LATE FEE CHARGES

My Aunt died this past January. Citi Bank billed her for February and March for their monthly service charge on her credit card, and then added late fees and interest on the monthly charge...the balance had been $0.00... now was somewhere around $60.00) I placed the following phone call to CitiBank: Me: "I am calling to tell you that she died in January." CitiBank: "The account was never closed and the late fees and charges still apply." Me: "Maybe, you should turn it over to collections..." CitiBank: "Since it is 2 months past due, it already has been." Me: "So, what will they do when they find out she is dead?" CitiBank: "Either report her account to the frauds division, or report her to the credit bureau...maybe both!" Me: "Do you think God will be mad at her?" CitiBank:"...excuse me .....?" Me: "Did you just get what I was telling you.... the part about her being dead?" CitiBank: "Sir, you'll have to speak to my supervisor!" (Supervisor gets on the phone) Me: ''I'm calling to tell you, she died in January." CitiBank: "The account was never closed and the late fees and charges still apply." Me: "You mean you want to collect from her estate?" CitiBank: ".....(stammer)" .... "Are you her lawyer?" Me: "No, I'm her great nephew." (Lawyer info given...) CitiBank: "Could you fax us a certificate of death?" Me: "Sure." ( Fax number is given ) ( After they get the fax. ) CitiBank: "Our system just isn't setup for death..." Me: "Oh..." CitiBank: "I don't know what more I can do to help..." Me: "Well... if you figure it out, great! If not, you could just keep billing her... I suppose... don't really think she will care...." CitiBank: "Well...the late fees and charges do still apply." Me: "'Would you like her new billing address?" CitiBank: "That might help." Me: " ( Odessa Memorial Cemetery #### Hwy 129 and plot number given. ) CitiBank: "Sir, that's a cemetery!" Me: "What do you do with dead people on your planet?!!"

Timeless Treasures

================== Timeless Treasures ================== A Timeless Rose framed within, Centered in a Heart so Deep, Surrounded by Cherubs Sweet, Wings of Gold for Embellishments, Standing near the Precious view, A Lady of Victorian beauty, Standing with her Parasol, Against a sky of Blue. Her Eyes cast down upon the sight, Of Roses laid upon her feet, Sparkling beneath the Golden light, A Heavens gift of Pure Delight. Timeless Treasures to behold, Upon the wall of this old home, Covered in Roses far and wide, The Memories here, so Entwined.                                                                           Copyright ©2002 Jane Ann Fisher

Mud puddles n dandelions

Mud puddles n dandelions Andyman 11/10/2002 3:29 PM Big Mud Puddles and Sunny Yellow Dandelions Author Unknown When I look at a patch of dandelions, I see a bunch of weeds that are going to take over my yard. My kids see flowers for Mom and blowing white fluff you can wish on.  When I look at an old drunk and he smiles at me, I see a smelly, dirty person who probably wants money and I look away. My kids see someone smiling at them and they smile back.   When I hear music I love, I know I can't carry a tune and don't have much rhythm so I sit self-consciously and listen. My kids feel the beat and move to it. They sing out the words. If they don't know them, they make up their own.   When I feel wind on my face, I brace myself against it. I feel it messing up my hair and pulling me back when I walk. My kids close their eyes, spread their arms and fly with it, until they fall to the ground laughing.  When I pray, I say thee and thou and grant me this, give me that.  My kids say, "Hi God! Thanks for my toys and my friends. Please keep the bad dreams away tonight. Sorry, I don't want to go to Heaven yet. I would miss my Mommy and Daddy."   When I see a mud puddle I step around it. I see muddy shoes and dirty carpets. My kids sit in it. They see dams to build, rivers to cross, and worms to play with. I wonder if we are given kids to teach or to learn from? No wonder God loves the little children! Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things. I wish you Big Mud Puddles and Sunny Yellow Dandelions!!! "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away."

Being Thankful

From: AppealingCatherine_49 - - - - Sent: 11/8/2002 8:20 PM Being Thankful reflecting at this time of the year. Draws us close to our families gathering near. Celebrating Thanksgiving what are we truly thankful for. Material welath or maybe people more. As I examine this question of what being truly thankful should be. I share my thoughts a I myself percieve. Being thankful to me means very much. I'm Thankful for the hearts my life will touch. I'm thankful for a life I live. I'm thankful my parents instilled with in me . to others of myself i should give. I'm thankful for children thier precious sweet smiles. I'm thankful for all in life thats so worth while. I'm thankful for God above. I'm thankful I can feel show others love. I'm thankful for the blessing that come each day. I'm thankful in the greatest way. I'm thankful for the liberty we all share. I'm thankful for those who fought serving my country the depth they cared. I'm thankful for my family and very good special freinds. I'm thankful for helping hands to me others lend. Being thankful to me means sharing Gods love with others to know. Being thankful humbles us all, in love to grow. Wishing all my friends a very, " Happy Thanksgiving" !     Love Cath ==================================================================== From: Ǻήgέ£♥OF♥£oVέ♥ - - - - Sent: 11/22/2003 2:02 PM Happy Thanksgiving! Let's reflect on the friends we have and remember that friends are forever. Grudges are for people who can't forgive and forget! Let's give a hug to all those we consider friends before it's too late!

No-One Sees & Shadow of Tears

10/14/2002 12:00 PM =========== No-One Sees =========== No-one sees my tears, my pain No-one hears me cry No-one can feel my loneliness No-one sees my heart die.   I sit alone in the dark at night wondering and asking why Feeling like a child-I'm lost No-one sees me cry.   Lauren ~ 10-14-02 ================ Shadow of Tears ================ In the shadows these tears I hide; Silently weeping for my Dying Heart; Loneliness sweeping over me; Like waves from the incoming tide.   Once again a Childhood lost, Questions without answers; A Heart once again Lost. When Will this cycle end?   This never-ending pain I feel; My heart dying with no cure; Of a Love I thought was true, Disappearing away from view.   Will this viciousness ever stop? Will Our Hearts ever Survive? I wish this pain will stop!! In the shadows, my tears I hide! ======================================= Written by "Lady Jane" (Mystical Unicorn) ======================================= Lauren, I know all too well of which you speak and to your poem I added my own words as  we are both experiencing a death of which seems never-ending. Seems to be a disease with most; Of a heart being broken sometimes near death with no cure insight. Seems we continually put our hearts at risk!! *Sighs* Maybe one day A cure will be found for both of us!!

Tender Dreams and Silent Wishes

Frightened and scared at what has transpired; The loss of a Love so dear and true; Her light simply extinguished no longer to shine. It was her last light, her last hope. She had given her all or so she thought. She thought that finally life would begin new for her, but her desire for happiness overpowered her patience. She tried to listen but found it difficult yet she knew she could do nothing. She forgot to listen with her heart instead allowed Her mind to rule. If only she had took the time to hear her heart, If only she could  have understood the signs. If.....One could hear her sighs in the dark of the night as she sat alone by the lake! Her heart bursting with each passing thought of him; each memory she held dear!! She thought...... if only she could take back the words she had said so hastily. How could she have been so mean! She didn't think of what she would lose, but spoke out of anger at the only real love she'd ever known. In this lonely silence; a lifeless form sat by the river bed just staring off into the sunset. Neither laughing nor crying. Her heart was too shattered for either. It seemed like a dream at first; like a bad nightmare of fear; but the sting of those final words stung too deeply for it not to be real. She was holding on to a stuffed bear belonging to her love, given to her in happy times. Hoping to find some comfort there, but there was none. Her hear wound was deep and badly scarred. The Light had completely gone out. Only he would be able to renew that light. She felt as if she died a thousands deaths, eaach one more painful then the first. How she wished she could bring happiness back but it all seemed like a lost cause. She sat for hours just staring at the water, clutching the bear in her grasp not wanting to ever let go... Finally after many long hours; slowly and painfully she was able to get up and walk back to her home, Her head hung low with sadness, Her heart destroyed beyond repair. How again she hoped for days of yesterday when they were happy and free. A very tiny glimmer of hope started to glow, yet quickly went out. Too tired and spent from the days events she made her way slowly onward in hopes that she'll wake to find ; that indeed this had been a very frightening nightmare; and that her love would still be waiting for her in their usual meeting spot. Tender Dreams and Silent Wishes ================================================================== From: Catherine47 - - - - 10/9/02   Alone in the silence her tears she cried. As she pondered on the reason of one question why. In this life the heart can break into two. But alas after a dormant sleep a heart begins to renew. There will be another to open again a sleeping quiet heart. That will love you as you are from the very start. The mind reads logic unlike the words a heart hears. The voice of a open accepting heart again draws love so near. Its listening to your heart that calms away frightened fears. When opening the heart to trust again, one can find love perhaps in the eyes in a new found friend. Let the emotions of your heart again still feel, that in this world that we live in loves still alive and so real. For then when we let the heart heal. love can again begin to grow. At times the process is hard long so slow. Paitence, compassion and accpetance makes the heart again know. That love will find you again the heart flourishes to grow.            Queen gf I love the way you write so elequently. I hope you don't mine me adding my own words too as well....LOve you too Cath ================================================================== From: ME - - - - 10/11/02 You may add your words to mine anytime Cath!! You are simply amazing!! It actually blends in Beautifully as if it's suppossed to be one. Thank You Cath for adding such Beautiful words ==================================================================

A Poem for you all

From: catherine47 - - - - Sent: 8/25/2002 11:44 AM Its the nicest feeling I sure know. Having chat friends like you all so. Each time I see you its so worthwhile, those bright glowing shinning smiles. This poem may sound mushy as you read it through. I'm lucky having the privledge of knowing each and everyone of you. For people like you I have encountered really touch my heart. Our the most wonderfulest of friends from   the very start. It so nice chatting in this room with all of you each day. It brightens my smile is the best of way. So now my poem its all done. Take care GBU each and everyone single one

You may be an Old Detroiter if...

From: Dreamwell - - - - 7/28/02 11:53pm =================================================================== Most of you are probably too young to remember these....but there just may be a few out there that remember. ( I'm waaaaay to young...lol)  You took a "moonlight cruise" to Bob-Lo with Captain Bob-Lo or took the bus to Edgewater Amusement Park, or rode the coaster at Jefferson Beach. You remember cheering from one end of the tunnel to the other while going to Belle Isle.  The big stove was on Jefferson Ave at the entrance to Belle Isle. You rented bikes or rode horses or the horse drawn carriages on Belle Isle. You golfed after dark at the lighted Belle Isle par three course, played tennis(?) on the lighted courts too!  You shopped at Hughes and Hatcher, B. Siegel, Peck and Peck, Himelhoch's, Federal's, or Berlin's. The "Street Cars" ran on tracks down the center of Gratiot.  The "car barns" were at Gratiot and Harper and the turntable was called "Ca-ga- looop." You've ever played on the escalator at J. L. Hudson's downtown. You rode the elevator, which was "run" by an elevator operator. You remember when Eastland and Northland were NEW and not enclosed malls. You remember any mayors other than Young and Archer and you know who Cobo was. You remember what you were doing when you got word there was a "riot" going on. You remember a Winkleman's store! in your neighborhood.  You thought driving to Southfield, was going "out to the country." You remember the mineral bath smell of Mt. Clemens.  You remember the "Big Snow." Buffalo Bob, Howdy Doody, Clarabell, Phineas T. Bluster, Princess Winter-fall-summer-spring. Plunk your magic twanger, froggy! "Hi ya, Hi ya, hi Ya kids!"  You remember Twin Pines Dairy delivered milk and juice to the chute on the side of your house ... and Milky the Clown performed magic with the magic words "Twin Pines." You remember the Good Humor man in a white uniform and bow tie, ringing the bells and riding down your street.  You saw Marvin Gaye sing at the Olympia Stadium or the Twenty Grand Lounge. Sock Hops at Notre Dame High School with Lee Allen, Stevie Wonder, Bob Seger and the Last Heard or the Rationals.  You remember Olympia Stadium.  Waterford was where your neighbors cottage was.  You remember when Vernor's was made on Woodward and the bearded troll was on the bottle.  You drank Towne Club pop (or Grilli's or Oh-So or Atlas). You bought groceries at Big Bear, Great Scott, Lipson's, Dixfield's, National or Chatham's.  Your Mom saved Holden Red Stamps, S&H Green Stamps or Gold Bell Stamps. Kresge's and Woolworth's were "DIME STORES!" Silverstein's was like going to a candy store for all of the Army and Navy surplus stuff. Your school took a bus trip to "the cider mill" and had donuts and cider after the tour. Your school took a bus trip to Kellogg's in Battle Creek.  You had an Uncle in the furniture business (Joshua Doore).  You know who Bill Kennedy is.  You shopped at Arlans, Shopper's Fair, Federals, Korvettes. You remember this telephone number: Tyler 8-7100 (Belvedere Construction) and the slogan "We do good work." Your phone number may have started with Lakeview, Tyler, Kenwood, Diamond, Trinity, Twinbrook, Melrose, Madison, Townsend, Plaza, Prescott, Olive, Walnut or Cadillac. You saw the Detroit Lions play football in Tiger Stadium or if you're a little older, Brigg's Stadium. You remember this phrase "suga is suga and salt is salt, if you didn't get off it's not my fault."  You shopped at Crowley's.  You remember Black Bart, and the Faygo pop song being sung on the Bob-Lo boat. "Which way did he go? Which way did he go?"  You watched Rita Bell's Prize Movie.  You know who Sonny Elliot is. Do you remember him using the chalk on a map of Michigan (and "Enga-dinga dinga-dine")? Or holding snakes at the Children's zoo on Belle Isle? You remember Jack LeGoff, Van Patrick, or George Perot.  You remember Soupy Sales, Johnny Ginger, The Friendly Giant, Jingles, Mr. Dressup, Poopdeck Paul and Captain Jolly.  You visited the Wonder Bread Bakery and got to take home a mini loaf of bread but, you weren't cool unless you ate Silvercup bread. You have a picture of yourself sitting on the pony that seemed to make it down everyone's street.  Your zip code was only one or two digits - Detroit 19, Michigan  You had a (Shaffer's) breadman and a (Brickley's) milkman.  We knew a Twin Pines milk man and a Jewel Coffee man and a Fuller Brush Man. You remember "Stay on the right track, to 9 Mile and Mack. Roy O'brien trucks and cars make you money back"  You remember the PURE and GULF gas stations. The "Gas Wars." Gas for seventeen cents a gallon.  Your house had a laundry chute and a milk chute, maybe even a coal chute. You remember Primo's Pizza or Carbone's Pizza, The Red Barn, Powers, Henry's, Top Hat, Herc's Beef Buffet, Big Boy's Drive-In, Tom's Tavern and Ted's 5x5, the Totem Pole or Richard's drive-in. You attended a wedding reception or a banquet at Roma Hall.  You banked at Detroit Bank & Trust or National Bank of Detroit. If you remember all of this you are definitely an OLD Detroiter! =================================================================== From: MI_Rosepetal - - - - 9/21/02 1:03pm Guess I may be an old phart -- I lived 4 blocks from Eastland -- the outside strip shopping center... and they had a "carnival" in the parking lot from time-to-time. Went to Shopper's Fair, Arlans, and Winklemans. Wasn't allowed to watch Soupy Sales because he was too silly Poop-Deck Paul and Captain Jolly were my heros at 5 pm on Channel 9 for Popeye. Listened to CKLW on am transister radio The "Sunday Drive" was out Utica Road to the "cookie factory". There was a little airport (airfield) at 14 and Ryan Road. 8 Mile Road only had two lanes each direction. Walked or took the DSR bus to school (and had to transfer buses on the way) Remember the push-button transmission in the Dodge Dart (kewl car with "fins") Remember sitting in art class when hearing about the President being shot - and the class praying for him to make it (and it was a public school). The Amboy Dukes (Ted Nugent) playing at my high school dance. The dress code in school being abolished in 12th grade Went to the Olympia to watch the Junior Red Wings followed by the regular Wings Remember my first "black" teacher -- Miss Ruby Jones -- in Junior High School typing class  (in fact, only had three blacks teachers my entire school lifetime and one was an intern) Driver's training was all on school property in their driver's training lot (complete with traffic light). School milk was in glass bottles -- 2 cents for white, 3 cents for chocolate =================================================================== From: AndyMan - - - - 9/22/02 1:26pm You know who Sonny Elliot is. Do you remember him using the chalk on a map of Michigan (and "Enga-dinga dinga-dine")? Sat on plane with him from Detroit to Rome and back form London to Detroit back in 1972, we had fun and he even signed a postcard of the plane we were on for me WHOOOHOO!!!!!!! Then in 1984 sat next him at a Tigers game, damn he even remembered me, or so he said LMAO.

Memorial; for those who have Lost Loved Ones!!

** Update ** 2 days after this original post appeared on the MSN Group, my brother Robert James passed away in his sleep between 6am - 7am 7/19/02 1 week before his 41st birthday (perhaps a premonition) Originally written From: ME - - - -  7/17/02 =================================================================== A poem I found on another community I belong to http://groups.msn.com/shystar This is dedicated to all those who  lost loved ones and are still trying to get their lives back in order!! Please know they are watching you and smiling down upon you. They only wish the best for you!! From: REX - - - - 7/10/2002 6:38 AM When I must leave you for a little while, Please don't grieve and shed  your tears, Or hug your sorrow to you through the years.  But start out bravely with a great big smile, and for my sake, and in my name, live on, and do all things the same. Feed not your loneliness on empty days, But fill each working hour in useful ways. Reach out your hand, in comfort and cheer, And I, in return will comfort you and hold you near. And never ever be afraid to die...........For I am waiting for you in the sky!!!   I'm sorry for your loss shy, Maybe this will help you cope I saw it on a headstone where my mom is buried.... peace and love to you and yours..

Life's Questions Unanswered

I walk slowly along the waters edge. Thinking of days gone by, Wondering what will become of the life I am leaving behind. Will they think of me when I'm gone, Will they care that I have left? I can only wonder what their thoughts will be. Will they miss me when they notice I have not been around? Me thinks not. For I am but nothing to them, Does not my tears flow everytime they felt pain? Whose tears will fall for me? Will there even be tears? What has my life meant to them? Have I even made a difference? Have I ever touched a soul or two? All these things to think about as I walk along this lonely path. Wondering what their life would be had they not crossed my path. Have I contributed somewhat to their existance or have I made their life worse? I can feel the water 'neath my toes, so cool and refreshing. The air so crisp and warm. Feels so relaxing. The question remains... Will anyone miss me while I'm gone? Do I take it all away or do I stay to face another day? Why these questions must I ask myself? Why must I wonder these feelings Will I ever feel loved and needed from others or must I love alone? I *sigh* at these questions I ask myself. I should not worry though for one day the truth will shine. But is it a truth I look forward too? Too many questions, so little time. I walk on along the beach, listening to the sounds. They sing to me, they comfort me, they relax me. Maybe my questions will never be answered. But If I leave now I may never get the answers. SO I SHALL STAY YET ANOTHER DAY. Lonely? Perhaps. But at least I'll be able to search what I'm looking for. =================================================================== From: Catherine47 - - - - 7/4/02 Yourpoem it speaks of your inner beauty. A facet of you thats uniquely very special so rare. Asking a question would people remember me, my reply is yes they would this is what I see. You have a endless depth of love. the way you show you care. For in your life such a question gets answered every day. The love you express to others thats the answer to I would say. People as you they touch others like myself profoundly. Leaving in them the best of you, thats your very special style. You take time to make others feel important, so very worth while. So in seeking out the answer its thier inside of you, the gift of yourself to others my sweetest friend thats the real clue. So know as I do others surely too  yes see, the gift you give of yourself to another, is how God intended you to be. For when its all been said been done. This too others will always recall. At the moments when we slip in life, your the first to catch a freinds fall. Sosmile keep on loving thats the beautiful gift within just you.

Magic Of A HUG!

The Magic Of A Hug   Warm and Tender, Gentle and Loving: A simple HUG can do so much. It can soothe a sadden heart, It can tell someone you love their friendship!! The Magic powers of a Hug is so powerful and true. It will shed away your tears and will bring you smiles and cheer You can say how much you really care w/a long Embrace. No words are needed when your arms open wide for that tender Hug. You can touch so many people & change their lives, all with a simple hug.  The magic powers of a Simple Hug can do so much!! Let's Keep on HUGGING!! ===================== It's time we started hugging more and fighting less. Our lives are getting shorter as the days go by. We need to remember that life is special. We need to spread happiness and cheer. We all have our bad days but if we remember to offer hugs more than once a day we'll find that those days don't mean much. It's the loveof all our friends and family that matter most. Let's stop hurting each other with words we don't mean. LOVE&HUGS IS ALL WE NEED TO SURVIVE!! ========================================= From: Catherine47 - - - - 6/24/02 As my sister states hugs express how we care. It takes only two arms and the warmth of a gentle touch, that says I too care. A hug can up lift make some one smile. They feel like they're important truely worth while. So even when chatting say it with ((((((hugs))))) to those you know. Then happiness blossoms as kindness grows. It doesn't cost anyone to say for you I care. Isn't that better then arguments, to show as a family we feel and  sincerely care. ========================================= From: ME - - - - 9/11/02 Words were never more truely spoken then from our hearts. Our wisdom. Let's bring our hearts to the Surface!! ========================================= From: Catherine47 - - - - 9/13/02 Awwwwww gf I sure the way you write. I agree too. Cath ========================================= From: SmokelessBeast - - - - 9/14/02 ((((((((((((ALL)))))))))))) ========================================= From: ME - - - - 3/24/04 Too many times a hug is lost among the kiss. The magic of a kiss seems all but forgotten. The arms that held when times were sad. The arms that held when times were glad. All seem to have disappeared. The touch that felt so comforting and safe. The touch that said of something deeper. When words just wouldn't express the heart. It was the hug; the kiss; the touch, that said the needed words from within its depth. Surely this can't be the future? Where are these needed necessities? The all night hugs that made you feel safe at night? The long passionate kisses that made you feel desirable and loved? Just where were these things that made a person feel whole? Have they really all disappeared? What happened to holding hands in public? Where is the kiss that was something special; not just something you did out of habit? Was this the sign of the ending of love? Is that too gonna disappear? Isn't it the hug, the kiss, being held all night that shows the greatest of love? The eyes don't always see. The heart can't always feel. But the touch is forever. It's the healing of everything that is special. Can any of us really survive without the special hugs, kisses, and touch of love? I honestly don't believe love can survive without any of these! Please: Before it's too late! Hold someone in your arms and give them security. Kiss them to make them feel special. The strongest love there is, comes from the human touch(the hug, the kiss, the holding)! What more can be said? =========================================

A Poem by Cath in earnest too

From: catherine47 - - - - Sent: 6/17/2002 10:14 AM I like to write its how I can express things I feel or want to say. My words are not meant to hurt or offend in any type of way. What is that part of us we keep locked away so tightly inside. Keeping it guraded soemtimes form others we hide. Just a small little piece of us, that maybe at times finds it hard to believe or trust. We won't release showing others it, but maybe sometimes we just must. I guess I'm one of those simple minded people for in this big world I still sorta believe, that theres good in lots of folks to perceive. If we open our eyes to take a look. Aren't we all just the same like a best selling book Theres such an abundance of awesome context within each person it true. Why would I think this well its because your you. I guess to simply state it in my own humble Cath kinda way. I will explain it with these words I say. To be accepting and tolerant to understand. Each persons part of Gods sorta greater plan. People any of us walk through life, wearing our own pair of shoes. In the end its how we all treat other people, its only a choice we ourselves alone can choose. So when making such choices in the end. This little thought im sharing to send. The true beauty in life is such as so. Share kindess and love let that prosper and grow. The richest treasure can only be measured by the way people care. Its the best gift freely given by a heart one wears. So caring here greatly my message now done. Lets keep our chat family strong and loving and loads of fun. So thank you my friends listening some. Caths poems now over alas im done ..

For Lauren my thoughts are with you gf

From: catherine47 - - - - Sent: 6/2/2002 9:41 PM   I think to myself what words can one friend offer too see you through. At this sad time to comfort you. So I look within my own heart to say what it honestly feels. Trying to do it the best I can very real. Its always so very hard losing someone we love when they die. Our heart aches badly we begin to cry. We internally struggle within ourselves, asking that question of why. Did they leave us now so all alone? From this eartly place they once to called home. For that lingering question of the reason why. Well I have within me this only I always know to try. To rely upon my faith trusting in Gods true word. Knowing with quiet reflection prayers never go unheard. This is what in my own heart I honestly percieve. With all that I trust in God I greatly believe. For at any given moment God may call anyone of us with him to be. I think God lessens lifes hardships, as our spirits set free. While we all are sad in pain knowing will greatly miss someone we loved. I'm drawing comfort in knowing thier now in Gods hands above. Smiling back down now at me. I think that they tell me heavens a wonderous place. That they know it firsthand as they have seen now Gods smiling face. Then I think also they want te tell me this to each one of you. They still reside in your hearts to stay thier now too. So if you close your eyes softly looking, to that quiet corner within the depth of your heart. That love lives on it never parts.  By Cath

In Memory Of Lauren's Father who Passed Away this past week

From: (ME) §wêët Hóñë¥ - - - - Sent: 6/1/2002 12:02 PM I am home in heaven dear ones,oh so happy and so bright There is perfect joy and beauty in this ever lasting light All the pain and grief is over, every restless tossing passed I am now at peace forever, safely home in heaven at last! Did you wonder why I so calmly trod the valley of the shade ? Oh,but Jesus' love illuminated every dark and fearful glade And he came himself to meet me in the way so hard to tread And with Jesus' arm to lean on could Ihave one doubt or dread Then you must not grieve so sorely for I love you dearly still Try to look beyond earth's shadows pray to trust our father's will There is work still waiting for you so you must not idly stand Do it now while life remaniyh you shall rest in Jesus' land When that work is all completed he will gently call you home Oh the rapture of that meeting oh the joy to see you come !!!! =================================================================== My deepest Thanks From: LaurenR_1 - - - - Sent: 6/2/2002 1:45 PM To all my friends and family in this room.... I want to Thank You all for your love,sympathy,support and concern for me through this terribly hard time in my life.I am truly grateful for all your kind words,e-mails, phone calls, and the card and gift at the party. It truly made me cry to see such an outpouring of love and care. And I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.   Lauren

What I've Learned in Life

I've Learned ============= I've learned.... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person. I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows. I've learned.... That just one person saying to me, "You've made my day!" makes my day. I've learned.... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world. I've learned.... That being kind is more important than being right. I've learned.... That you should never say no to a gift from a child. I've learned.... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way. I've learned.... That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with. I've learned.... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand. I've learned.... That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult. I've learned.... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes. I've learned.... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for. I've learned.... That money doesn't buy class. I've learned.... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular. I've learned... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved. I've learned.... That the Lord didn't do it all in one day. What makes me think I can? I've learned.... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts. I've learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you. I've learned.... That love, not time, heals all wounds. I've learned.... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am. I've learned.... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile. I've learned.... That there's nothing sweeter than sleeping with your babies and feeling their breath on your cheeks. I've learned.... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them. I've learned.... That life is tough, but I'm tougher. I've learned.... That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss. I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere. I've learned.... That I wish I could have told my Mom that I loved her one more time before he passed away. I've learned.... That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them. I've learned.... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. I've learned.... That I can't choose how I feel, but I can choose what I do about it. I've learned.... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it. I've learned ... That it is best to give advice in only two circumstances; when it is requested and when it is a life threatening situation. I've learned.... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.   Written by navy (navycross; Dutch)

Someone special....

From: brattyKelli - - - - Sent: 5/27/2002 9:45 PM Chatting is one thing, meeting is another... Someone special crossed my path in chat... He has reminded me of the important things in life, and how valueable it is! Consider the things we share with each other publicly and privately, and the trust that is implied. Respect is the key, and flattery of sharing one's most private thoughts is a priviledge of only a few...Happy Chatting!!

Memorial Day

From: catherine47 - - - - Sent: 5/27/2002 1:51 PM On this special Memorial Day, I stop to reflect along the way. To those many men and woman who served our country so best. Fighting for freedom being put to such a courageous test. Many fought with valor, honnor and pride. Many returned home and many too died. Each ones a hero in thier own right. Standing up for freedom serving our country to fight. So in remembering the people who fought too keep freedom alive for you and me. Thier the  the most awesome kind of hero's to be. Thankyou to all of you who have served and kept me  and all of us free. =================================================================== From: Tractor630 - - - - Sent: 5/27/2002 3:18 PM Thanks from us   Tractor

Rules about Men

One for the guys We're always hearing "the rules" from the feminine side. OK - well now hear the guys' side - These are our rules! Please note ... these are all numbered "1" ON PURPOSE! 1. Learn to work the toilet seat. You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down. 1. Birthdays, Valentines, and Anniversaries are not quests to see if we can find the perfect present yet again! 1. Sometimes, we are not thinking about you. Live with it. 1. Do not ask us what we are thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as navel lint, the shotgun formation, and NASCAR. 1. Sunday = sports. It's like the full moon or the changing of the tides. Let it be. 1. Shopping is NOT a sport, and no, we are never going to think of it that way. 1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine. Really!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 1. Crying is blackmail. 1. Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this one: Subtle hints do not work. Strong hints do not work. Obvious hints do not work. Just say it! 1. We don't remember dates. Mark birthdays and anniversaries on a calendar. Remind us frequently beforehand. 1. Most guys own three pairs of shoes - tops. What makes you think we'd be any good at choosing which pair, out of thirty, would look good with your dress? 1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question. 1. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's what we do. Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for. 1. A headache that lasts for 17 months is a problem. See a doctor. 1. Check your oil! Please. 1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In fact, all comments become null and void after 7 days. 1. If you won't dress like the Victoria's Secret girls, don't expect us to act like soap opera guys. 1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one. 1. You can either ask us to do something or tell us how you want it done - not both. If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself. 1. Whenever possible, please say whatever you have to say during commercials. 1. Christopher Columbus did not need directions, and neither do we. 1. The relationship is never going to be like it was the first two months we were going out. Get over it. And quit whining to your girlfriends. 1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings. Peach, for example, is a fruit, not a color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is. 1. If it itches, it will be scratched. We do that. 1. We are not mind readers and we never will be. Our lack of mind-reading ability is not proof of how little we care about you. 1. If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing," we will act like nothing's wrong. We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle. 1. I'm in shape. - ROUND is a shape   written by navy (Navycross; Dutch)

My Hero by Cath

From: catherine47 - - - - Sent: 5/25/2002 11:08 AM My hero, someone special, so very dear and near to me. She is unlike any hero that could ever be. She has this incredible inner core of courage, remarkable strength that I have always depended and relied upon. She helped me grow inside so very strong. For a long time ago a serious illness infected her once so. Luekemia's a tough battle, too, she did know. She fought such incredible odds, Over coming them with the greatest of strength. Going the distance such the longest of length. A little small hero I always looked up to. Such courage and strength even today still see's me through. At the lowest of times when life grew difficult, you eased my heart calming my fears. Back long ago then and still now through the years. My littlest hero, your my grown hero today. How I love you the greatest in every single way. For Gods blessed my life greatly with a hero as you. You are the most courageous of heros to me, its so true. Though you know how much I love you, each tear shed and cried. You always kept on going that much harder you tried, to be stronger focused, showing me always the way. As you did way back then, as you do even today.