Pogo - The Meeting Place

(editors note: Only the first four chapters of this novel are provided in this initial post. I would welcome feedback on the opening and will subsequently post the balance of the book. Thank you in advance for your act of kindness)


The Meeting Place
Word Count: 77,329

Chapter One
I.

There's a place that I go to called "The Meeting Place." It's a place that's open 24 hours and people can come and go as they please. People go to the meeting place for two reasons: First to chat with each other, and second, to play a game called Lottso.

The Meeting Place can hold up to 20 people, but I've seen a few occasions when as many as 23 people have squeezed into the place. There are also times when I've popped into the meeting place...at 3:00 in the morning... and have found no more than two or three other people there. And usually, these are people that I haven't met before, so it's hard to foster conversation.

The people who visit the meeting place are all really cool! Sure there are a few who have 'quirks' but that's ok, because they contribute to the community at large.

I vividly recall the first time I went to the meeting place. I strutted in, announced my presence, and worked hard to be the Life of the Party! Most of the room thought I was hoot! But what I didn't realize, is that a few of the people who were there DIDN'T want to party.

I didn't realize it, because I couldn't see them.

You see, "the meeting place" is not a physical building in downtown Lincoln, Nebraska. "The Meeting Place" is a room that's online. AOL, Pogo games, Lottso, The Meeting Place, voila! Welcome to a world that reeks of fantasy but is ensconced in reality.

I made an ass of myself that first night. So much so that a few of the 'Regulars' of the meeting place wanted to take drastic action! They wanted to ban my incessant yapping from their room!

The next few days I approached the Meeting Place in humble supplication. I sensed that there were people who did not appreciate my antics. And they told me so. One online member of true courage, MotherHampton, did just that! With objectivity she pointed out that sometimes people just wanted to talk.

I leaned a lot about myself through this experience. I've learned to become more respectful of the people around me. I've learned to examine my surroundings first...rather than just slovenly barging in!

I still go to the meeting place. At least a couple of times a day. The people there are cordial and welcoming to me, and I am cordial and respectful in return. And I trust that, through this microcosm of a community that exists in the electronic world of fantasy, I can learn the habits of appropriate societal interaction that have been so lacking in my reality.

Sincerely,
Cg


II.

So I go to the meeting place again today. It's a very weird experience. People who are usually jovial and talkative while playing Lottso, are oddly subdued today.

I poke my nose in the door: "Hi Gang!"

Several respond: "Hi cg"

Then everybody is quiet for the next 20 minutes.

There are maybe a dozen people in the Meeting Place today. Good kind-hearted people like Racin'chik. She's the blonde of the group and always makes people smile. There's SteveZ, a real jokester and fun guy! Ladydiab, SweetTexasPearl, Jayjsbabyboo, a lot of the regulars are there. Usually the place would be hopping with silly banter back and forth, there would be laughers and there would be groaners.

But today, as I entered the virtual reality door of 'my community center, it wasn't my eyes that needed to adjust to the dim lighting of the joint.

It was my mind that needed to recognize that these people were hurting. Hurting bad over the storm damage and 1,000's of lives lost to Katrina.

The hurt was so strong that it permeated the air. Gentle gambits were presented by moi' and others to stir conversation but they didn't go far. We felt like we were driving around and around a big white elephant in a neighborhood cul de sac.

There's something very special that I learned during to my visit to the meeting place today. I learned to use more than just my 'senses' to understand my community... I learned also to use my mind and heart.

Thanks gang,
Cg

III.

"Jayjsbabyboo"

There's one special person who is a regular at the meeting place that I would like to acknowledge today. Jayjsbabyboo. {Jay for short} Of the many wonderful people I've come to know at the Lottso get-away casino of the mind, Jayjsbabyboo is the one I've known the longest. Our history dates back to about 10 days... maybe two weeks at the most!

Anyway, last week Jay went through an online crisis with all of us at the meeting place. Jay, who is female, was in the midst of a relationship that was abusive both physically and mentally. I vividly recall one 24 hour stretch that Jay played lottso with us with her living room couch blocking her front door. This was her only protection so that 'he' could not get in.

Jay did not have family to rely on. At least not family in the traditional sense. But she did have the family of the meeting place. She was a scared but very courageous person who has survived.

Today Jay is living in a new apartment. There are many things that Jay had to leave behind in order to get out. But there was one thing that she was able to take with her...all of loving friends and neighbors, far too many to mention, from the meeting place.

Jayjsbabyboo posts under a new name now. I leave that to her discretion to reveal if that is her wish. And thank you Jay for allowing me to share your remarkable story from the meeting place.

Sincerely,
Cg

Coming up tomorrow...the mysterious worlds of "Xiotisa" and "SassyMNLassie."


IV.

As promised, I'm going to introduce you to Xiotisa and SassyMNLassie in this volume of voyeurism. But there are many more characters of all shapes and sizes, abilities and disabilities that I will tell you about. "Xiotisa" and "SassyMNLassie" just happened to be two of the most provocative names at the meeting place. And I blatantly used them as a promotional tool to keep you coming back gentle reader.

Seriously, Xiotisa is a charm! She is a lady of Greek descent who owns a restaurant in Pennsylvania (there is a gyro and as many baklava's as I can eat waiting for me if I every make it out her way). Xiotisa doesn't pipe into the conversation too often, but when she does you know it's her! XIOTISA USES ALL CAPS! and she loves to type: "LOL!" Xiotisa told me once that she doesn't spell very well. And I told her that's ok! Spelling doesn't count in chat rooms. Xiotisa continues to bloom more and more each day!

Today SassyMNLassie (a rambunctious female} was going head to head with SassyBrat {a rollicking' male}. The innuendos were slathered across the screen! Credit the integrity of the room for entertaining that exchange.

It was a lot of fun today. And it was also very comforting for yours truly. You see, what I spent most of my time doing at the Lottso Meeting Place today...was thinking about KingsXDisciple. I told the other people there that my friend "KXD" was still unaccounted for in the aftermath of New Orleans.

They said that they would pray for "cg's friend." And they did. A few hours later my friend KingsxDisciple was able to make a connection. He is alive but is searching his son. It was through the encouragement and prayers of the meeting place that my friend was found safe. And it is with an open heart that I embrace the continued prayers for his son.

Thanks for being there for me gang.

Your old pal,
Cg

V.

I had an interesting experience in the meeting place yesterday. I learned to be compassionate through the words shared by a remarkable girl named "Michele58."

I've known michele for about 5 days. The first time we met, michele was telling the room how excited she was about starting her new job the next day. She earned a lot of "high 5's" from the crowd that night and we all looked forward to chatting with her for the next several nights as she re-entered the workforce.

Hey job lasted two days.

I and several others learned this sad news from michele just yesterday (Sept. 1, 2005). She stated that the people who hired her had gravely misrepresented themselves. Michele was clearly crushed by this major life event. Michele also shared with us that, just over a year ago, she had lost a baby at the tender age of 1 month 27 days.

The meeting place flowed with compassion. Pnatasha, Sapphire, Randis, so many of you that I can't possibly recall... The spirit of compassion would unscroll before my eyes on the screen, and exacerbate feelings within my soul.

Within a couple of hours Michele was doing much better. She had found a place to receive encouragement. And while she may not have scored a lot of points playing lottso that day, but she did score a lot of points in hearts.

Sincerely,
Cg


Chapter Two
I.

Hello again gentle reader. Thank you for returning to the ongoing story of the meeting place. It's been a couple of days since I've last written to you and there's a good reason for that. It's because I have been so overwhelmed by the remarkable stories that so many of "The Regulars" have shared with me! Your kind words and actions shall never be forgotten.

I'm going to share a couple of those stories soon. But first, I thought I would make a feeble attempt to list the names of some of "The Regulars" of the meeting place. If I happen to miss anyone or misspell your name I apologize in advance:

Xiotisa
SweetTexasPearl
Gamay
Big Chic (who is a guy)
Pnatasha
MotherHampton
MuthaMurphy
MPittBull
SassieMNLass
SassieBrat
Seabiscuit
Lady2Hug
Ladiab
JennynDanny
Jjaysbabyboo (new name)
CarryonJoy
CapitalsHockey
Joszii
JCKangel
WLanning
Gusser
Chrissie
Mike58Michele
Racinchik
Randishelton (who is a female)
SteveZ
Blazer
Joyga
Immyja
Lilyspark
Sheepdoggiedog
Stalgallin

...and many, many more.


Anyway, I'm gonna to put down my pen for now and let someone else tell a story... I received the following beautiful piece from our good friend Racinchik. She graciously granted me permission to share this piece with all of you... and for that Racinchik, I shall be forever grateful. cg

------
Hey Cg-
I just wanted to share some info with you, so u know a little more about me. I am a 28 yr. old ( be 29 in Nov.), single mommy, love meeting new people, and just living life to fullest!!!

What a Great Story so far, Please send more when you have it done!!! Great usage of your conversations and experiences thru the Meeting Place! I to go there to just relax. I do not talk about it much, except with JCKANGEL67, cause we live in same area here in Winter Haven, FL. I told Mike58Michele, that I definitely feel for her, I have had numerous miscarriages before having my baby girl. It's painful and u never get over it, but you can move on. Anyway, my daughter, Hope is her name, just turned 2 on 8/8/05 and has gone thru 6 seizures in less than a year's time. To the individuals that have them frequently, that does not seem like much, but for a baby, it's too many. She is on several meds now and is undergoing Therapy (Occupational, Physical, and Speech), and has EEG's and MRI's of her brain every 4-5 months. She has a form of epilepsy (partial is what they say), developmental delays, and so many things going on. Hope was born with a malformation of her brain on the left side, did not form properly while in womb. Not hereditary, and no one's fault, but it happened.

GOD puts obstacles in our way, HE granted me this beautiful gift of life with a little extra care needed to be provided attached. I'm telling you this, cause I can't keep up with typing this and scoring on Lottso, not that multi talented I guess...LMAO!!! I enjoy when you, bigchic, Sassie, Michele, jck (deb), and many more come into the room, even though, like u said, it is electronic fantasy, it is still a good way to talk with others. Thanks again for the story and including the blonde...LOL, that was too cool. Look forward to chatting, racin (hint, hint), and laughing with you soon!!! Take Care, GOD Bless, Have Fun!!!!
Your Meeting Place Friend,
Racinchik7603 (A.K.A. Mel or Melanie)

P.S. don't ever hesitate to talk about this in front of ne1, your welcome to share with others, just like you and ev1, Hope and I need prayers too!! Hope I did not bore you, try to make people smile all the time!
-----------------------------------
And here's another one from our friend Stallgallin:

CGS,

I read your first 5 installments of Meeting Place. I appreciate the respect you give the subject...it would be so easy to exploit what goes on in the room and your perspective on it and you don't. I have been playing Lottso from the first day it was introduced and didn't really care what room I landed in. From the first day I entered Meeting Place I could tell it was different...believe it or not I was quiet the first few times..yes me! then someone came in..(don't remember who) devastated over something in her life. Everyone including me gathered her to us to make her feel better and offer comfort..it was an amazing experience...I came back every day. I became a Regular. I used to be the "stirrer" to get the room going. I'm happy to relinquish that to you. I want you to know I appreciate and enjoy your presence in the room and hope you'll stay and continue your "calling the races" but also feel that you can just "be" in the room and trust that you can count on us to be there for you as well. Thanks for the story..keep more coming. I look forward to the next installments...
Stacy (Female For Sure!)loll
Many more wonderful stories to follow... cg

II.

Well, well, well. Hello again fun-seekers!
It is my understanding that the story of the meeting place continues to spread far beyond the virtual confines of our modest bungalow on the web. Many of you who receive these chapters have shared them with spouses, extended family, coworkers, friends and prayer circles. This truly is a sign of God at work in our lives, that a goofy little game like Lottso, has created such synergy and compassion among countless people from around the globe.

Some of the people who have written to me have said that they enjoy the stories that have been passed along to them, but they have never been in the game room and would like to know: "Just what the heck is Lottso?"
Describing Lottso, now THAT is a tall order! Lol!

I'll give it my best shot with the understanding that mere words alone could never do justice to the game. Also, if you plan to read this entire book, a quick peek at a Lottso game in action will make your reading experience much more intimate.

Lottso is a multiple-player game that combines elements of BINGO, Keno and scratch-off Lottery tickets. Your playing field includes a hopper that randomly dispenses Lottso balls. Below the hopper is a leader-board and to either side of the leader-board are the all important game cards…three to a side, six in total.

The game is divided into a series of ten timed rounds. Each round, all players receive an identical set of six randomly selected number balls. Each player also has their own a set of randomly selected game cards. Players try to match as many number balls to the number spaces on their game cards as they can.

When players are able to cover all the spaces on the front of a game card, the card will flip over and activate a "scratcher" game or score bonus points for the player. There are several different kinds of game cards; some are like lottery cards - players scratch off spaces to reveal bonus points, others cards score bonuses automatically.

As players accumulate points they are added to the score area.
At the end of the round, the scores are calculated and the players' current positions are updated on the leader-board. If players can score 3000 points (or if they win the game), they will earn a Jackpot Spin. After ten rounds, the player with the most points will win the game.

There's a lot of luck involved with Lottso, but high scorers and frequent winners also know that it's a game of strategy. There are many more things about Lottso that I could tell you about, like winning the cash jackpot, collecting player badges, and accumulating tokens, but those are all incidental to this story.

The part that is not incidental is the chat area.
Of the hundreds of online games that exist today, Lottso is one of the few where all of the players in the room can track each others scores simultaneously. This contributes greatly to the on-screen chatter that occurs between rounds. In their wisdom, the designers at Pogo games, the makers of Lottso, recognized that chat and community would be a large attraction to the game, and as such, dedicated one-fourth of the screen for this purpose.

And what do people chat about? Mostly the game, who's ahead of who, how miserable the Lottso balls are, lamentations about bad luck while scratching a card. People also share jokes, talk about the weather in their part of the country (or world!). News of the day, favorite tv shows, box office releases and the rising cost of gas. There's some good-natured sexual innuendo and every once in a great while an unruly player will derail the chat room with vulgarities. These offenders are quickly reported to the "Pogo police" and within moments are whisked away from the screen.

And every once in a while, just for kicks; I will call play-by-play of a 10 round game as if it were a horse race. The only difference is that I call the action through my keyboard instead of a microphone. Watching the action on the leader-board and with my fingers at the ready, it ?'sounds' something like this:

The horses are entering the gate for the running of our next race! SassyMNLass steps smartly into line… now here's BKines wearing the pink silks…
They're all set!
And away they goooooooooo!!!
Bursting out of the gate that's BKines followed closely by Gusser and Sheepdoggiedog. SassyMNLass is fourth and moving well at the rail…

By the time the players have reached the 8th round I've got them worked into a frenzy:

AND DOWN THE STRETCH THEY COME!!!
Sheepdoggiedog leads by a neck! Chrissie has gone to the whip and is spanking the flank! Joszii is starting to rally!

Well, you get the picture.
The players must really enjoy my commentating. Some days I'm hardly through the door of the room and people are ?'hollering:' "Cg's here! It's race time!" It's gotten to the point where I rarely play the game anymore. I come for the chat, the community, the fellowship, and yes, to call the occasional race.

But more than anything, we are just there for each other. If there are hurts that need healing or prayers that need asking, we do it and it's done. Right there on screen. The game may be the common element that has brought us all together but by no means is it the primary reason that we all come back.


III.

If I were to identify one person who brings a real spark to the meeting place, it would have to be Capitalshockey. Make no mistake about it, he's a great guy. Capitalshockey (Caps for purposes of brevity) is a male who is in his mid 30's...I think. On any given day you can be hangin' around the meeting place quietly playing lottso...and then Caps will arrive on the scene and the spirit of the room brightens up!

Caps is like one of those antique hand-cranked toy jack-in-the-boxes. "All around the mulberry bush, the monkey chased the weasel, the monkey thought it was all in fun..." Spoinggg! There's Caps!

Anyway, caps is the kinda guy who loves to listen to music and he loves to share with the whole gang the title and artist of whatever might be on the radio. "Oh Awesome! Pretty Woman by Roy Orbison!" is something he's been known to shout out. He also keeps us up to date on hockey scores, baseball scores, football scores...

Well just last Saturday, (Sept 3), a bunch of us were hangin' in the meeting place. I recall that SassieMnlass and a few of the other regulars were there. It was just your ordinary quiet and orderly night when suddenly caps arrives on the screen. And ladies and gentlemen, let me tell you, he was pissed off. He was pissed off and I suspect he may have been drinking. Caps was pissed off because one of his teams had lost and so now he was out of his betting pool.

He would play lottso with us for awhile and then suddenly shout obscenities for the entire room to hear. It was a real embarrassing situation. SassieMNlass and I both made gentle attempts to suggest to caps that he was being out of line. Eventually, caps took the hint and made a pretty hasty exit. We didn't see caps at all the rest of that night.

I and many others worried about caps that night. And yes, we prayed for him too. The next day (Sunday) I spent a lot of time hangin' out the meeting place. Around 8:00 p.m. or so caps showed up. I could sense that caps was feeling ashamed for his behavior of the night before. We shared a few gentle gambits of conversation and were cordial. But then caps did something really cool. He apologized for his behavior of the night before. He acknowledged that his actions were disruptive and at times offensive.

It took strength for caps to do that. And we salute him for it. And this is just another one of the remarkable stories of the people we know in a place that we like to call home, the meeting place.

Thanks caps.

Cg


IV.

"I'm dancing! I'm dancing!" Say hello to the ultimate party girl...Pnatasha. Pnatasha (nat for short) is the rock and roll party queen of the meeting place. It takes real talent to be able to play lottso and type messages in chat simultaneously. Nat is quick on the game and even quicker on the keyboard. Her wit is sharp and her laughter and spirit just gushes out of the screen.

When nat gets rolling, she laughs like there's no tomorrow. "omg! pmslllllllllllll!" {translation: "Oh my God! Pissing myself laughing!"} is one of nat's trademark responses to meeting place humor. Responding to my query, she kindly introduced me to a few other abbreviations. Perhaps I will share those with you another time gentle reader.

Nat is also a very sensitive and caring person. Many times I have observed her "ohhhh'ing" and "awww'ing" over precious comments about other players children. She provides words of condolence and concern to those who are hurting. I have a great deal of respect for nat as one who truly has a feel for the room and shares her comments accordingly. There's a great story I would like to share with you about nat, but in order to do so, first I must introduce you to another of the meeting place's esteemed members, Joszii.

Joszii (Jo for short) is the antithesis of nat. Jo is in her early 60's. She is quiet and reserved. She likes to eat ice cream (coffee or cherry-vanilla!) while she plays the game and provides brief and gentle contributions to the chatter-box. When I first met Jo a few weeks ago, she was new to lottso and to the meeting place. She came back often as she found the friendship of the room to be a godsend. In chatting with Jo one day I discovered that she stays home all of the time to care for her mother who is bed-ridden. "She's a good mom" Jo shared with us once. Indeed she is a good mom to have instilled such caring values into her daughter. Jo also shared that her husband has been wonderful throughout, helping to care for jo's mom including frequent turning in order to avoid bedsores.

Well one day I stopped into the meeting place and there were about 15 of the regulars there including Jo and nat. At one point Jo demurely excused herself from the room by saying "brb, time to turn mom". Nat, she of the quick wit, piped up "it sounds like you're roasting her on a spit! lmao!" There was silence in the chatter-box for a couple of heart-stopping moments. Then Jo shared two words: "Not funny". Two or three other players then added their own brief similar sentiments.

Nat's party, Jo's serenity, and the feelings of all of those present evaporated as a tone of awkward anguish settled over the room. But about 15 seconds later, Pnatasha did something really cool. She didn't argue, she didn't run out of the room and slam the door. What she did do was apologize. "Sorry about the roasting crack" she typed in humble supplication. To say that the room immediately returned to its jovial spirit would not be fair. But as in all cases, time can be a great healer. Nat's courage to apologize for her faux pas has been acknowledged and accepted by Jo. Both continue to come back to the meeting place and are cordial. Nat still loves to party and Jo still tempts us with her ice cream while taking care of mom.

And it is my belief that through these two wonderful people we have all learned more about our humanity in a place that we like to call home...the meeting place.

Sincerely,

Cg

V.

Hello again gentle reader and thank you for returning to the real life story of the meeting place. During the last few days I have been overwhelmed by the expression of cares and prayers that have laced the conversation of our cozy little home. Several meeting place regulars are facing major life events. And so before I delve into this edition which is about our good friend Gamay, I ask that you take a moment to offer up your prayers for Motherhampton, SassieMNlass, Pixiewings, Racinchic and BigDaddyBrit. Prayers are answered in the meeting place. And it is there that we come to play and pray with each other. Thank you. Cg.

Recently I approached Gamay about drafting her story. Gamay, for those of you who don't know, is highly-regarded as the meeting place hostess, housekeeper and cook extraordinaire! There's no better feeling than to open the door of the meeting place and to see gamay seated at her usual spot. Her presence alone gives the room a true feeling of home. One can almost sense the aroma of freshly baked quiche or chocolate chip cookies that permeates the air from gamay's kitchen. I received the following email from our good friend and haven't changed a single word. Thank you gamay for your story...and for your loving, embracing presence in the meeting place.

-----

Ok, this is my story and I am sticking to it.
A couple of years ago I could not work due to bad back, and bad feet.
Last April I had foot surgery on right foot, to help with heel pain. I was in a cast for a month, then a brace for a month. About 3 weeks after I got the brace off, we were on vacation, and that is when I slipped and fell, and broke my right wrist. After about one month with the cast on my son brought over his laptop for me to use, while sitting on the couch resting the arm. That was there that I happen to start playing Lottso, and came into The Meeting Place. I had never joined in conversation in game rooms, this was the first, only due to the fact it felt comfortable and the other players were really nice. So I got hooked on Lottso, and The Meeting Place. The Meeting Place has made my life more bearable, and bring smiles to my face everyday, as I am sure it has for several players.
This coming Tuesday, Sept. 20th, I go in for surgery for them to set my wrist with pins and plate.

I think about what I have gone through, but then see others in the room and what they are going through, and mine does not even compare. I listened to what Jay was going through with her children, that hurt me inside. Then with Mother and Sassie, and Joszii. I am sure there will be more stories coming, and with everyone of them I will feel it.

I am a very active person, or should I say I was, but will be again. I love to cook from scratch, I have an herb garden, and plenty more plants that I enjoy. I sit and watch all of my outside birds feed and fly, and enjoy every second of it. This year has also put a stop to fishing, which I love to do with my husband. I have two great boys, and my husband is my best friend. This year is our 25th anniversary.

Most people think that Gamay is a granny thing, nope it is a wine that I enjoy. I have also been called Gayman, some people just cannot read!.
Cg, just want to thank you for the kind words that you pass, and stories that you tell, and of course the races.

Thank you for being the person you are, and the lives you have touched.
Donna


Chapter Three

I.

Dear gentle reader. I believe the time has come for me to share a little background about yours truly. Writing about other people, places and things comes easy for me. But when it comes to a self examination of moi', it's a whole different ballgame. It's almost as if the words that are in my head get jumbled and lost as they travel down my arms. And instead of flowing swiftly through my fingers and onto to the keyboard, you can almost visualize my arms and wrists being bloated with a blockage of alphabet soup letters, phrases and words.

I suppose everyone encounters the same thing. It's like hearkening back to high school english class when the teacher assigned you a 500 word essay on the subject of "who am I?" Yeah...ishhhh!

Well, enough whining...I'll just dive into it and see where my frantic fingers take me.

Many of the people at the meeting place know me as 'Cg.' And the name the appears on the screen is cgstepanek. The c stands for Chuck. The g stands for George. And stepanek...well, that stands for Stepanek. I'm a 45 year old guy who lives in Lincoln, Nebraska who likes to do two things: play lottso, and write. And I'm pretty good at it...the writing part that is, or at least that's what people tell me.

I have a wife, Leigh, and two boys, Grant age 16 and Christopher age 14. I have a dog named Drake who is a golden retriever/springer spaniel. I also have the distinction of being saddled with a strong oral fixation. So, sadly, there is constantly a plug of chew (Timerberwolf peach flavored!) in my cheek, and once or twice a day Drakie-drake and I will go out on the front porch and smoke cheap cigars that are equipped with plastic tips. Many times I'll even go so far as to snuff out my cigar outside but continue gnawing on the plastic tip and cold ashy butt as I re-enter the house. Delicious...I know.

I have a rather colorful background. I've been a radio personality, television weatherman, registered lobbyist, nationally recognized motivational speaker. I've served as the Executive Director for the American Lung Association, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Nebraska Nurses Association. Heck, I've even been a contestant on "Wheel of Fortune."

But other than my disgusting oral fixation I don't have any other vices...and for that I'm very happy. You see gentle reader, things can be, and have been, worse. Much, much worse. About ten years ago, I was facing a number of major life events...five to be precise. Each major life event was like an emotional roller coaster that was racing through my mind. I would try to keep a couple of those roller coasters on the tracks, but in the meantime there were three other coasters crashing into each other and careening around the amusement park of my head.

Eventually, I went (not so willingly) to the local hospitals psych unit and was treated there for 10 days. Subsequently I was transferred to the area crisis center, appeared before the board of mental health, was declared mentally ill and dangerous and was lodged in one of the states mental institutions. I was placed in an area that was called 'short-term' care...and was led to believe that my stay would be a couple of weeks. However, my boss at the time, paid me a visit at the Lincoln Regional center and said: "Chuck, we're closing your office...you no longer have a job. Make that six major life events. As a result, the people in charge thought it would be wise to keep me there longer than I expected. I spent 90 days, a full three months, as a ward of the state of Nebraska. I was diagnosed with depression, panic, anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disorder.

One of the greatest frustrations for people with mental illness is that no two people will respond the same to the numerous drugs that are utilized for treatment. As a result, it's almost a game of 'trial and error' to find the right cocktail of meds to control the problem. At any given time I had a regime that included Prozac, Paxil, Anafranil, Buspar, Melloril, Adavan, Effexor, Xanax, Nuerontin...I felt like a guinea pig. And even though I hated being in the Lincoln Regional Center and I hated the drugs and what they did to me...I can look back now and realize that I needed to be there. In the ten years since being institutionalized, I have been through alcohol treatment programs four times. I have been addicted to prescription drugs, recreational drugs and gambling. I've even had the additional diagnosis of bi-polar (manic/depressive) added to my calendar of craziness.

You'll be happy to know that life has changed for me...for the better. This coming Halloween I will celebrate four years of sobriety. I will also celebrate the fact that I now accept my mental illness for what it is...an illness....one that I have the power to treat and control. I used to ask myself..."is there life after mental illness." But what I have learned to acknowledge..."is that there is life with mental illness. I've learned to manage my meds, to manage my behavior, and to finally believe that I have a choice.

As of today I've been unemployed for 7 months. I could blame the loss of my last job on my mental illness, but that wouldn't be fair. I'm unemployed because of some poor choices that I made. There have been several days when I've struggled to get out of bed and search the classified ads or deferred from putting on a suit and tie and heading downtown to hand out resumes. But I'm heartened by the fact that God has a plan for me.

I think God knew that I needed 7 months to get my head together and prepare for my true life's work. You see gentle reader, on Thursday September 29th I'll be driving to Topeka Kansas to interview for the position of Executive Director for NAMI, the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. A few days after that I'll be interviewing to be the Consumer Advocate for people with mental illness for the state of Nebraska.
Both of these opportunities are a perfect fit for my abilities. And as I look back at my struggles with mental illness and addictions, I realize now that God was training me. Got was granting me opportunities to understand and respond to these conditions that affect so many people. Truth be told, I used to curse god for having saddled me with innumerable problems... but now in my wisdom, I can see that god wasn't testing me...he was training me... and for that, I shall be forever grateful.
It's kinda scary to be approaching jobs that would make me either the Kansas or Nebraska 'poster child' for the mentally ill. And as I prepare for these two opportunities, I ask that you, my friends of the meeting place, pray to give me strength and confidence.

Thank you for allowing me to share my story. Your many acts of kindness shall never be forgotten.
Sincerely,
Cg

II.
Hello again gentle reader. How could I ever deny that the meeting place is a home for miracles. The following piece was provided by our good friend ajomarah. I thank her with my whole heart for sharing her story of strength and courage. cg.
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Well, as one of the newbie's of the room, I was almost at a loss for words after reading your story The Meeting Place. It explained why I felt I had landed in the right place and I am extremely honored to know the individuals who have made me feel so welcome. I will give you my story, use what you want, if you want.

My name is Amy, I am 38, number 7 in the birth order of 7 girls. I am on my second (definitely last) marriage, have 5 kids, 2 dogs, and 1 turtle. This past year has taught me several life lessons.

On July 22, 2004 I was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. I underwent surgery, treatment, and more strange people checking out my boobs than a stripper at a bachelor party. My mom has had cancer 5 times now, my dad once. I am the only daughter under the age of 40, so I never thought I would be the first one to get the disease. My husband is a wonderful man, very supportive, and I admire him greatly because he is 8 years younger than I, took on my 3 oldest kids as his own, and never once complained during the long treatment process. I have gained all the obvious knowledge cancer teaches, enjoying life more, appreciating time spent with family and friends, and being grateful for every day that passes. The hard lesson I learned from this was realizing people can be so darn human, that friends and family can't always be counted on, and that God places angels in your path in the most unexpected ways.

My sisters decided to take the news of my cancer as not so serious, pretending that it was absolutely nothing and giving me no support throughout the process. My parents are elderly, and bless my mom's heart, after the removal of a lemon sized brain tumor, I am grateful if she remembers my name, much less anything else. My best friend, who was also my neighbor, decided she just couldn't handle my condition. She totally rejected me shortly after diagnosis, leaving me feeling hurt and lonely. After the day she yelled at me for 10 minutes straight about what an awful person I was (at the bus stop, no less) I became a recluse for several weeks. Where to turn for something to do when TV. and the radio became annoying? The internet of course! Pogo was a forgotten friend that I reunited with happily.

While it wasn't Lottso that helped me gain courage to do more than type wtg or lol, I have found a new strength to get me through the long nights of insomnia the drugs I now take bring, and the courage to chat with people from everywhere around the world, different backgrounds, different beliefs, different challenges, and different triumphs. I was going through a "down" period recently and turned to Lottso after watching my daughter play. I landed in The Meeting Place at random, but it was definitely not an accident. I felt an instant affinity with several people in the room, especially you Cg, you made me laugh from the first words I saw you type.

I have several internet "buddies I chat with on a daily basis. We met in a cancer chat room and became good friends. Those are nice talks during the day where we compare our symptoms and complain about the problems cancer has left us with. It is in The Meeting Place, I have already become comfortable enough to laugh, joke, and care for complete strangers who have made me feel like a real part of a community. If friends are the family we choose, I am on my way to building a wonderful, supportive, and utterly charming group and I thank God for reminding me there truly are angels among us.
Ajomarah
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Heavenly father, we praise you for the remarkable miracles you bring to our earthly presence. We thank you for guiding us to others who provide hope, comfort and healing. And Lord we ask; we ask that your healing spirit permeate the lives of Ajomarah, Motherhampton, SassieMNLass, Gamay and Pixiewings son. We ask that you watch over those facing major life events, Racin'chik, BigDaddyBrit and JCKangel. And for the many others Lord, whom we may not know by name, but who live with us in our hearts and minds, we pray for your comforting touch and soothing presence. Amen.
Cg.

III.

Dear Cg,
What a wonderful chapter. And God Bless you and all our Meeting Place family, for the prayers for my oldest son. You all keeping my younger son, the one in military, in prayers, has been uplifting to my spirits.
As if that wasn't enough concerns for me, last wk-end, my oldest son, came in and asked me to take him to ER. His migraine had been getting steadily worse, since Thursday. So, I got dressed, no make up, and off I went, to ER. Now I know you don't know me that well, but, the fact that I was out in any type of public, without washing my face, and doing, just a tiny bit of makeup, tells any who knows me, that its something serious.
After a cat scan, they found a spot, on his brain. Its roughly, an inch or less, in the front lobe, above his left eye. They couldn't tell what it was, and transferred him to a hospital, in Tulsa, for an MRI. We live in a smaller town, just outside Tulsa metro area.

This was Sunday. I spent the niter there with him, finally giving up, Monday about 11, and came home to rest. I knew he was going to be out of it, before, during and after the MRI. If you have ever had one, run on your brain, you would understand. It entails, putting dye in your veins, that goes thru the brain, so they can do detailed pics of it.
I stayed home, Monday niter, to try and sleep. My ex, his dad, stayed up there with him. Surprised us both. Long story. But, its my husband now, his step dad who has raised him since the age of 10.

I headed back up today, and in the long process of hospital slowness and red tape, I found out, that the neurologist, determined, he didn't know what the damn spot is! Of all the shots taken, it only showed up in two of them. It could be a possibility of..... He could have a small tumor there. It could be a small mass, caused by his having had a tiny stroke at some point. Or it could be something else.

A lot of no answers yet. And they sent him home. He is to have follow up MRI in a month, then every 3 mos, for the next yr, to monitor the thing. If it doesn't grow, it might not be tumor, and its so small, they don't want to mess with it.

And no explanation for the migraines, or the high blood pressure, nor the tightness in his muscle around his heart, or the numbness and tingling in his left arm. And he is only 29. So, its going to be a long process, for him, and us. Nothing to take away the worry, or actually help him. Other than meds to take for the pain, and migraines. Sigh.

Sorry it took me till tonight, to send this. Exhaustion got me last night, and I just laid down. Though I will admit, I didn't sleep real well. All I can do, is stay on top of the drs on the follow ups, and a lot of prayers. Which, by the way, is where I draw the most strength.

That and just going to our favorite spot, on the net. The Meeting Place. Though I have been going there, to play lottso, for a while now, its been in recent months, that I have met good friends. And as you have said, we share each others concerns, and care about each other, and lift each others spirits.

I will be honest with you. I lost my dad, to a massive heart attack, (blood clot passed thru his heart), that killed him instantly. He was only 43. I was 21. I lost Mother, to genetic breast cancer, after a short, one yr battle, when she was just 60. I was 38. At the age of 40, I had a partial hysterectomy. Uterine cancer. Detected early, and I am fine. Now, this is just part of life. We take the knocks, and keep the faith, and keep right on stroking. You know?

I had a wonderful life, growing up. And adored my parents and my 2 younger sisters. My sisters and I have our own best support group, through life and all these yrs. I thank God every day, for every wonderful thing I have had. I have come to the conclusion, that, maybe I was so richly blessed, growing up, sisters, parents, 4 grandparents and 3 great grandparents, for a reason. I had more than most. I always knew this, and never took if for granted. Believe me. But, at age 48, maybe I was so blessed, because God knew, I wasn't going to have it, for very long, in life, in the scheme of things. You know?

I draw on all the lessons I learned from my parents and grandparents, daily, as I was raising my kids. I wish daily, they were still here, to draw on some sage advice. Believe me. I could use it, especially about now.
I have wonderful children, be it, young adults. LOL. They are still my kids. So, here I sit, keeping my son, in the military in my prayers. Thanking God daily, my daughter, decided to stay at home, and go to college and work. And was so thankful that my oldest, moved back home, in Feb. He had been gone for 2 yrs. Now at 29, he has a successful career. Then all this hit. So, I step back, check myself, and thank God he is here, living, close to me, while we deal with this illness and uncertainty. He lived 1500 miles away, before.

I have survived one bad marriage, a good one now, 3 kids, and have been blessed with the most beautiful, loving little grandson. Of all the loses that have gone on, I have accepted, and struggled, through prayers, to keep on going. I am the tough one, in the bunch. I don't get depressed, thank goodness. Maybe its my faith, and God that keeps me going. I believe that. But, the one thing, I don't want to ever experience, is the loss of a child. I beat every medical law, ever having mine. I call them, my 3 walking blessings and miracles. I see my son, struggling with some depression, dealing with these illnesses, that have been plaguing him the last 2 yrs. I am concerned beyond any words. Even my gift, for words, wouldn't do it justice.

I want to tell you, how much your race calling, brings me cheer, laughter and pleasure. That simple act, last night, the little while I was in the meeting place, lifted my spirits and made me laugh, for the first time that day. And all the wonderful people, in the Meeting Place, just checking in, to see what was happening, and the prayers they offer. Our Meeting Place, is my other support group. It shores me up, gives me renewed strength, and helps beyond words. So many wonderful people. So many wonderful stories, of strength and courage. It gives me hope, and puts things here, in perspective. I know, I am not alone, in the trials going on. Each person has a special story. With each chapter you write, and I read, I learn more, of why these people are so wonderful. And I respect them all greatly. Together, I feel, we make a pretty wonderful surrogate family. I add them, to what's left of my wonderful family.

I love people. And though I don't always talk a lot, in there, it gives me hope, makes me laugh, we cry together, and we pray together. And I thank God each day, that I accidentally, found our special room, all those months ago. I believe he knows what we need, to get through. And I choose to believe, he has led us all, there, for a reason. I call it, my little piece, of heaven, on the net. LOL.

So, God Bless you, and everyone else. You choose what to do with this. And thank you ahead, for all those wonderful races, you call, in there. I think just maybe, you are a lot of peoples little guardian angel, with a mic, at the races. LOL.
Sincerely,
Pixie (Bren)
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Heavenly father you continue to amaze us daily with your expressions of love, your vast compassion and your countless miracles. Through our lives we will cry many tears. Grant us strength in knowing that you will be there to catch them when they fall. Amen.
Cg

IV.
Hello again gentle reader and thank you for returning to the story of the meeting place. It's approaching midnight on Thursday, September 29, 2005 as I park my generous middle-age spare tire in front of the keyboard to jot a few words of my own and then unveil to you another testimony from one of our kind contributors. To be completely candid, I had not intended to devote time to our ongoing story tonight. You see I drove round trip between Lincoln and Topeka today. You may recall that I had a job interview in the Kansas capital and it went very well, thanks in large part to the kinds words of support. But as you can well surmise, I came home totally wiped!

But something prompted me this late hour to fire up the cpu one last time for day. And in doing so, I came across a story so compelling that it carried me through a kaleidoscope of emotions. I'm not ashamed to say that I cried...silently and privately. I also laughed...generously and freely. I sat in awe...reading and re-reading sections, my eyes locked in a petrified embrace with the words; yet my mind incapable of visualizing the pain and heartbreak that accompanied the words on the screen.
The paragraphs below are honest and open, and while they speak of the heartbreaks and sorrows of the past, they are threaded with the raw courage that is inspirational to a paramount degree. I offer my utmost respect and admiration to the author for her fortitude, her spirit, and her unbridled enthusiasm for live, love and fun. Thank you JckAngel67
Sincerely,
Cg
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Chuck aka CG!

Thank you for sharing all the stories. I have enjoyed them all. I would like to share with you a little more about me and if you wish to use any of it feel free.

Most of the people in the Meeting Place know me as JckAngel67. My real name is Debbie and I am 38 years old. I live now in Winter Haven, Florida but was originally from a small town in Massachusetts called Abington! I come from a good size family. I have 3 brothers and 1 sister. All of whom are married and have families of their own. I myself am single and have never been married. Although I have been engaged quite a few times, I have never made the trip down the aisle! I have been very unlucky in "love" but I have been blessed with some wonderful friends!!! I count those I have met in the Meeting Place among them!

I have been through many ups and downs in my life and sometimes am surprised I am still standing. At the tender age of 13 I was raped by a friend of a friend. I was lost and devastated but it was with the support of my best friend Donna and a counselor that in time I was able to realize that it was not my fault and that I did not ask for this. As so many women who are raped feel like this. I met Bobby, my first love and high school sweetheart when I was 16, he was a 2 years my senior so for the first couple of years we took it very slow. He was patient and understanding in helping me work past my fears about being intimate and dealing with what I had been thru as a child.
When I was 19 Bobby was killed by a drunk driver on New Year's Eve. A week after he was killed I found out that I was pregnant and was overjoyed at the prospect of having a piece of him for the rest of my life. The joy was cut short when 3 weeks later I had a miscarriage. The doctor's told me there was sever damage to my ovaries and that the chances of my being able to get pregnant again were very low. I still miss Bobby today....I will hear a song on the radio like "I Believe" or "Probably Wouldn't Be This Way" and will cry. But I would not trade the time I spent with him for all the money in the world. He was there to help me through one of the most difficult things I have ever had to deal with in my life and gave me the strength to go on when I didn't think I could.

When I was 24 I moved to Florida and continued my life, I had other boyfriends, but have not been able to find one that has not broken my heart or been there for me like he was. I spent 3 years in a relationship with a man only to find out he preferred his "male" roommate. This took me some time get over and in time I did. I spent 1-1/2 years dating and 6 months living with a man who physically abused me! (The abuse didn't start until I moved in, but I should have seen the "verbal abuse" signs while we were dating. I tried to find the strength to leave him several times but it took a trip to the Emergency Room, a black eye and broken wrist for me to break down and call my parents for help, (I had moved to Wisconsin with this man where he moved for his job). My parents who are not wealthy wired me money so I could come home to Florida.

After returning to Florida I discovered "karaoke". It became my release. When I was upset or stressed just picking up the mic made me feel better. Through this I met my next boyfriend, who I could not see it at the time treated me like Sh@T sorry about the language, he was a dope addict and I found out later crack or crank or something like that. When I found out about this, I left him. Since then I have been leery about getting into another relationship.

However it was through going out doing Karaoke that I also met my "Angels", Barb, Melanie & Rick. My 3 best friends in the whole world!! Barb and Mel introduced me to "Jaycees"! A cult or something is what I thought at first, I didn't think it was for me. I had remembered hearing about it, my parents were Jaycees in Mass and I thought it was for old married couples. I soon learned I was wrong and threw myself in with enthusiasm! Today I am very active in Jaycees and it has been my "rock". Thru all the ups and downs in the last 4 years since joining my "Jaycee Family" has been there for me to support me or whatever I need from them.

I am currently unemployed and have been for quite some time. It has been hard trying to find a job that can handle physically as I have a bad back and bad ankle due to an accident in High School. The last 2 years I have been helping my Mom care for my handicapped Father. About 2 months ago my Dad was admitted to the hospital for what we thought was a stroke. Thank God it turned out to be a real bad bronchilli infection that was causing his slurred speech and shortness of breath. He was transferred to a special Physical Therapy hospital in Tampa where he spent 4 weeks, they never actually got to start therapy with him because, 2 days after being transferred he almost slipped into a diabetic coma and then his kidney's failed and he was moved to ICU for 1 week. They started him on dialysis and 1 week ago he was moved to a Nursing Home in Lakeland. They were able to take him off dialysis a few days before they transferred him because he had regained kidney functions. Putting him in a nursing home was difficult for me and my whole family to have to agree to, but we had no choice, my Mother and I could no longer care for him at home as we had been doing for the past 2 years. The drain financially has been hard on my Mom so I moved back in with her and am helping her pack up their house that she has had to put up for sale and we will be moving into a small apartment, and I am back to hitting the pavement to find full-time work so that I can help her pay the bills.

Since discovering "The Meeting Place" the people I have met there have been great! Gamay! Sassie! Brat! Pixie! BigChic and many, many more! I want to thank Racinchik! aka Mel for introducing me to this special place in cyberspace! Everyday I can't wait to sign on and go in to see who's there. CG your Races and just your overall personality fill the room. When I see you there I know I am in for a wonderful night! There are not a lot of people who know about parts or even all of this story, but after reading all the other stories you have sent me so far I just felt like it was time to share these. I don't regret any decisions I have made in my life or curse God or wonder why me , about some of the things I have had to deal with. I know that everything I have gone thru has made me the person I am today, and I am OK with that! Life is to short to worry about what could have been, what might be, why not me? or any of those kinds of questions. Just live life to the fullest. Like the Tim McGraw Song....I like to Live Like You Are Dying! cause you never know. Tell the people you love that you love them, 1 day they may not be there. One of my favorite sayings is "God Only Gives You What He Thinks You Can Handle" and my favorite reply to this is "I Just Wish He Didn't Trust Me So Much!" LOL.

Anyway....I hope you enjoy the story and I will leave you the way I close all my chapter newsletter articles "Keep It FUN and They Will Come.....so CG and all my POGO buddies.... keep the laughs coming in "The Meeting Place" and I will see you next time!

JCKANGEL67 AKA DEB....DEBBIE OR DEBDEB!

V.
I was asked by Jason (Bigdaddybritt82), to send you some info. on him. He said you can use it in your story or just have. Racinchik7603.
He was given the name Jason Travis Britt, and for short, they came up with the nickname J.J. Everyone wanted to know why it was not J.T. or J.B., etc. J ( what I call him), is 6'1 and very thin, so his mom thought he resembled J.J. walker from Goodtimes despite there different skin tones. He grew up living with his Grandparents in 2 different houses, one in Eagle Lake, FL. and the other in Inwood (subdivision of Winter Haven), FL. He has 3 half- brothers (Troy, Denny, and Daniel) and 2 step-sisters (Talisa and Dee Dee). Though fairly close to his siblings, his mom is another story. She and J's dad were only 16 and 17 when J was born. Too young, neither could provide for him. His parents were forced to get married, then divorced not too long after. His dad lives in Houston, TX and his mom is now living in Auburndale, FL. with her husband. His youngest brother Damiel graduated High school this past May and attending UCF (University of Central Florida) in Orlando. Only one of the brothers to go to college and stay so far. His brother Troy is finally getting his courses in and Denny is just working on staying out of trouble...LOL!
J has had a rough time of it all. Tossed and torn between families all of his life, he has still managed to keep it together somehow. Worked numerous jobs through his early childhood to now. He has a family of Truck drivers, like my family. we have so many things in common, it's scary at times (in a good way). His dad's side of the family is wonderful (with a couple of exceptions here and there, His dad (Quincy) and Patsy are two of the sweetest people I have ever met. His mom's side is just the opposite, except for his Grandparents (Jackie and James), they leave a lot to be desired. I get along with most, but not his mom. When I found out I was pregnant, she received word that the baby may not be his, that I was screwing around and just wanted someone to call my baby's father. Not the case, Hope Leigh, is Very much his, but his Mom (Darlene), still has her doubts. I told J we could do a Paternity test, but he does not need it.
He and I met 8 years ago and he tells everyone I stopped him dead-in-his-tracks! I drove a late 80's Cabriolet Convertible, red at that, I tease him and say it was just the car huh? He said car was cute, but the blonde behind the wheel was better. I was the only girl to turn him down he says, and he knew after laying eyes on me and being rejected, I was the one he wanted. We have been best friends for 8 years, which is a lot in by my book. Unfortunately, due to dating others, we lost track for 2 years. He married and I just got engaged to the wrong man. He and his wife split after only 9 months, but whole time he says it was me he was thinking of. We had a mutual friend ( so we thought) that saw him out and hung out with me, and we kept giving her messages and asking about one another, but she lied to us telling us she gave the messages, when she never did. We found all this out back in 2001 when we met back up for first time in those 2 years, and rest is history so to speak.

We have been on and off for 5 years now, our beautiful angel Hope Leigh Britt was born 8/8/03, and we thought life could only get better. Then in 2004, 3 days after Hope's 1st Birthday, her 1st seizure hit and only 2 days before Hurricane Charley reeked havoc on Florida. Then came Hurricane Francis, and on Sept. 24th, 2004, the worst episode of Hope's seizures hit. This time 1 day prior to Hurricane Jeanne, which had us in lock down in Arnold Palmer Hospital in Orlando. Florida was hit hard last year, as well as, several other States, I feel for Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Gulf Coast.

Anyway, problems got out of hand here recently when his ex-wife decided that she needed help with her 2 children and her mom filed a child support claim against J. Well, seeing the proof, I know these kids are not his, unless he was messing around with her (NOT EVEN POSSIBLE-I mean why go back to the woman that screwed around on you and left with another man to go to Georgia before divorce was final?) The kids, whom I feel so sorry for anyway, their mom can't even take care of them, are 4 and 2, their divorce was final in 99', you do the math! Anyway, in the process of getting a lawyer, getting a court date, and a paternity test, just so this grown woman (the Grandmother), will get off her pedestal and go hit up the other guys her daughter has been with since 2000. I know this was long, but told you I Love to write! All in All, have plenty of things to smile about and we just have to look at Hope and it makes everything better. GOD Bless everyone in every day life events, have fun, be safe and catch down the block in The Meeting Place!!!!
Praises are with you...
Kisses & Hugs,
Melanie (racinchik7603) &
Jason or J or J.J. (bigdaddybritt82)

Chapter Four

I.
Hello again gentle reader and thank you for returning to the story of the meeting place. First, I want to apologize for my delay in resuming writing. To be quite candid, I've been rather preoccupied with an obsession of self-pity and depression. This week I've lived my days sleeping till noon, getting up and then wasting a couple of hours in apathy. I would then respond to the siren song of sleep to spend the late afternoon and early evening back in bed. The funny thing is, I even recognized my condition for what it was; yet as I would lay in bed starring at the wall or LED readout of the clock I couldn't force myself to stir from my fetal position of complacency.

To dwell upon my disregard of the precious time that God has granted me would be counter-productive. Yet I must recognize my shortcoming and move forward. I ask God's forgiveness for my inattentive lack of action, and I pray for the strength to be a good steward of his gifts.

Writing helps me. So thank you gentle reader for allowing me to plant a few words on this blank and barren page. With each sentence and paragraph that unscrolls before my eyes I can feel the depression vacate my mind and body. And with each sentence and paragraph I can witness the growth of God's love in action. It provides me with a sense of purpose to know that my words may work not only to heal me, but perhaps to inspire others...and that is the true gift.

Several days ago I received the following message from our good friend Chrissie. Whenever I see Chrissie in the meeting place I envision a bright sunny, vivacious young lady who is full of energy and laughter. Who could have ever imagined the challenges that she has faced, and yet still brings such life and love to our little corner of the world...
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Hiya Cg,
I just wanted to tell you a little about myself....
I am a 31yr old female, with 2 children of my own and 2 step children and step grandson.

I have had a really rough life since 1998, since then I have had two brain operations. I have what they call cushings disease, which is where tumors grow on the pituitary gland on the brain. I had the first surgery on my daughters birthday which was May 13, 1996. That surgery went really well no problems at all. I had the second surgery on my grandsons birthday which was July 23, 2003. And that one wasn't a good one, had a lot of problems after that one. But God pulled me all the way through it. I praise him everyday that I get up breathing and I thank him everyday for another day with all my children. I have a lot of health problems now due to my last surgery, I am a full diabetic, I take 150 units of insulin a day, and I have really high blood pressure too. I am on steroids replacements and that is making it really hard for me to lose weight. Please keep me in your prayers that I will get much better as the days go by and that my sugar and blood pressure stays down.
Thanks just wanted to share a little about myself with ya.
Chrissie6974
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Heavenly father we praise you for giving us the beautiful presence of your daughter Chrissie. We pray that your healing hand should find her and provide comfort and strength. We ask lord that you also provide your healing touch to Sassie and the family of Preshup. And lord we thank you. We thank you for watching over Motherhampton and