Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
Good morning my Friends,
I thought I would let you know that I will be taking a break from LymeNet for awhile. Big changes are underway... and I am so excited that I can hardly stand myself!
So many of you have been simply amazing with your support to me over the years. You have seen me through the worst days with incredible advice, understanding and life saving information... and you have seen me through the best days with the most generous words of love and well wishes.
Over 6 1/2 years ago when I first came here, you took me under your collective wings, offering wisdom, hope and friendship. You watched me struggle with grad school and supported my eventual decision to put that dream on hold and take an emergency withdrawal.
Then, a year later, you celebrated with me as I returned to my studies and eventually graduated. You may not know this, but you all were my only family in attendance and I have no doubt in my mind that I would have never accomplished that goal w/out you.
Over 4 years ago, you helped me realize a long-term dream through a move from Colorado to California. The future was uncertain, but with your support, we did it! I have cherished every day here, but unfortunately, once here I relapsed or was most likely reinfected... and now that dream too has to be put on hold for a short while until I can get back to a more consistent place healthwise.
So, once again, it is time for a move... and some really amazing opportunities for adventures both East and South have manifested just at the most perfect moment.
The adventures East will consist of a lengthy trip out to Maryland. 3 weeks of seeing old and new friends culminating in attending the annual LDA and ILADS 3 day conferences in DC. Then, I will be flying back to CA to pick up some things, my car and Big Bob, to take an extended Road Trip South from San Francisco to New Orleans with various stops along the way seeing the sights again and visiting yet more friends!
Our great fellow LymeNetter and my past Road Tripper Just Don will be joining me then too! So it is expected to be a wonderful time. We have already planned stops in Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas to see a few Lymenet family members!
As some of you may recall... my family is all in New Orleans, so this is 'going home' for me. I've not been back since 2001, before I became really ill, so there is a lot to catch up on ... and I hope to get somewhat involved, as health permits, with the rebuilding efforts still going on since Katrina hit 4 years ago.
I'm also really looking forward to spending the holidays with my family... that hasn't happened since I moved away over 27 years ago. And, the opportunity to convalesce for awhile while digging out from the bottomless financial hole I find myself in currently will be so appreciated.
After the beginning of the year, I expect to return to the Bay Area, at which time, I'll re-settle and begin a business partnership with one of my dearest friends who is currently living in Seattle.
Soooo, with all that going on over the next few months... I know my computer time will be limited. I'm sure I won't be able to resist checking in every now and again to see how things are going with each of you... and please do continue to contact me when needed through the Memorial site link below.
One of my mother-in-laws favorite sayings was `A Change is as Good as a Rest'... and you know what? She really was a very wise woman.
Much love as always, Melanie
Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003
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kam
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 3410
posted
Wow.
[ 09-20-2009, 12:12 PM: Message edited by: kam ]
Posts: 15927 | From Became too sick to work or do household chores in 2001. | Registered: Dec 2002
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LisaS
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10581
posted
Hope you and Justdon have a wonderful safe trip! You're story is very touching!
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Melanie,
First, I say "oh,no!" because you post many links to great articles. Thank you for all that.
Then, I say "sorry" for your plans and health not going the way you had hoped.
Mostly, I wish you the best of luck, fun, health and happiness on your journey (the whole journey, that is). I understand what it is to be far from family. I hope that feels very right and nurturing.
Hugs to you! -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
melanie, no one deserves this more than YOU and our humorist JUST DON !! sounds like a fabulous trip touring to meet other lymenetters and the ilads conference hearing of all the progress on things.
wow, a FAMILY CHRISTMAS TOGETHER!! that will be very special and recuperating with them taking care of YOU will be wonderful for the soul.
best wishes for SAFE TRIPS on all you have planned.
we wish you both the best; we'll miss you but knowing you both are having FUN will be just what we, your lymenet doctors, are ordering for the 2 of you. hugs/kisses to you both ....
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feelfit
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12770
posted
Melanie,
Best to you on your journey! And you will have a wonderful travelling companion in JustDon....
I hope that your time is all that you envision it to be and even more!
Feelfit
Posts: 3975 | From usa | Registered: Aug 2007
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Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
You all are THE BEST! Thank you so much for the words of encouragement and well wishes. I'm currently up to my eyeballs in boxes, but wanted to acknowledge my appreciation to each of you. (Lou B... no fair making me cry this early in the morning!)
I've had a few requests for news along the way, so am hoping to be able to do that over the next few months. And perhaps we can get those we visit to update as well?
First stop... TC... I'm sure she will have something to say! And please DO remember...
'Consider the Source!' HA! Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003
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kam
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 3410
posted
First stop is the moon! Wow. it is going to be down hill after that.
Posts: 15927 | From Became too sick to work or do household chores in 2001. | Registered: Dec 2002
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aklnwlf
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 5960
posted
ROAD TRIP!!!!
Hi there Melanie,
I'm going to miss your posts.
I'm also a firm believer in never missing the opportunity for high adventure.
Adventures are a sure way to optimize personal growth.
Funny, I was just talking to someone about going to New Orleans last night.
I was watching Bizzare Foods with Andrew Zimmern, who was doing a segment on the Gulf Coast area and New Orleans came up.
I've never been there but have been to Gulfport Mississippi because we used to have family friends there.
I almost went to Dauphin Island Alabama this summer but ended up having to spend that money for property improvement.
Loved meeting you, TC, ConnieMC and Robi in NC and am looking forward to when you return here.
Love, Joann
-------------------- Do not take this as medical advice. This comment is based on opinion and personal experience only.
Alaska Lone Wolf Posts: 5769 | From Columbus, GA | Registered: Jul 2004
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Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
Good morning Joann,
It was wonderful to meet you as well at Dr. J's hearing. Goodness, has it really been 3 years already?
I'm going to spend some time with Robi very soon... so will pass on your message to her. Perhaps you can make that visit to New Orleans once I get there? It would be lovely to see you again in the Big Easy. Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
melanie, your pm box is full fyi only
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merrygirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12041
posted
have a great time!!! Be safe, you will be missed my friend! thanks for being my friend,
good luck, hugs, melissa
Posts: 3905 | From USA | Registered: May 2007
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posted
Melanie - maybe everyone on Kam's flying limo/sailboat odyssey could meet up with you somewhere - where there's water/margaritas/campfire etc.
Posts: 13101 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
Good evening all!
Just popping in quickly to say hello and to let you know that you are each missed very much!
Happy Holidays to all!
Much love, M
Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003
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-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96063 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
wow, that's great. to meet some of the people on this board and your trip sounds fantastic.
if anybody ever comes through the fort worth area, you are more than welcome to look me up.
please be careful on your trip and have a blast.
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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kam
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 3410
posted
Glad to hear you made it safely. Good to meet you in person. All the best to you.
Posts: 15927 | From Became too sick to work or do household chores in 2001. | Registered: Dec 2002
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