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
Posted by kam (Member # 3410) on :
Wow.
[ 09-20-2009, 12:12 PM: Message edited by: kam ]
Posted by LisaS (Member # 10581) on :
Hope you and Justdon have a wonderful safe trip! You're story is very touching!
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- 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! -
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
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 ....
Posted by feelfit (Member # 12770) on :
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
Posted by Lou B (Member # 64) on :
Oh Mel,
You and JustDon ... how great is that? Enjoy every minute ...
I wish I could just hug you ... real tight. You go, girl ... and enjoy!!!
You know I love ya,
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
Congratulations on your big plans, Melanie! Sent you an email... - Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
Some of it's magic,
Some of it's tragic,
But I've had a good life,
All the way!
Hope you do too!
Posted by Melanie Reber (Member # 3707) on :
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! Posted by kam (Member # 3410) on :
First stop is the moon! Wow. it is going to be down hill after that.
Posted by aklnwlf (Member # 5960) on :
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
Posted by Melanie Reber (Member # 3707) on :
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. Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
melanie, your pm box is full fyi only
Posted by merrygirl (Member # 12041) on :
have a great time!!! Be safe, you will be missed my friend! thanks for being my friend,
good luck, hugs, melissa
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
Melanie - maybe everyone on Kam's flying limo/sailboat odyssey could meet up with you somewhere - where there's water/margaritas/campfire etc.
Posted by Melanie Reber (Member # 3707) on :
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
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Are you still on the road???
Safe travels!!!
Posted by randibear (Member # 11290) on :
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.
Posted by kam (Member # 3410) on :
Glad to hear you made it safely. Good to meet you in person. All the best to you.
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[woohoo]](graemlins/woohoo.gif)
![[kiss]](graemlins/kissing.gif)