Thursday, August 31, 2006

From Tammy

Hey you two! I just wanted you to know that I am keeping a copy of the emails people send me to put here. If you ever want them for any reason, I have them. I lost one due to AOL eating one and some files that I didn't need anyway. I was told others were attacked by the AOL monster so I'm not alone. But I have the copies if you ever want them.

I hope you two are okay. John you keep those nurses in line now! Oh and just thought you might find this interesting. Yesterday...I think...I saw something run from our yard into the soybean field beside our house. For a second I thought it was a tan rabbit the way it moved. No. All I can figure is that it was a bobcat kitten. It sure wasn't a regular cat! Now, where is mom and dad? EEK!

                                   Tammy memes121@aol.com

From Luddie

 
FROM CATHY
 
Oh Krissy I really miss our long talks, they helped us both I think, and you have such a great sense of the world, you always see things with a grain of salt - a very good idea.  I want to tell you again and again how much I'm thinking of you and John, how I continue to petition Our Lord to work out His plan for you both in an easy way, a blessed way, so you can lead your lives more fully, more at ease.  I miss you and whisper up a prayer everyday.
 
Much love, CATHY

From Amanda

                                         
Dear Krissy and John,
               Hi there,I am just thinking about you both.I am doing good here.I just got back from hanging out with my Mom.I probllay will go out laater with my boyfriend,but,dont know.The weather here,looks gloomy,but,it feels nice after being so hot all the time.I have been thinking of you guys alot and just wanted to let you know,your both in my heart and I am praying for all the time.I wish I was close,I would sit with you both and give you some company and give you both a hug.(((((((((((((((((((((((((KRISSY AND JOHN)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) My heart goes out to both of you.
 
God bless,
Amanda         HugsDoodleWacky@aol.com

From Barb

Hello, you two. I'm sorry I've not written for awhile but haven't felt my best. But today is another day- new beginnings, which always contain blessings. I hope your day is going well; that the knowledge of how many are praying for you - as well as how loved you are, warms your hearts, as well as your spirits.
 Below, is the link to the city I live in. I thought you, and some of my other online friends would enjoy seeing where I live. There is so much you can check out. Click away, ok? Then, when you think of me, you'll have a mental image of where I live and what I just might be doing.


http://eugenes-website.com/

Love you much,
Barb        Barbpinion@aol.com

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Hey Krissy

I am having some problems with my computer so if the graphics are down I apologize. I will get them fixed. I think I have a virus and am working hard to fix the problem. Love you guys!

Tammy    memes121@aol.com

From Hope

HELLO KRISSY AND JOHN....

JUST GOT ON LINE AND FOUND THIS ..IM SORRY I HAVENT BEEN ON COMP  MUCH LATELY...SO IM JUST FINDING OUT ALOT,,,....JUST A WORD OF PRAYERS ARE WITH  YOU ALL ..I HOPE EVERYTHING TURNS OUT FOR THE BEST...I KNOW THAT OLD SAYING GOD NEVER GIVES US ANY MORE THAN WE CAN HANDLE ....BUT LIKE ME I WONDER SOMETIMES...BUT I KNOW YOU ALL ARE STRONG AND WITH ALL THE PRAYERS COMING YOUR WAY...GOD WILL BE THERE

I KNOW JOHN WONDERS ABOUT  DIALYSIS IS SCAREY THING ......MY MOTHER N LAW WAS ON IT FOR YEARS AND YEARS   AND IT GAVE US MORE TIME FOR THE LOVE OF THE FAMILY....I WOULDNT HAVE TRADING ALL THOSE TIMES FOR ANYTHING IN THE WORLD....

JOHN BE STRONG AND DONT THINK AS IF THE MACHINE IS CONTROLLING YOU...THINK AS IF YOU ARE IN CONTROL OF THIS ...BEING ABLE TO SPEND THE REST OF YOUR LIFE MAKING YOURSELF HAPPY ....AND DOING ALL THE THINGS YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO DO  BUT SAID IT CAN WAIT.....DO IT NOW MY FRIEND ...TAKE HOLD OF LIFE AND LIVE EVERY MOMENT TO ITS FULLEST.....

LOVE YALL BOTH
AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU EVERY DAY
                                                                HOPE

HOPE 4 MEEEEE@aol.com

From Sugar

 
Dear Krissy & John,
Just wanted to let you know, 4 of my Church members have donated blood! And 1 more reader!!! WOO HOO, that makes 21 total from my journals alone...so proud of my readers & Church! I know many have donated but didn't say anything...God Bless each & everyone who did, & those who couldn't but got someone else to donate...Bless them too!
And the ones who are praying, sending cards, etc...I know that means sooo much to both of you.
I am keeping you both in my Prayer Box, for morn & eve prayers, & wkly prayers from my Church.
Know that you are both in our hearts & thoughts, & that we're ALL hoping for the best! May God be with you.
Card01BlessingsSugar.jpg

From Sugar

HANGINTHERE.gif

YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2006 when...
 
1. You accidentally enter your password on the
microwave.
 
2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in
years.

3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your
family of 3.
 
4. You e-mail the person who works at the  desk next
to you.
 
5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends
and family is that  they don't have e-mail addresses.
 
6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell
phone to see if anyone is home to help you carry in
the groceries.
 
7. Every commercial on television has a web site at
the bottom of the screen.
 
8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which
you didn't have the  first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of
your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn
around to go and get it.

10. You get up in the morning and go on line before
getting your coffee.
 
11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile.
:-D       
 
12. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.

13. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this
list.
 
14. You actually scrolled back up to check that there
wasn't a #9 on this list.
 
Laughter is good for the soul, hope this made ya smile.
 
ame-d29--tyigroup-tyi-Sugar.gif

From Kathy

http://www.rememberingwholeness.com/

 

Onestrangecat@aol.com

From Sassy Deb

I like the simplicity of this prayer. Hope today finds John a little stronger and Krissy strong in spirit! Much love and blessings sent your way! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox 
 
BibleRose.jpg
 
If God Brings you to it,
He will bring you
through it.
Happy moments,
PRAISE God.
Difficult moments,
SEEK God.
Quiet moments,
WORSHIP God.
Painful moments,
TRUST God                               
Every Moment,
THANK GOD.
Amen.             

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

From Trees

Four Candles

 

TreesRGreen78@aol.com

 

 

From Kathy

John,

It seems like you are doing a little better everyday.  I am so happy to hear that and I know your family is too.  I am sure there is nothing I can say that you haven't already heard from someone around here.  LOL

But I did find a few graphics I thought I would share with you.  This first one is sooo cute.  It reminds me that God says that he notices the birds and animals.  He knows when something happens to one of his creation.  If he loves and looks after animals that much can you just imagine how much he loves and cares for us?

 
 This is what I tend to forget from time to time.  That anything is possible with God.  Anything at all.  Just like that little critter above that is praising God.  He has such a tough little life but he knows that God is there and will take care of him.  Ok, so most wouldn't think of animals rejoicing in God but it just another way to look at life I suppose.

Hang in there.  Give Krissy a big hug from us here in J-land.  You are in my prayers daily.

Kathy


Onestrangecat@aol.com

Laughter Is Good Medicine!

 More Work Excuses.....

Constipation has made me a walking time bomb.

The dog ate my car keys. We're going to hitchhike to the vet .

I had missed a lot of work and my boss made me promise I would not be late, but I woke that day to find my cat bleeding. The poor cat had a hole in its belly where an abscess had burst. I called the boss and she said, " Sure it does..." The vet was very accommodating and wrote me an official excuse, and it hung on the boss's bulletin board for a very long time. It read, "Please excuse Sheryl being late to work today. Her cat had a hole in it.

I have a bit of a problem.  I got the end of a Q-tip stuck in my ear and have to go to the doctors to get it out.

I'm not coming to work to day because my computer has got a virus. And my computer means more to me then this job

Tammy memes121@aol.com

From Sugar

 
Just to let you know dear ones, 5 more of my readers have told me they or their family members donated blood yesterday & this morning! PRAISE GOD!
We love you guys!!!
angelhugsth9.gif

From Noelle

hello krissy and john i hope all is going better for you guys today. i have sent a card out for you today.  you are in my prayers and i know the LORD will see you through this.  leave it all up to GOD and he will take care of everything. if you need anything at all just let me know and i will do my best to get it out to you
take care
noelle
 

Monday, August 28, 2006

From Tammy

To Krissy: Hello my friend. You know, I have been so busy with everyone's emails, I forget to email you guys too! So hey! I hope you are taking care of yourself Krissy. I know there is no way to keep you from being tense and to not worry but, just remember that you need rest and to take care of Krissy too! You have so many people praying for you and John. Give God your burden. His shoulders are much stronger to carry the load. We love you and we are all with you in heart.

To John: Hello my friend. Well would you just look at what you have done. You have turned J-Land into one huge prayer circle, blood drive and bonded people together that never knew you before. J-land has always been one big neighborhood but it is now one huge family. Part of that is because of you and Krissy. You have brought us all together and we are all making new friends and praying together and giving blood to help you and others. You did all that from a bed! I consider it a good day if I get my cats fed on time!
  You and I have never met. We never talked on the phone or even online. But you and krissy are forever in my heart. God has truly blessed me when He sent me you two as friends. Now you rest and get well.We are all with you in heart.
                          Tammy  memes121@aol.com

From Sugar

Holly000hPopeJohnApr22006.gif

Just to let you both know you are in our thoughts & prayers!        
 
 

From Lisa

This is very good {Does God Exist?


This is one of the best explanations of why God allows pain and
suffering that I have seen. It's an explanation other people will
understand.

A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed.
As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation.
They talked about so many things and various subjects.

When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said:
"I
don't believe that God exists."

"Why do you say that?" asked the customer.

"Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God
doesn't exist. Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick
people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would
be neither suffering nor pain. I can't imagine a loving God who would
allow all of these things."

The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he
didn't want to start an argument. The barber finished his job and the
customer left the shop. Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man
in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He
looked dirty and un-kept.

The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said
to the barber: "You know what? Barbers do not exist."

"How can you say that?" asked the surprised barber. "I am here, and I
am a barber. And I just worked
on you!"

"No!" the customer exclaimed. "Barbers don't exist because if they
did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards,
like that man outside."

"Ah, but barbers DO exist! What happens is, people do not come to me."

"Exactly!"- affirmed the customer. "That's the point! God, too, DOES
exist! What happens, is, people don't go to Him and do not look for
Him. That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world."

If you KNOW and believe God exists, send this to other people. If you
think God doesn't exist, then just delete it!

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING!
 

From Lisa

 
 
This is a link that has funny and cute stuff! :o)
 

Sunday, August 27, 2006

From Guido

Hi John, hi Krissy,

As I may have written in the past, I have some professional experience with people who are battling with MDS and similar problems. It is a tough and long battle, with many complications. There will be downtimes, like you're experiencing now. It is invaluable that you have the support around you that you have. It is unique in my (limited) experience to also have a world-wide community around you, many of whom you have never met or even spoken to. I am 100% confident that the professional care you're receiving over in Hershey will be of the highest level, and you know you're in good hands there.

Although I cannot look into the future, I feel assured that this cloud will pass, and that you'll walk out of there in good and short order. Meanwhile, keep your high spirits and confidence. You'll get there.

Best wishes,

Guido aka Pharmolo [Northern Trip]

GWxzRoK8YXDffJ9mOV1VrJIwiHU5shH0030.jpg

Showercloud over the coastline near Shader, Isle of Lewis, Scotland

http://journals.aol.co.uk/pharmolo/NorthernTrip

Pharmolo@aol.com

Some J-Land News

AOLCake3Years2.gif

Thought we would share her entry with you.

My scanner is down so I won't be putting up any photos for awhile. In the meantime, Krissy has asked for an assignment to celebrate three years of journalizing on AOL. So why do I journal? I started out wanting to get some feedback and exposure on my photography, but I looked around and regarded the "competition" as daunting! There are so many top notch photographers on AOL...The difference between the beginning and now is that I feel I am top-notch too with my own style. So you could say J-Land has given me self-confidence about my photography. Like most of us I just eat up the comments with an appreciative spoon! ;-) I also like playing the Round Robin Photo challenge; there are usually a variety of top-notch interpretations of the topic. I was thrilled when Carly and Karen resurrected the meme after they both left AOL over the ad controversy.

   Even beyond my love of sharing photography and visiting other great journals for inspiration (like Greg, Gem, Marie, Rose, Nancy--to name a few) journaling has kept me so often from complete isolation. I am fairly new to where I live and have no in person friends or family in the area so my long distance friends mean a lot. Many of these friends are from JLand and only a phone call away.

   What I didn't expect was to find a true best friend through journaling whom I have never met in person before. I think I started out talking with Krissy about our experiences with mental health. It was after that I learned of John's bone marrow transplant business. I liked doing the memes of her Monday Morning Question and Photo Scavenger Hunt. Our IM grew into something more that words can't describe. All I can tell you is I love Krissy and John so much and it does not matter a bit to me that we have not met in person! Right now there is so much support for them in JLand, but keep it up because it is needed and appreciated.They are both very strong spirited, but geez there's a human limit at times. They are out at the hospital in Hershey with no friends or family nearbyso it is JLand who hold them up the most. I am proud of that!

    I have gotten so many outstanding graphics from Donna or NightMareMom. She is so generous with her time and skill. I just love all the animation in the beautiful work she does.

    Briefly about the ad thing...It was really hard to loose a lot of great writers. It felt a little like a family breaking up there for a while, but slowly a lot of us became visible still and Donna created the lighthouse graphic to "keep the home fires burning". Glad all that angst is over!

   Another thing I have learned over the past year in JLand is about accepting death as part of life. Pam was such a stunningly strong inspiration on this topic. What a smart and kind angel she is--only now in Heaven instead of here. So many miss you Pam and still use your AOL "Tips". Pam fought the good fight with so much dignity...

   This year my relationship with the Lord has grown through JLand support as well. Angel, Ginger, Linda, Val, Krissy, Sugar and many others have inspired me to learn more about the Bible and simply to apply scripture to everyday living kinds of situations. I have learned more about the absolute power of prayer.

   Like any community, there have been weddings and births. Diva just had a baby girl and Val is blessed with a new grandson. Tammy, Dianna and Nancy shared their joy and all their beautiful wedding photos with us. There's a lot to be said for virtual attendance!

   I'll end with what a blast I had being guest editor. It was sure harder than I thought, but by the end, I had learned how to make my links work . (After Idrove poor Joe to drink) ;-) To every single person who ever left me a comment I say thanks. You have made many a day happier and more productive!

Love you guys! Sassy

    PS. This past year I lost both of my pets; I was really touched by the support I got in JLand from so many of you and especially by Sugar's commemorative piece honoring our pets for Year 3.

   PSS. I have mentioned people and left no links (lazy) so if you are new or just not familiar with these people simply send me an e-mail and I will share the links. :-)))))

~graphic by Chris or cacklinrosie101. Don't forget to have a piece of cake ;-)

Sassy   SassyDee50@aol.com

To John, From Kathy

             Soar Like The Eagles

 

Onestrangecat@aol.com

From Barb

teddytumble.gifHi, you two. I am turning flips here for you, making a big fool of myself, so you better be smiling right now.

Love you both,
Barb  Barbpinion@aol.com

From Barb

 
Dear Krissy,

I am so sorry to hear that the day that started out so well turned sour; that John once again struggled with his condition. I can only imagine what that does to your heart. I  have not forgotten how difficult it was to watch my Johnny struggle with his cancer, nor my son when he was so very ill. Still,
God is with you, as near as your breath. If it were possible for you to reach out and touch Him, you'd feel Him, I know.
   Angels? Yes, hon, they are everywhere and YOU, are one of the sweetest, the most strong. Your courage is inspiring. It is humbling to watch.
   At times like this I feel so wretched, wanting so desperately to help you, to do something, but I have nothing except prayer, and that, dear one, is the most valuable gift, something I forget at times.
   Please know you are in my prayers, and in the prayers of every person who posts in your journal, as well as many who don't. I have you and John lifted up in prayer by friends in England, Australia, France, as well as many of our states, so you're covered. God's love will sustain you.
    Thank you for the sweet email. I love you too. Will write again soon.

Big hugs,
Barb  Barbpinion@aol.com

From Sugar

crossblessings.jpg

It's an early Sunday morning here in Kansas City, a gentle rain is falling, the sky is gray, & there's a stillness everywhere.
My thoughts turn to the two of you, & all the others in need.
With much love in my heart I say my morning prayers over my Prayer Box, for all the names inside!
TY Krissy for the comment you left me earlier & the email you sent. I know how busy you are & for you to have taken time out for me, meant a lot! Don't worry about responding to me personally, I know you have a lot to do & a lot on your mind. Your plate is full right now! Just concentrate on John & yourself.
Dear John, you have my hand holding yours, even though we can not physically touch! I am beside you!
All of J-Land is a buzz with thoughts & prayers going in your direction.
As I told Krissy in an email, there's been 11 of my loyal readers who have given blood in John's name, some couldn't give...so their family member or co worker did! There's more that have promised to go next week! And many, I'm sure that I don't know about, that donated but didn't leave me a comment or email.
Keep faith, my friends...we are here for you!
Have a blessed Sunday!
 
5389.jpg

From Buggieboo1

                                             beach.jpg

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed
he was walking along the beach with the LORD.


Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene he noticed two sets of
footprints in the sand: one belonging
to him, and the other to the LORD.


When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
he looked back at the footprints in the sand.


He noticed that many times along the path of
his life there was only one set of footprints.


He also noticed that it happened at the very
lowest and saddest times in his life.


This really bothered him and he
questioned the LORD about it:


"LORD, you said that once I decided to follow
you, you'd walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most
troublesome times in my life,
there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why when
I needed you most you would leave me."

The LORD replied:


"My son, my precious child,
I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you."

foot.jpg

written by Mary Stevenson

Buggieboo1@aol.com

From John!!

Dear friends,
 
Krissy told me what all of you are doing, and I want to thank you.  I heard some are giving blood in my name, and that means a lot to me, more than you could know.  I am also very touched by the prayers being said for me.  Thanks for everything else you do for me and Krissy.
 
I didn't expect to be in the hospital this long.  Thinking about these things makes it an easier stay for me. 
 
I was very surprised to hear about The John & Krissy J-Land Gazatte.  How thoughtful of you.  Your kindness never ceases.  
 
If you want to keep giving blood, I think that's wonderful.  And if you can't do that, prayers and warm wishes go a long way to help me.  Thank you again for all you have done.
 
With love, 
 
John     

Saturday, August 26, 2006

From Pat

If you are in Hershey, I am across the river from you and about 30 mins. from you.  If you need someone to talk to let me know and I will give you my phone number(I think it is long distance from Hershey, but I can call you for nothing).  If you want to meet for lunch we can do that.  If you would like me to come and visit you at Hope House or the Hospital please let me know.  I will let you make the call (not phone, but what you would like to do).  I am free most days, but am best after noon. ShipAlum@aol.com

Ship/Pat/NED
&
Gracie the Cherished terrier Webshots Community - Gracie Allen
breast cancer SURVIVOR
melanoma SURVIVOR
basal cell carcinoma SURVIVOR
---
NED=N
o Evidence of Disease

Laughter Is Good medicine!

Two guys were discussing popular family trends on
sex, marriage, and values. Stu said, "I didn't sleep
with my wife before we got married, did you?" Leroy
replied, "I'm not sure, What was her maiden name?"

A little boy went up to his father and asked: "Dad,
where did all of my intelligence come from?" The
father replied. "Well, son, you must have got it
from your mother, cause I still have mine"

A blonde calls Delta Airlines and asks, "Can you
tell me how long it'll take to fly from San
Francisco to New York City?" The agent replies,
"Just a minute..." "Thank you," the blonde says, and
hangs up.

From Sugar

Godisincontrol.jpg

Dear Krissy & John,
I left you a comment on the first entry...but wanted to make an entry for you too!
You already know that both of you have been in my thoughts & prayers. I feel very close to you in spirtit & even though our hands have not touched, I feel our hearts & souls have.
I am there with you my friends, my brother & sister. For the good news & for the bad.
There are sooo many J-Landers praying for you right now, hoping for a miracle for John, & strength /courage/peace for Krissy.
I leave you with this...MUCH LOVE, MANY PRAYERS, HOPE, FAITH, & LOTS OF HUGS...from Sugar.
Hope
Hope is a word that every hurting heart understands.
Hope shines brighter than the brightest star on the darkest night.
Faith is bigger than the highest mountain. And God is greater than any obstacle in your path.
Anything can be accomplished by those who fully
put their hearts into it. 
The time to start is now 
the place to start is here. 
May hope cast its special 
light upon your path and God bless everything you touch in the hours, days, and moments 
still to come.

From Barb

Dear Krissy & John,
I wanted to post an entry in your journal, but wanted it to be special, one that would lift your spirits and remind you that our world is full of Angels. Some of yours, I believe, are right here in J-land.
   I hope today is easier for you; that somewhere within its twenty four hours, a ray of sunshine warms your bodies - as well as your spirits. I am so proud of the two of you. It isn't easy coping with such a heavy burden. But the two of you have risen to the occasion, inspiring all who know you.



Angels, Once in a While

  by: Author Unknown, Source Unknown


In September 1960, I woke up one morning with six hungry babies and just 75 cents in my pocket. Their father was gone. The boys ranged from three months to seven years; their sister was two.

Their Dad had never been much more than a presence they feared. Whenever they heard his tires crunch on the gravel driveway they would scramble to hide under their beds. He did manage to leave 15 dollars a week to buy groceries. Now that he had decided to leave, there would be no more beatings, but no food either. If there was a welfare system in effect in southern Indiana at that time, I certainly knew nothing about it.

I scrubbed the kids until they looked brand new and then put on my best homemade dress. I loaded them into the rusty old 51 Chevy and drove off to find a job. The seven of us went to every factory, store and restaurant in our small town. No luck. The kids stayed, crammed into the car and tried to be quiet while I tried to convince whomever would listen that I was willing to learn or do anything. I had to have a job. Still no luck.

The last place we went to, just a few miles out of town, was an old Root Beer Barrel drive-in that had been converted to a truck stop. It was called the Big Wheel. An old lady named Granny owned the place and she peeked out of the window from time to time at all those kids. She needed someone on the graveyard shift, 11 at night until seven in the morning. She paid 65 cents an hour and I could start that night.

I raced home and called the teenager down the street that baby-sat for people. I bargained with her to come and sleep on my sofa for a dollar a night. She could arrive with her pajamas on and the kids would already be asleep. This seemed like a good arrangement to her, so we made a deal. That night when the little ones and I knelt to say our prayers we all thanked God for finding Mommy a job. And so I started at the Big Wheel.

When I got home in the mornings I woke the baby-sitter up and sent her home with one dollar of my tip money - fully half of what I averaged every night. As the weeks went by, heating bills added another strain to my meager wage. The tires on the old Chevy had the consistency of penny balloons and began to leak. I had to fill them with air on the way to work and again every morning before I could go home. One bleak fall morning, I dragged myself to the car to go home and found four tires in the back seat. New tires! There was no note, no nothing, just those beautiful brand new tires. Had angels taken up residence in Indiana? I wondered. I made a deal with the owner of the local service station. In exchange for his mounting the new tires, I would clean up his office. I remember it took me a lot longer to scrub his floor than it did for him to do the tires.

I was now working six nights instead of five and it still wasn't enough. Christmas was coming and I knew there would be no money for toys for the kids. I found a can of red paint and started repairing and painting some old toys. Then I hid them in the basement so there would be something for Santa to deliver on Christmas morning. Clothes were a worry too. I was sewing patches on top of patches on the boys pants and soon they would be too far gone to repair.

On Christmas Eve the usual customers were drinking coffee in the Big Wheel. These were the truckers, Les, Frank, and Jim, and a state trooper named Joe. A few musicians were hanging around after a gig at the Legion and were dropping nickels in the pinball machine. The regulars all just sat around and talked through the wee hours of the morning and then left to get home before the sun came up. When it was time for me to go home at seven o'clock on Christmas morning I hurried to the car. I was hoping the kids wouldn't wake up before I managed to get home and get the presents from the basement and place them under the tree. (We had cut down a small cedar tree by the side of the road down by the dump.)

It was still dark and I couldn't see much, but there appeared to be some dark shadows in the car - or was that just a trick of the night? Something certainly looked different, but it was hard to tell what. When I reached the car I peered warily into one of the side windows. Then my jaw dropped in amazement. My old battered Chevy was full to the top with boxes of all shapes and sizes. I quickly opened the driver's side door, scrambled inside and kneeled in the front facing the back seat. Reaching back, I pulled off the lid of the top box. Inside was a whole case of little blue jeans, sizes 2-10! I looked inside another box: It was full of shirts to go with the jeans. Then I peeked inside some of the other boxes: There were candy and nuts and bananas and bags of groceries. There was an enormous ham for baking, and canned vegetables and potatoes. There was pudding and Jell-O and cookies, pie filling and flour. There was a whole bag of laundry supplies and cleaning items. And there were five toy trucks and one beautiful little doll. As I drove back through empty streets as the sun slowly rose on the most amazing Christmas Day of my life, I was sobbing with gratitude. And I will never forget the joy on the faces of my little ones that precious morning.

Yes, there were angels in Indiana that long-ago December.

And they all hung out at the Big Wheel truck stop.
*****************************************************
And some humor for you too:

Author unknown: Inspirational Humorous Quotations
There is no elevator to success. You have to take the stairs.

Mark Twain: Inspirational Humorous Quotations
There is nothing so annoying as to have two people talking when you're busy interrupting.

George Burns: Inspirational Humorous Quotations
There will always be a battle between the sexes because men and women want different things. Men want women and women want men.

May Sarton: Inspirational Humorous Quotations
Though friendship is not quick to burn, it is explosive stuff.

Ben Hecht: Inspirational Humorous Quotations
Time is a circus, always packing up and moving away.

Bernard M. Baruch: Inspirational Humorous Quotations
To me old age is 15 years older than I am.

I am praying for you both. May the warmth of God's love enfold you always,

God bless you,
Barb   Barbpinion@aol.com

From Lisa

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Krissy and John,
I just want you to know that I am here for you. You are both still in my prayers.
 
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From Pat

A young man was in love with two women and could not decide which of them to marry. Finally he went to a marriage counselor. When asked to describe his two loves, he noted that one was a great poet and the other made delicious pancakes. "Oh," said the counselor, "I see what the problem is. You can't decide whether to marry for batter or verse."
 
 
"Fred forgets everything!" the sales manager complained to his secretary. "It's a wonder he can sell anything. I asked him to pick me up some sandwiches on his way back from lunch and I'm not sure he'll even remember to come back." Just then the door flew open, and in bounced Fred. "You'll never guess what happened!" he shouted. "While I was at lunch, I met Old Man Spencer, who hasn't bought anything from us for five years. Well, we got to talking and he gave me this half-million dollar order!" "See that..." sighed the sales manager to his secretary. "I told you he'd forget the sandwiches."
 
 

From Deb

My dear sweet Krissy,
 
I just wanted to let you know how very proud I am of you.  You are, perhaps, the strongest woman I have met in a very long time. 
 
So much you have had to take on so much, but you pop on your angel wings and do what you need to do.
 
You and John are always in my prayers but you, honey, I wish there was something I could do just for you.  The best I can come up with right now, is a big cyber hug from me to you.
 
Please remember to take a moment for yourself.  Regroup, relax and let your body regenerate.
 
We're all here for you. All of your J-Land friends. Hugs from all of us
 
Deb
 
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From Tammy

Okay Krissy, I need to put in my two cents here for a minute. I want you to know that we are all with you in our hearts. You and John are family and we miss you both.

Oh and Krissy? If you see a graphic that won't show up, don't panic! Graphics hate me but I will get them fixed I promise! Mean old graphics...eek! I didn't mean it! Graphics are wonderful...crap.

From Stevie

Hi,
 
You don't really know me, and I'm a man of few words with situations like this, but I want you to know that I AM  thinking about the two of you, and I wish you all the best for the future!
 
Please let us know how you're doing, as I know we ALL care. We J~landers have gotta stick together eh? :-)
 
All the best,
 
Stevie
xxx
 

From Marla

 
John and Krissy, I just want to say that I'm praying for you and my heart goes out to you. I have been thinking about you two everyday and just hoping John is getting better. I wish I could reach out and hug you both.
 
Just hang in there.
Love Marla

From Dee

Dear Krissy and John:
               
Here's a yellow ribbon tied around an old oak tree. It symbolizes my prayers for your safe return to your home from Hershey. Please hang on in there. You are loved and appreciated.
 
Hugs,
 
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From Chris

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John & Krissy....many, many prayers are being sent your way.
 

Friday, August 25, 2006

From Roxy

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xxroxymamaxx@aol.com

From Kathy

Dear Krissy and John,
 
I hope that you know how much the people here in J-land are praying for you.  People are wanting to send you mail, donate blood, and maybe even some cash.
 
It is hard to know what to do -- and trust me there is a feeling that you NEED to do something -- or know what are the "right" words to stay to someone going through so much.
 
Praying is something we all can do, and we are and will continue to do so.  But if you are ever thinking that someone doesn't care, please believe we do care.  It is just hard sometimes to express how much we do care.
 
Life is hard.  You are having to be stronger than ever before right now.  But if you feel the need it is ok to give yourself a 5 minute pity party.  No more than 5 minutes now!  LOL  Everyone deserves those 5 minutes.  After you 5 minutes is up come back here and fill yourself up on some love and sunshine.  It will make you stronger.  We will help you through this.  Right J-Land?
 
Kathy

Hello John & Krissy!

I do hope you like your new journal. This is just a way for you to keep track of everyone without having to journal hop since we know your time online is short. Please check in often because you just never know what we may be doing! You have a lot of people praying for the two of you. We all care deeply and if there is anything you need, just leave a comment and we will work like mad to get it done! God bless you both!

                                                  Tammy