(DAD, JUST IN CASE YOU DIDN'T KNOW)

My Daddy, I love you,
and I love to see you smile.
I love it when you laugh at my jokes,
especially when I was a child.

When I was small I loved it
when you would lift me as high as you can.
You made it excitingly possible,
for me to fly like Superman!

It did more than just excite me,
you showed me how much you cared.
I enjoy our fun times together,,,
and learnt from the hard times we've shared.

I love it when you call me "possum".
I like it that you know all kinds of things.
It helps me learn how to grow up -
You know the ins and outs of everything!

I remember when riding on your motor-bike
and I clinged to you real tight.
I loved to go very fast
through the "Poets Corner" streets at night.

I love that you really like the funnies
and you always have a funny to tell.
I also love that you never give up,
even when things aren't going so well.

At night, I loved to hear Dad's distant voice
when talking about the day with Mum.
It was a comfort to know that you were still up,
to fight off scary monsters that may come.

I love that you give anything a try
even when it seems impossible.
And when I was small, I loved that you were tall...
because then I could always find you.

I remember standing on your orange lunchbox
and kissing my Daddy goodbye.
I loved the feel of your "wiskas" (beard)
I really can't explain why.

I love how and when you whistle a tune
through your "toothy pegs" - 2 front teeth.
And love that my Dad had a bushy beard
which hides a cute dimple underneath.

I love when you call me "sweety"
and your hugs are always number one.
I love all of your special names for things,
(I know you learnt them from your Mum).

I loved the day you took me to school -
and was proud of the Father I had.
The kids told me you walked funny,
but to me you just walked like my Dad.

When I was sick and in hospital
I loved that you came to see me.
Even though I was half asleep at the time
I knew you were there and was happy.

I love our little chats together
when you drove me here and everywhere.
To my blood tranfusions, every single time;
I loved that you drove me there.

I'm now too heavy to be a Superman,
but still I know that you care.
You listen to me when we talk together
and I just love the common elements we share:

I love the wave in our hair...
I love the body so tall...
I really like our creativity...
and I appreciate our allergies and all!

I know that it's hard for you sometimes
to ask for help, when once you could do it.
I love how it inspires your care for people;
they like you, and you lift their spirit.

I like it when you make us all laugh.
I love your smile, sincerely I do.
It lights up your face, your life and your family...
that's why we're in love with you.

JA

Bionic J - wow...thanks so much for sharing...you're quite talented and this was clearly written from the heart.

Gayle & Lou (from Hawaii)

Ah, Julie, definitely a poem from the heart. Brought tears to my eyes. What a special relationship you have with your dad!

Pub? Chris, we're expecting you & Judith to host the lot of us.

Julie,
Now when is the next one coming from your pen.???

Sharon,
Sorry, I am keeping the bit of spare cash for a really good blow out at my funeral.!!!! But you will not be charged for attending.

Got a stinking cold, lots of congestion and phlem behind my nose, a sore throat and diarroear (how do you spell it?) so not one of my best days.
Got to live for tomorrow, it has to be better than this.!!!!
Chris

Chris, Hope you get to feeling better soon, getting sick is no fun, and if you have MDS, it worse....will be praying for you...Janet

Thanks Janet,

Just as a small compensationb, I found I have won 64 on our National Lottery yesterday. Doesn't make me feel any better, but it is the best win I have had in several years. The big one eludes me, and next Friday the Euromillions Lottery will have a top prize of about 61 million. No I am not joking.!
Chris.

Hi....I think my question a couple of days ago may have been too general. I've been monitoring blood counts since mid February when I was told that some were low, especially involving wbc which is 2.08. I've obviously got a Neutrophil problem because it was a low .81 in February and this week .56. I have to do some travel starting next week, so my doctor has prescribed a shot of Neupogen this week on once weekly while I'm gone....four weeks. Is anyone else using or have experience with Neupogen?

Yes I was on Neupogen (G-CSF), and it helped me a lot. Gave me a lot of bone pain... but it did what it's supposed to. Hang in there. Hope it works well for you! And your trip runs smoothly. I remember the first injection I had to do myself... it took me about half an hour to get the needle in! But after that, it was easy.

Thanks everyone for your encouraging words about my poem. I've been sick the past few days too. Bad stomach bug. So happy for you though, Chris! If you win those millions... we can certainly all come over to SHARE your birthday with you. That is if you're willing to share... ? (your millions I mean) Hope you are feeling better today.

Have a good day all!

~ bionocJ

Hi Everyone - Aloha from Hawaii,

Lou and I are enjoying our visit with family on the North Shore of Oahu. Check out all the photos I've posted on Facebook..."Gayle Najera".

We've enjoyed our visit so far...but too many mosquitoes for me...out here in the jungle. We're off to Waikiki for two nights (Mon-Tues) and then back here for two nights and then we'll be home on Saturday.

Raining today...but it's a bit cooler ...very muggy too.

Gayle & Lou

PS - Chris, I hope you're better soon. No time for sickness.

Hi everyone,

Glad to read all the posts. I am usually so tired after work that even loggin on the computer is an effort. I am just waiting for my next appointment on may 18 to see how well the iron infusions are holding. Last hemoglobin was 11. Watching and waiting is hard. Hope everyone is feeling as good as they can.

Chris - hope you are feeling better.

Jules - loved your poem and cannot wait to hear more, keep writing, it's good for the soul

Gayle and Lou - glad you are enjoying Hawaii

I know that waiting game, been there....now we are waiting until May 14 to see if my husband's counts stay up...my motto is 'one day at a time'...Janet

I guess I'm an official member now. I gave myself my first shot of Neupogen today...Ouch! Ouch, partly because the New Zealand system doesn't support any MDS medications.
I've also bought a surgical face mask for my 14 hour flight on Monday. Hopefully I won't get seated next to someone with Streph throat or some such. I'm looking forward to this trip. I've got a 14 month old grandson who I haven't seen in a year. The following week, I've got another 14 hour flight from LA to Athens. Risky, but I figure that the symptoms are going to catch up with the counts sooner or later.
Best to all.
Jon

Jon,

I have been advised and for the last year have worn a very expensivbe face mask, that totally seals itself under my chin and all aroung whenever I fly. Four bits of advice,
1. Put it on before you enter the plane
2. Change it for a new one half way through the flight,
3. If you want to eat and/or drink on the plane, sip/ eat a mouthful and hold your breath, and put the face mask back on between sips/ mouthfuls.
4. Dont take it off until you have left the plane and are in ther Airport.

Good safe flying, is very important to us.
Chris.

well I am off to take my dad to florida to go fishing! he is so excited! he had his 3 units last week to last him til we get back! pray it last that long! see you all when I return.