My memory is not serving me well right now, and so I am unable to give the proper context to an old Irish story …..but it has to do with one of the United Irishmen, being questioned about possible regrets moments before he was executed. "No regrets," he said, "for I have sons to carry on from here." And that same belief in the "next generation" is something that I share ….not only when I read, with a delight that comes into sharp focus despite the post-surgery fog, the post "Our Father" that my oldest son placed here to let my friends know of my recent (and current) episode.

Words alone do not do justice to what I wish that I could say here and now. But, I think you know, and for the time being, that is enough for me. Not that I have the strength and ability to say much more now. I’ve got to resist the impulse to "do" something, anything, but to rest and try to gather the energy needed for all of the tomorrow’s that I absolutely plan to be a part of ….here, in my home, with my family, and friends, and yes, on DU.

My children have read a number of OPs and threads to me, and I can say that they have picked this old bag of aching bones up, much in the manner that my son Darren did on Saturday. The same strength and concern comes through. And even though it goes against my very nature to accept help – for that requires me to admit to we, wea, weak, weakn…..well, needing help – I do thank you. Your help is appreciated.

As a human being, I have some roadblocks in the way, that sometimes prevent me from doing what I need to do, to be well. And that isn’t limited to physical health. Corey read me a thread by someone, about rejection from family members, and I started thinking …..my mother, sister, brother-in-law, and a nephew live but six miles down the road. But I have not heard a peep from them ….in years ….since they last needed something from me. But, not a word in my time(s) of need. Maybe it is this type of common experience that allows us the strength to roll back some of those stones that would otherwise block our paths in life, and to find the ability to re-define what "family values" really are.

So. Back to the couch, and from there, to Ireland. My "boys" are headed there in late December – early January. Then, this summer, the six of us are going. I’ve been wanting to go there, to visit the dirt roads that my grandfather walked on, before coming to this land. We have to save up some money, obviously, but I’m not going to allow that type of worry to be a roadblock. Life is far too short. And I’ve got a lot of living to do.

Thank you, to everyone who has been taking part on the Wounded Waterman Threads.

Your friend,
Pat