To Help A Friend -

[loan4utoo]

Crew:

I received this email earlier today from a good friend in Sacramento, CA. He is one of the most generous and giving people I have ever met. He has been a mentor, a guide, a friend, a business partner, and overall just a good person. And now this.

After a brutal divorce several years ago, Jim "recovered" his emotional well being with the wonderful help and companionship of Kathy, whom he met after his divorce. Kathy proved to be the rock that he could lean on and count on for moral, and emotional support. By his own account, he does not know where he would have ended up if not for Kathy.

This is copied from his email:

Kathy is doing poorly and has been so for several months. I haven't gone into any detail because it's just so f...ing depressing. She is totally bed-ridden, requires assistance to get up and do anything hygenic, is in great pain despite massive pain meds. The tumor on her spine has grown very agressively and puts tremendous pressure on the nerves running down the legs. As far as we know, vital organs are unaffected but it may be just a matter of time. I am the chief care-giver and am fairly house-bound myself. Yes, life does suck sometimes...and this is one of those times.

Will talk soon.............................................. ....................Jim

So, if you're able to, please say a prayer for Kathy (and Jim). I know that this group of Flying Giants are some of the most caring and supportive people I've ever known. That goes for those of you I know personally, and those of you who I only know virtually. Jim is not the type to carry on about things like this, and has not shared Kathy's actual condition with me for some time, so his email has kind of caught us off guard a bit. She was originally diagnosed with cancer over a year ago, and did fairly well for a time.

Jim's turn to be a rock for Kathy, and he willingly and totally is filling that role, but I believe he could benefit from a little crew support, and since he doesn't have a "crew" of his own to lean on...I volunteered us...all of us!

So say a prayer, give a nod, do whatever it is you do, just wish them well.

Thanks guys,
"Loan"