Thank You

I cannot begin to thank each and every one of you who have helped me through this most difficult week. All of the thoughts and prayers were heard and my brother is on the mend. For that I thank you all.

When you are asked to come to a loved one's bedside to say goodbye, it is a moment you will never forget. I can't even begin to express the emotions that arise from such a conversation. A week ago tonight, this is exactly what I was told by my brother's personal nurse, Rosemary. I can tell you, I never want to hear those words again.

I have been surrounded by so many friends and family that have helped me through this painful experience. I cannot begin to thank each and every one; but I will try.

My brother Jim was my rock. He phoned me as soon as I arrived at the airport and met me at the hospital late Saturday night. And, he was there with me every day. Each day, we left the hospital only to have lunch; at which time he made sure it was a good lunch, of course. We hit our favorite restaurants; and it was a well needed break for both of us. The time he needed to be away, he phoned me, I phoned him; we stayed in close contact. I can't express how desperately needed he was by both me and our brother John. And he was there. Thank you, Jim, for holding me together.

To Mary Jane, my dear sister-in-law who took me in, cooked dinner and waited up each night, I owe you so much. Coming "home" made the day's tribulations disappear. I don't know what I would have done without you and Sunny (her kitty). And to MJ's family and friends, my niece Kelly, MJ's sister Trisha and her friend Tanya who phoned in every day to see how Johnny was doing, I send you my love and thanks.

For all the friends who phoned me to see if I needed anything, offer a bed, a bite to eat, a visit and offered their thoughts and prayers, I thank you. The GGC--Kelly, Amy and Pam--were there from the get-go. We made a pact during our reunion this fall that we were to keep each other posted on our ups and downs. It was them I sent my first email to explaining Johnny's condition. Knowing they had me covered for anything I needed made all the difference in the world. Thank you guys.

Linda, who was on the phone to me as soon as she heard, I thank you for our wonderful conversation. I can't tell you how peaceful it was to hear your voice and to know you were there, just a short drive away if I needed a place.

For all the personal emails and comments left on the blog that just warmed my heart, I thank you.

To Sherrie, the biggest thank you for popping in on such short notice to watch over mom in the boys' absence. How reassuring it was knowing mom was being taken care of in our absence was one less thing for me to worry about. You are the sweetest person ever.

The boys--the hub, the teenager and the kid--who pitched in and made sure mom didn't even miss me, all the phone calls, the reassurances and just knowing you were there, I give you all big hugs and kisses forever.

To Alisa, who is there by my brother's side, day and night and who made him smile ear to ear after he awoke and saw her walking in; I send you my warmest thanks and love. It was such a pleasure finally meeting you.

To the visitors who came by to visit John, I thank you. I know he heard each and every word of encouragement you whispered in his ear. I will never forget you.

And Rosemary, John's personal nurse, who admitted him to the hospital, pushed him to fight when he fell so ill, stayed on top of the doctors and kept us informed on what it all meant and who pulled us all together, you are our "Florence Nightingale." John is with us today because of you. Words cannot express the sincere gratitude we have for you. You are a true angel here on earth. (I swear I saw your wings.)

And all the nurses in the ICU. How awesome they all were. I thanked them all over and over again.

So you see, my family and friends, I have a lot to be thankful for. I am thankful for each and every one of you. Please know how much I appreciate everything. Every big thing. Every little thing. It all amounted to my brother getting better. And he will continue to get better because of us all. We all can make a difference. We all did make a difference.

Thank you.