| Author |
Message |
    
Monster©
Supporter
Username: Monster
Post Number: 3231
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 - 2:29 pm: | 
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Mayor McCheese
Supporter
Username: Mayor_mccheese
Post Number: 1461
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 - 2:38 pm: |
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The devil made cats. |
Pippi
Supporter
Username: Pippi
Post Number: 2213
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 - 3:01 pm: |
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hey bets
nice to see you!
whos' the furball?
he's cute! |
bets
Supporter
Username: Bets
Post Number: 23094
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 - 4:10 pm: |
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His name (not my cat, not my name) is Mopey. Isn't that horrendous?
I see Monster hasn't changed a whole lot. Mean, mean, mean!!
Actually, I'm having fun being mean today, firing all my seniors as they work their last shifts. Bwa-ha-ha! |
bets
Supporter
Username: Bets
Post Number: 23231
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, June 3, 2006 - 1:52 am: |
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I'm happy to say that life is good.
No, I didn't inherit or win mass amounts of hard cash (wishful thinking that!); I did not get any particularly great news (ooh - except I'm an official Great Aunt and another niece is graduating this weekend and yet another (eldest niece) is engaged); I do not prefer the rain currently falling to clear skies and low-lit star-gazing.
I'm happy because I'm in a good place right now and feel truly confident about myself for the first time since my Mom died (3/27-29/96). I also stupidly attached myself to a falling star who did far more damage than good to my life in the 5 years I wasted adoring him. I'm nuclear pissed off about that. I am not a dumbass. Yet, I acted like one. WTF?
But I don't care any more. Because life is lighter and feels more like my Mom wants it to be for me. I have *finally* grokked (after more than 10 years and a good 3-4 years of therapy in that time and yay for therapy!) that the best tribute I can give my beloved Mom, her biggest wish, what she raised her family of 11 kids to be and have: happiness and joy. So I'm going to be despite all the asses on earth who try to make me unhappy. I am extremely fortunate in that my approval rating far exceeds the Child President's Approval Rating. I'm way over 0 percent and I can prove it!
Love life, and, as one of my student employees says: Live Loud. I add, in a good way. |
bets
Supporter
Username: Bets
Post Number: 23250
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, June 3, 2006 - 4:16 am: |
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birthday somewhere |
Soparents
Citizen
Username: Soparents
Post Number: 694
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, June 3, 2006 - 6:35 am: |
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Dear Bets,
Well, between 4am and 6am I read your whole blog.. you and las hold the honour of making me cry, making me laugh, making me think and making me laugh again the way that no "paid" writer ever has.
I took my girls to Bunnys for dinner last week (too hot in the house, a/c broke) and they decided it was THE best place, with THE best bunnies hanging everywhere and that WE should go there every day.... I told them that we will try and ration it to once a week.. - so if you happen to be there on the day they remind me it is bunny day, come and say hello!
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las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 1812
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, June 3, 2006 - 12:56 pm: |
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Because life is lighter and feels more like my Mom wants it to be for me.
Betsy, my love, it's really about you. Your life is more like the life you want it to be for you; pleasing your mom is an added perk. Not such a bad life if you ask me: people are wild about you everywhere you go. Pretty neet.
I am not a dumbass. Yet, I acted like one. WTF?
This must be part of the healing gig. I just asked myself the same question this week. You are most definiely NOT a dumbass. You were in this most sacred relationship and you were willing to do whatever it took to make it succeed. That's not dumb. Eating a bowl of hot soup in your car while driving is dumb; following your heart to save your relationship is non-negotiable.
Bets is in a good place! Let's throw a parade! |
Monster©
Supporter
Username: Monster
Post Number: 3451
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, June 3, 2006 - 4:56 pm: |
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I can be a dumbass too, as can most people |
tototoo
Citizen
Username: Tototoo
Post Number: 176
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, June 3, 2006 - 9:27 pm: |
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Some of us, however, have to work at it. Bets - long may you run! |
red
Citizen
Username: Redy67
Post Number: 5647
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, June 3, 2006 - 11:49 pm: |
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Bets, deadhead and being able to say "what the ****" and let it go. Good for you! Time for a drink |
red
Citizen
Username: Redy67
Post Number: 5648
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, June 3, 2006 - 11:50 pm: |
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for celebration of course... |
bets
Supporter
Username: Bets
Post Number: 23284
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 7, 2006 - 1:15 am: |
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Thanks for posting, my friends. I really am humbled and amazed that anyone thinks I'm even lucid, but if you like it I'll keep going. Or not. It's up to you. Or not. Could be up to me!
I guess we'll see. |
Lucy
Supporter
Username: Lucy
Post Number: 4017
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 7, 2006 - 4:13 am: |
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We love you Bets. A friend you can count on a listening ear and one you can share a tear and laugh boy we have our moments! Go on please don't stop it gets better and better all the time!! |
Soparents
Citizen
Username: Soparents
Post Number: 836
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 7, 2006 - 7:53 am: |
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I would have loved you to have stopped and said hello yesterday. My head was about to explode, I had my two girlies and a friends son, and they were so well behaved until my friend turned up with her daughter and then ALL behaviour went right down the drain.....yup, mine included
I'll let you know next time we are going.
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buzzsaw
Citizen
Username: Buzzsaw
Post Number: 4922
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 7, 2006 - 10:10 am: |
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Howdy Bets!
When are you throwing the 2nd annual  party? |
Soparents
Citizen
Username: Soparents
Post Number: 1320
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 4:17 am: |
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bets, where are you???????? |
bets
Supporter
Username: Bets
Post Number: 23344
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 9:56 pm: |
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SOP - I've been trying to organize the 2nd annual Grateful Dead gig as requested by Buzz above, but my co-conspirator and I had busy schedules and out of state engagements. He got a promotion, no less (congratulations!!!).
So, Buzz, it appears that the 2nd Annual will be a fall tour party, probably in October (though fall tour usually swung through this area in September). I hope all can make it (Bunny's has graciously offered to host again - thanks Bunny & Pizzaz!).
I visited two sisters in Maine this past weekend, driving up to another sister's (ok, I have 7, so stop me if you get confused) in Goshen, NY on Friday and then driving up with her and her daughter. Due to the usual $#**%&(@@ Connecticut BS, it took 6 hours to get to Scarborough, which is a suburb of Portland. We stayed with B, my next oldest sibling, and her hubby and two kids (my beloved AJPP & DTP). My other Maine sister J had quite a busy schedule, as her son C played in the state championships LAX for his school and they won!!! 14-2, and I got to see the last 2 quarters. Excellent!
J's daughter L continues to amaze at age 19 (a rising sophomore at Emory) and son J is a sweet kid who is the atypical "surprise!" youngest child. We swam in the ocean and B's pool and shopped and dined and cooked and cleaned. and I got to see the last 1/2 hour of US vs. Italy - a rare treat for me. (GO US!!!)
But as far as where I am, everything is still good, I only came >< close to buying cigarettes over the weekend (much as I love my family we're all pretty alpha and 4 of us together over an extended period, well, you do the math  ). But I do love them dearly.
Here are some pics from the trip:
Wicked fun! I can't wait to see them in a few weeks when they visit the great state of new Jersey.
How's things by you? Will we ever get to meet officially? When does England play again (my new team is the good ol' US of A, if you hadn't guessed).
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Soparents
Citizen
Username: Soparents
Post Number: 1361
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 8:21 am: |
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England plays Sunday!!!!! I'm going to check and see if Bunnys is showing it, although I have to admit much to my disgust, my girls are now finding more enjoyment with the games machine that sitting with me watching footie!!!
Love the photos!!!!!
I will support the US too as long as they are not playing England, it's OK to support two teams under that thinking....!
Glad you resisted the urge to buy ciggies - I'M PROUD OF YOU!
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las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 1902
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 9:12 am: |
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Is it me, or is Bets looking HOT these days?!? |
Pippi
Supporter
Username: Pippi
Post Number: 2416
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 9:21 am: |
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I dunno..if she didn't have her hand in front of her face, I might get a better look at her!
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las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 1903
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 9:39 am: |
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Her skin is luminous, eyes are brighter. Betsy, you're one of the few people I've known who actually thrives in the presence of your family. |
bets
Supporter
Username: Bets
Post Number: 23354
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 11:07 am: |
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Quote:Her skin is luminous, eyes are brighter.
Are you sure you're not referring to Sugar (photo #3)?
Seriously, thanks. I don't know what to say.
Except - SUNDAY, B's, watch England? I'll bring quarters for your kids, SOP! And Pippi, let me know when you'd like to stop by for the book.
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Pippi
Supporter
Username: Pippi
Post Number: 2423
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 11:10 am: |
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are you around saturday morning?
Say around 11ish?
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bets
Supporter
Username: Bets
Post Number: 23357
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 7:12 pm: |
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As of now, that sounds perfect. But please - let me drop it off to you? Have you read Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kinsolver yet or should I dig that out as well? |
bets
Supporter
Username: Bets
Post Number: 23359
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Friday, June 23, 2006 - 12:22 am: |
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It was my extreme pleasure to meet SO Parent tonight (last night?) and she is everything I imagined: wicked smart, wicked funny, and wicked nice. (Can you tell I've been to New England recently?)
If there are any other fans of England, their next game is sunday morning and the doors open at 10. (I know it's a match, I'm trying to speak in code!)
We'll be there. |
Soparents
Citizen
Username: Soparents
Post Number: 1409
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Friday, June 23, 2006 - 6:07 am: |
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You are toooooo kind....
It was wonderful to meet you too, I wish I had been able to stay all night talking to you but I had to get back. It is No.1's 6th B/D today and I needed to wrap her pressies!
She's up now proclaiming that all her gifts are cool, they are all what she wanted and I have NEVER seen a human unwrap that number of gifts in the seconds that she did!!!!! |
Pippi
Supporter
Username: Pippi
Post Number: 2445
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Friday, June 23, 2006 - 9:36 am: |
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"But please - let me drop it off to you?"
OK OK if you insist
I have read all of Barbara Kingsolver's books. Isn't she wonderful? |
bets
Supporter
Username: Bets
Post Number: 23413
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Friday, June 30, 2006 - 12:00 am: |
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My boss finally "did me" (our tease-talk about when I get my review; he said years ago he'd "do me when he could" in reply to a query and I've never let him forget). I was pleased and feel very appreciated. He gave me a few challenges, I don't love all of them but I agree they are what is eventually best for the university. I have a fairly clear idea of where they want me to go; it's how I get there I need to suss out over the next 6-8 months. We shall see how it goes.
I've been dealing with some scary aging Dad stuff for the past weeks. He was diagnosed with macular degeneration more than 10 years ago (Mom was still alive) and it has progressed from "worriesome" to he has to stop driving over the last year. He's sort of stuck up there feeling nervous about venturing out in the car for errands, and cannot read the newspaper, a book, or his email anymore.  . My stepmother is dealing with some issues at a few of her properties in Vermont, but does also have a house in the heart of Maplewood Village, very near to the Maplewood Women's Club. He'd be within walking distance of just about anything he needs, including easy, fast transport to NYC. (My Dad adores NYC and I have memories of his wonder while talking about the construction of the WTC back when I was a wee one. Now that I think of it, probably from very early memories (moon-landing, eating newspaper, running away from home at age 2 1/2 to go to school)).
In any event, I am freaking out inside about this and haven't really talked to anyone other than family about it. I can't wait to see him on Saturday; he's going out to visit my Aunt Puthie (Mom's sister) on 7/11 and is an active and healthy man. I just need to find resources to keep his mind engaged and the brain muscle flexing as a blind man. If anyone has any ideas, I would love to hear from you.
I'm also thoroughly pissed off about the politics in this, my hometown. They've launched the terminatobets. More later in SOS.
Don't mean to be all sadness and tearsome. Just needed to get it out. I have great stress relief, a beautiful dog named Charlie that I'm lucky enough to have for 5 days while a friend retrieves his brother (Doster) from Alabama. He's a marshmallow and I've fallen in love.
It's going to be tough to return him on Monday. He's having fun but he really misses his Mom and I can't wait to see him wiggle when they're reunited (her, too ).
Goodbye Thursday, welcome Friday! |
buzzsaw
Citizen
Username: Buzzsaw
Post Number: 5189
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, June 30, 2006 - 10:02 am: |
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Yas! The people demand Friday! and better than that it is a holiday weekend. Waaaahooooo!!! |
Soparents
Citizen
Username: Soparents
Post Number: 1678
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Friday, June 30, 2006 - 2:24 pm: |
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bets, is your father someone who enjoys books? If so, can we get him some audio books? Either CD or tape. There are some wonderful ones out there narrated by people with superbly emotive voices. We can get him either factual or fiction.
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Calliope
Citizen
Username: Calliope
Post Number: 499
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, July 1, 2006 - 11:36 am: |
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Bets,
Having cared for my father for 7 years, I know, first hand, the panic you speak of. There is something different about watching, your strong, vigorous "Daddy"decline. In my case, it was very difficult to deal with his constant frustration at the things he could no longer do, made even more poignant by the fact that he was a lifelong athlete.
Hang in there, and just try to remember that this is just another life change---and that makes the good times that much sweeter.
My dad also had macular degeneration, but it was slow progressing(and actually, though significant, the least of his problems.) I don't know if your dad has the wet or dry kind, but there is hope. I just saw this today on CNN.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/HEALTH/parenting/06/30/blindness.drug.ap/index.html
Take care, and know you have many friends---real and virtual---who will remember you in their prayers.
Slainte,
Calli
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bets
Supporter
Username: Bets
Post Number: 23447
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, July 2, 2006 - 1:59 am: |
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Thanks, all, for your much needed support.
SOParents, there are books on tape, programs that can read his email aloud, services that offer daily newspapers and magazines. Today was not a good day (read below).
Calliope, thank you so much for that link. I KNEW I'd heard about a break-through in this disease. Luckily, after the events of today, I think he's joining my sisters/nephews/niece on their return to Maine from whence Sister B will drive him to Vermont where his wife is. We as a family have to figure out what to do, because he needs us to do that for him.
I wrote about the events of today and posted them below. I'm wiped out but also wired. I plan to go easy on myself tomorrow: dog-walk, brunch, laundry, dog-walk, laundry, dog-walk > sister-visit > dog-walk, then bbq, dog-walk.
Sounds perfect. |
bets
Supporter
Username: Bets
Post Number: 23455
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Monday, July 3, 2006 - 2:56 pm: |
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This is what happened Saturday that upset me so. My nephews were the boys in the boat and us family (there were 7 sisters and 2 brothers with various kids) watched this from my father's house about 150 yards across the lake.
At times we thought it may have been one of our boys; then, when we saw police officers talking to them, we worried that they may have hit someone with the boat; then, the relief that they were not only okay but heroes finished us off.
We watched them recover the body and one of my nephews said "we should have dived deeper."
http://www.njherald.com/299052441714686.php
http://www.nj.com/obituaries/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-20/115191551349210.xml& coll=1 |
ess
Citizen
Username: Ess
Post Number: 2549
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Monday, July 3, 2006 - 3:20 pm: |
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Bets, I can understand why that was so upsetting.
Your nephews were really, really brave -- a bright spot in this otherwise tragic story. They were true heroes. |
Calliope
Citizen
Username: Calliope
Post Number: 517
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Monday, July 3, 2006 - 4:57 pm: |
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Bets,
You must be so proud of your boys, even in the face of such a tragedy. I know I am , and I don't even know them! (where did you post your first posting right after the accident? I read that with my heart in my throat---you should link to that)
This demonstrates what a stong, good family you have---you should be very grateful, not all of us can boast of that.
I will remember Patrick Robinson and his family in my prayers.
Calli |
bets
Supporter
Username: Bets
Post Number: 23456
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Monday, July 3, 2006 - 5:47 pm: |
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Thanks, E, they are brave but also sad because they couldn't get to the man and help him, too. It is something nobody in my family who was there will ever forget. They are heroes and that's what I'm talking up the most!
Calli, I did post an account of what transpired but then deleted it, 'cause I thought it was long-winded and confusing. Did you actually see it? If you think I should really post it, let me know. I have it in email.
It was a suspended hour in which everything was in slow motion yet crystal clear. I drove people back and forth, I hurt my voice yelling to get back the peops who had gone looking via canoe for our boys in the rowboat, I was witness to all of the people on the lake watching along, distressed at what was so obviously happening. We got the boys and all of us back to my Dad's and watched in sadness as they found the body. Prayers for their family were abundant during the entire ordeal.
I'm going to write a letter to each of those nephews expressing my extreme pride in their rescue of that 7-year-old boy. Emphasize the positive. |
las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 1995
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Monday, July 3, 2006 - 5:48 pm: |
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Betsy, how are the boys doing?
Did Charlie-pooch go home? Did he wiggle for his mom? |
Soparents
Supporter
Username: Soparents
Post Number: 1803
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Monday, July 3, 2006 - 6:49 pm: |
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Bets,
How are you today? You looked so shell-shocked yesterday, I really wanted to do or say something that would make it all better.
Right now your boys are focusing on wanting to have dived deeper and longer. It is the "if only" factor, and it's understandable, but I want give them another "if only"... if only they hadn't proven their pure strength of character, spirit, and humanity, the boy they saved would have died too.
I can see in you that your family has strength, and that wonderful trait flows through your nephews too.
The water took a life that day, it took a Father and a Husband, but your boys took back a child, and I hope when they stop saying "if only" they can really see what they did do that day.
xx
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las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 1997
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Monday, July 3, 2006 - 7:04 pm: |
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Bets, we cross-posted earlier.
If you still have the text of that deleted post, you should re-post it. It is an utterly riveting story. As you told it, my heart was racing and my brain was going in a hundred different places.
Yes, you should re-post it because you need to share it to diffuse the power it has within you. |
Calliope
Citizen
Username: Calliope
Post Number: 519
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Monday, July 3, 2006 - 10:52 pm: |
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Yes, Bets, I do think you should re-post it.
I had the same reaction Las did.
I found your post gripping, and although it was somewhat stream of conciousness it was almost a realtime account. We learned what was going on inside you. I think writing it was therapeutic for you, and it was the beginning of healing from the trauma, and the fear that it was even closer to your heart than it was.
So sad, so riveting and although it was tragic---what a triumph for your boys to have saved that child's life. I am sure they will have to live with survivor's guilt for a while, but I am so thankful that they embody all that is noble and good in young people today. We hear so much about the wickedness of youth---how dispassionate and selfish they are, and here are your boys,acting on instinct to do the right thing. That is courage.
Bless them.
Calli |
bets
Supporter
Username: Bets
Post Number: 23457
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 4, 2006 - 4:25 am: |
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------------------------------------------------------------
M-SO Message Board: Blogs: Bets<Betsy<Elizabeth
------------------------------------------------------------
Posted by bets on Sunday, July 2, 2006 - 2:38 am:
Today started out as just hectic and ended rather pleasantly at a tiki
bar. The real tragedy happened at dinnertime, while at my Dad's
Highland Lakes home. I was just starting my round of good-byes (which
can take 30-45 minutes when you have 6 sisters, 2 brothers and members
of their families plus our beloved Dad).
Someone noticed a police car with flashing lights on the beach across
from my Dad's beach/dock area. I noticed kayakers paddling around the
area, but my heart sank to the earth when I saw people diving and
walking through the water in the roped-off lake beach area.
This beach is maybe 150-200 yards away by water but probably close to
a 1/2 mile by car. We listened to the sirens and watched the emergency
responders arriving, more and more and more jockeying for position in
the tiny parking area that serves the beach. Three of my nephews had
taken the rowboat out, a commonplace occurrence though they were told
to wear life jackets. A sister and brother-in-law set off in the canoe
to find them.
It was just after they left that another niece said "Isn't that C on
the beach?" She recognized my 11 year old nephew by his shirt and it
was, indeed, him. Until we verified with binoculars that his two
cousins were also on the beach (a no-no forever in Highland Lakes; you
cannot boat to any of the beaches on the various lakes) I was barely
breathing with fear.
I went across the street and through a neighbor's yard to see if I
could find the canoers (my Dad lives on an island served by a
causeway, but it sort of bisects the lake). They weren't in visual
sight, but I have a pretty good set of lungs and yet a different niece
and I managed call them back; my sister - the mother of the third
nephew on the beach) waited for them to reappear while I went back
across to my Dad's. I see my brother (dad to one of the boys) leaving
the house with my sister the prosecutor (and their aunt).
We're watching from the dock as boaters are converging on the scene.
By now the fire department has launched a rescue boat with divers and
people are walking the water. Someone in our family sees a police
officer questioning the boys after taking them off to the side. WTF?
Then we see my brother arrive and get to his son and his nephews and I
breathed a huge sigh of relief. (My brothers are rocks, each and every
3 of them.)
We're still across the lake watching this. Brother and (my) nephews
then go to our rowboat - which hadn't been noticed by us yet - and
move it to the othser side of the beach, away from the search area.
Police officer is accompanying them. I took one look at my
sister-in-law and asked if she wanted to go. She did. My sister (Mom
of one of the boys) hadn't arrived back in the canoe and my other
sister (Mom to one of the boys) said she'd wait to reassure her on her
return.
During the drive around the lake my heart was in my throat. My
thoughts were racing and praying and hoping and fearing. We'd gotten
out of the car and started walking towards the beach when we saw the
boys with my brother and their aunt.
My brother explained that the boys had rescued a child whose father
had gone under. From what the boys described (and witnesses had
verified), they saw a man in the water kind of thrashing around with a
child. They saw the man go under and the child was starting to flail
when my boys got over to him and pulled him into their boat. They got
him to the beach and then joined people who'd begun to search for the
man. Then the professional responders arrived and took over the scene.
We got all of us back to Dad's eventually and watched the inevitable
result of the search. It was about 55 minutes after we saw the police
car on the beach when they pulled the 27/28-year-old man from the
water. They did not attempt resucitation, and I heard my 12-year-old
nephew say to his cousins, "we should have dived down deeper." Truly
heartbreaking.
I am so proud of my nephews and yet so upset that they were witness to
such a tragedy firsthand. They are heroes, plain and simple, but
they'll always remember that little boy's father.
My heart goes out to the family who did suffer such a tragedy today.
I'll bet that young father will meet my mother straightaway in Heaven,
seeing as they lived in the same town and my mother's grandsons saved
his child. I hope they both watch over his family and help them
through what's ahead.
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bets
Supporter
Username: Bets
Post Number: 23466
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 4, 2006 - 5:53 am: |
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Quote:(which can take 30-45 minutes when you have 6 sisters, 2 brothers and members
of their families plus our beloved Dad).
Just want to note that I have 7 sisters and 3 brothers who I love forever. There was a 6 sister-2 brother ratio at the lake that day, and I am thankful for that. |
Nancy - LibraryLady
Supporter
Username: Librarylady
Post Number: 3637
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 4, 2006 - 7:20 am: |
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Bets, the article about the tragedy was in the Star-Ledger this morning as well.
You have some terrific young people in your family and they should be proud of their actions. The Talmud says that he who saves a life saves the universe and that it what your nephews did. |
Calliope
Citizen
Username: Calliope
Post Number: 523
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 4, 2006 - 8:16 am: |
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Bets,
Thanks for re-posting. I re-read, and although I know the outcome , it was just as powerful.
Nancy, the quote from the Talmud is so profound, and so apropos. Thank you. I think I will always remember that,and in my memory it will always be linked with Bets'boys.
Calli |
Soparents
Supporter
Username: Soparents
Post Number: 1807
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 4, 2006 - 8:18 am: |
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bets,
I cried reading that.
I cried for the man who was lost, and I cried at the bravery your boys showed. |
las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 2000
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 4, 2006 - 9:37 am: |
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Still, it breaks my heart the boys wish they had done more. Thank heavens they have you and your 7/3 siblings to help them understand they could not do more.
Betsy, your family is so rich. The boys will be okay. |
Lucy
Supporter
Username: Lucy
Post Number: 4501
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 4, 2006 - 10:54 am: |
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Bets how brave they were it sure shows what they are made of. They saved a life and thank god they were there to help. The bonds and love in your family shows through your Mom & Dad shine through you all. I now know where you get your strength from. |
SoOrLady
Citizen
Username: Soorlady
Post Number: 3398
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 4, 2006 - 11:34 am: |
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Bets - what an ordeal for you all and what courage those three little boys showed. They may need some counseling to get past the shoulda/coulda feelings. In the meantime, keep reinforcing that a 7 year old is alive today and has a future because of their quick thinking and actions. Bless their very big and generous hearts. |
bets
Supporter
Username: Bets
Post Number: 23467
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 4, 2006 - 11:37 am: |
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An update from my sister Barbara (I hope she doesn't mind me posting this):
it has been interesting to see how - slowly, and usually
at night, D and Js (& I wonder if it's the same for Jn) -
talk more about it - we've learned more details from them about how it
happened...last night as we drove back from Barton, it came out from
one of them that after they got the little boy into the boat, D
took his shirt off and was going to dive in after the man as Js and
Jn rowed the boy back to the beach....I don't think Js or D
told us why he didn't (I don't even remember how or why or when that
was said or which one said it - I just was so grateful that he hadn't)
- the whole thing still seems surreal to me and though I am sad for the
man and his family and the little boy and his mom, I am so very proud
of the boys and so grateful and thankful that they did save the boy and
that they didn't get hurt themselves...life is so fragile and truly
each day is a gift. |
bets
Supporter
Username: Bets
Post Number: 23468
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 4, 2006 - 11:49 am: |
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http://www.nj.com/search/index.ssf?/base/news-3/1151991261284280.xml?starledger? nnj&coll=1
Thanks for the heads up, Nancy. My sister told me about it but seeing your post reminded me. That is a beautiful quote, and I did forward a link to this blog for my sisters, brothers, and Dad. |
fiche
Citizen
Username: Fiche
Post Number: 179
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 4, 2006 - 12:14 pm: |
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Bets, As you know I don't usually read Blogs -- too sad and too personal -- but I was checking yours due to the unusual circumstances. Way to make a Fiche cry! Library Lady's quote is truly beautiful. I'm glad you sent it to your family. If they are reading this, please give all the boys muchas smooches from me. I am so proud of them -- but not surprised in the least. |
BGS
Supporter
Username: Bgs
Post Number: 1110
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 4, 2006 - 12:56 pm: |
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Bets-How proud you must all be of those children of yours...Nancy's relating the verse from the Talmud says it all for your boys....
God bless them and prayers are out there for the survivors...
B |
Jersey_Boy
Citizen
Username: Jersey_boy
Post Number: 1439
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 6:34 pm: |
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Bets,
I should have known you were somehow connected to the mystery. You seemed to genuinely feel bad about duping me. Don't worry. When you said, "it's because we like you." I believed THAT.
I've got a thick skin for insults, but complements go right through.
J.B. |
Lucy
Supporter
Username: Lucy
Post Number: 4793
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 7:42 am: |
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Bets how is the kitty doing? I hope your both fine my friend. |
bets
Supporter
Username: Bets
Post Number: 23889
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Monday, August 21, 2006 - 9:27 pm: |
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I am so frustrated about my Dad's condition I could explode.
Unfortunately, I can't vent about it here as it is a public forum.
I will say that my heart is breaking for my wonderful, independent, optimistic 81-year-old married yet single father. I want to quit my job and go live with him so he's not all alone in a remote area of Sussex County, unable to drive.
This just sucks.
|
BGS
Supporter
Username: Bgs
Post Number: 1256
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 22, 2006 - 8:36 am: |
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Bets- heart- BGS |
Soparents
Supporter
Username: Soparents
Post Number: 2740
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 22, 2006 - 8:46 am: |
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Bets,
Yes it does suck and then some. Dads are proud, they never want to let a child see that things aren't quite going as they hoped, but hang in there.
Only time will tell on this one, and i'm sure your Dad knows that he only has to give the word and you will be there.
SOP x
|
bets
Supporter
Username: Bets
Post Number: 978
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 19, 2006 - 10:25 pm: |
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I love Maplewoodonline. Long may it live.
Thanks for all the fiche |
