh, here's a picture from this afternoon at the chinese restaurant. How could anyone look at this face and not feel better?

Comments

[daisydumont.livejournal.com]

beautiful photo! gerry and i will keep you and arlina in prayers tonight and tomorrow, till we hear the operation went well.

[leopardwolf.livejournal.com]

I was having a pretty crummy day, and just seeing this post and that smile.... it made all the difference in the world. There are a lot of your posts especially I need to catch up to with commenting. Just know that I do read and I keep you all in my thoughts constantly, and pray everything will be okay and be better very soon. I know it will be. You are very strong, all of you.

[niyabinghi.livejournal.com]

That's got to be one of the most beautiful pics of Arlina.
(About friends that disappear --yes, we went through that with my mom, and mutual friends of my parents disappeared off the map when my dad was alone...)
Please know I'm just as grateful that you've been an LJ friend, as well.
Thoughts and prayers with you both,
N.

[cobaltika.livejournal.com]

i am mostly quiet and shy, but i think of you both often.
some people might say "what bad luck"
but when i look at this photo of arlina, and think of the both of you
i think you are both very lucky. maybe even blessed in a way.

as i feel, that i am allowed to be present on this path of yours.

good thoughts for you all tomorrow. and all days.

[blistermoth.livejournal.com]

I feel better already!

[annabellissima.livejournal.com]

I love her smile. Very infectious.

Darnit, I had to work today and I missed all the posts. You guys are still in my prayers and I'll be praying extra-hard tomorrow! :D

[asqmh.livejournal.com]

From your pictures and from your words, I know at least this much: she really is beautiful -- inside and out. And she's a very blessed woman.

[luscious-purple.livejournal.com]

What a beautiful, beautiful smile!

[smilinpessimist.livejournal.com]

I think you are both very remarkable people.
God Bless you both!
She is so lovely!

[mylastsigh.livejournal.com]

(((hugs)))

[blakeh.livejournal.com]

She's radiant! I have to believe that your presence in her life makes that kind of smile possible.

Good luck with the surgeon. Karen and I are both thinking of both of you.

[fried-pearl.livejournal.com]

My first thought on seeing the picture is that she looks radiant, as if she is glowing. Then I see that someone else said the same thing. Good luck tomorrow, may you both come through this safely.

[saladbar.livejournal.com]

That beautful happy smiling face brought tears to my eyes ... and believe me I'm a curmudgeon...it takes a lot to move me.

All has to go well!

[vaysha.livejournal.com]

Hee!
I see your point! It's hard not to look at her radiant smile and not find myself grinning from ear to ear.

We lay out on the rocks by the sea tonight and watched shooting stars- it was a perfect place to send out my prayers. May God's angels hold you both close and dear, Mike.
Hug her softly for me please.
=)

[firestartermsu.livejournal.com]

She is just so radiantly beautiful ... the kind the glows deep from within. How can you not feel better?!

You are both, as always, in my thoughts and prayers.

[jscottharris.livejournal.com]

It is a blessing to be included in, you know. And that is the best picture. Ever.

BTW I have found out that all of my pain is collateral. The bone in my hip joint has regrown; my muscles are totally hosed. Judicious exercise over time.

[ex-muzer409.livejournal.com]

Awww, I'm sad I missed this yesterday, but seems you were in excellent hands! ;D

Book (or just to do) idea: One day going cross-country (or global!) and meeting the LJ folken! (If for a book, though, maybe someone would pay for it!)

[zhenzhi.livejournal.com]

then there are other people

isn't it wonderful. :-)

and what a smile!!!!!!!!!!!! :-D

[drood.livejournal.com]

She's beautiful. Thank you for sharing the photo.

[greymeowsr.livejournal.com]

Beautiful, thanks for making my day!

yf,
Tom

[poetbear.livejournal.com]

and she sounds as good as
she looks! wonderfful picture,
Michael!~paul

[badsede.livejournal.com]

You know, whenever you mention Arlina, I can't help thinking of the odd expression she gave me when I met her. I'm not sure what it meant, but it always makes me smile.

Oh, and I've dropped pretty much out of everyone's lives, so you shouldn't feel bad. ;)