I am so sorry for your loss.

I did not know your mother. But I see her compassion and caring in you.

You will make an excellent physician.

I am deeply sorry to hear this and I know it must be very difficult for you right now. I am certain your mother would be very proud of the plans you are making to become a doctor and help others.

I wish I knew how to set up a walk so I could help you with the information you need. However, this is a very diverse board and someone should come along with the knowledge you need to organize your walk.

Best,

I too have been fighting this for 20 years and I want to fight back - i just don't know how yet. I want so badly to make a difference. I had wanted to be a doctor to heal others. I pray for answers as to how I can contribute so that others will not suffer as your mother has.

I wish I knew of a way to help you, I will keep you in my prayers and know that someone will be along that will be able to help accomplish this with you.

Your decision to attend medical school is, indeed a wonderful tribute to your mothers pain and suffering.

I like to think of her suffering, as the bread crumbs in the forest, leading you on the path to a fulfilling life.

Im sure she is more than proud and pleased of your choice to join the healing profession and with her example you will be not just a doc but a caring healer.

I wish you well in all your endevors

And if the treatment helped in any way?

I know we are all different, but I am still curious.

I also know that I had a second bite with a ring around it in 2000.

It is heart warming to hear about your desire to turn a negative into a positive.

Any time is a tough time to loose someone you love, but I think this time of the year is even more difficult.

I am so sorry to hear of your loss.

It is something we all carry around in the back of our minds - how many people have passed away as a direct or in-direct effect of Lyme.

I am very sorry to hear about your mother. That is awful and very sad.

In the 1990s, my father died of complications of Lyme disease. For years, he had been mis-diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
I know how devastating it is to lose a loved one because a treatable illness was not diagnosed in time.

LYME WALK - may I suggest your contact either Alzheimer's or Arthritis org as they always have an annual one or BREAST CANCER in your area unless someone on here has the expertise also.

LYME PROCLAMATION - I'm newer to this board and don't know if the 50 states have ever had a LYME AWARENESS PROCLAMATION done for a certain day...is it May 13 which is Fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue date nationwide? If yes, ask to be present when your governor SIGNS it, and have it in the newspaper.

My First Christmas in Heaven
I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below,
With tiny lights like Heaven''s stars reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear,
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,
But the sound of music cannot compare with the Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring,
For it is beyond description to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me. I see the pain inside your heart,
But I am not so far away, we really aren''t apart.
So be happy for me dear ones, you know I hold you dear,
And be glad I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I send you each a special gift from my heavenly home above,
I send you each a memory of my undying love.
After all, Love is a gift more precious than pure gold
It was always most important in the stories that Jesus told.

Please love each other as the Father said to do,
For I cannot count the blessings or love He has for you,
So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear,
Remember I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

IF TOMORROW STARTS WITHOUT ME
If tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me;

I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today,
While thinking of the many things, we didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me, as much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too;

But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand,

And said my place was ready, in heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eyeFor all my life, I'd always thought, I didn't want to die.

I had so much to live for, so much left yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible, that I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared, and all the fun we had.

If I could relive yesterday, just even for a while,
I'd say good-bye and kiss you and maybe see you smile.

But then I fully realized, that this could never be,
For emptiness and memories, would take the place of me.

And when I thought of worldly things, I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through heaven's gates, I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me,
from His great golden throne,

He said, "This is eternity, and all I've promised you."
Today your life on earth is past, but here life starts anew.

I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last,
And since each day's the same way there's no longing for the past.

You have been so faithful, so trusting and so true.
Though there were times you did
some things you knew you shouldn't do.

But you have been forgiven and now at last you're free.
So won't you come and take my hand and share my life with me?

So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I'm right here, in your heart.
Author, David M. Romano

GOD HAS NOT PROMISED
God has not promised skies always blue,
flower strewn pathways all our lives through.
God has not promised sun without rain,
joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
But God has promised strength for the day,
rest for the laborer, light on the way,
grace. for the trial, help from above,
Author Unknown

I'M FREE AT LAST
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free,
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took his hand when I heard him call
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I found that place at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Ah yes, these things, I too, will miss.
Be not burdened with the times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief;
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now, he set me free.
Author Unknown

TAKE MY HAND
I cannot ease your aching heart,
Nor take your pain away,
But let me stay and take your hand
And walk with you today.
I'll listen when you need to talk,
I'll wipe away your tears,
I'll share your worries when they come,
I'll help you face your fears.
I'm here and I will stand by you,
Each hill you have to climb.
So take my hand,
let's face the world --
Live one day at a time.
You're not alone, for I'm still here...
I'll go that extra mile,
And when your grief is easier,
I'll help you learn to smile!
Author unknown

I ONLY WANTED YOU
They say memories are golden
well maybe that is true.
I never wanted memories,
I only wanted you.
A millions times I needed you,
a million times I cried.
If love alone could have saved you,
you never would have died.
In life I loved you dearly,
in death I love you still.
In my heart you hold a place,
no one could ever fill.
If tears could build a stairway
and heartache make a lane,
I'd walk the path to heaven
and bring you back again.
Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same.
But as God call us one by one,
the chain will link again.
(author unknown)

THE DASH BETWEEN BIRTH & DEATH!
I read of a man who stood to speak at a funeral of a friend.

He referred to the dates on his tombstone from the beginning..to the end.

He noted that first came his date of birth and spoke the following date with tears,

but he said what mattered most of all was the DASH between those years. (1958-1999)

For that dash represented all the time that he spent alive on earth.

And now only those who loved him know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own, the cars..the house..the cash,

what matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard... are there things you'd like to change?

For you never know how much time is left, that can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough to consider what's true and real,

and always try to understand the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger and show appreciation more

and love the people in our lives like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect, and more often wear a smile..

Remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.

So when your eulogy's being read with your life's actions to rehash..

Would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent your dash?
Author Unknown

ANGEL IN MY HEART
When I have no one to turn to
And I am feeling kind of low,
When there is no one to talk to
And nowhere I want to go,
I search deep within myself
It is the love inside my heart
That lets me know my Angels are there
Even though we are miles apart.

A smile then appears upon my face
And the sun begins to shine.
I hear a voice, so soft and sweet
Saying, 'Everything will be just fine'
It may seem that I am alone
But I am never by myself at all.
Whenever I need my Angels near
All I have to do is call.

An Angel's love is always true
On that you can depend.
They will always stand behind you
And will always be your friend.
Through darkest hours and brightest days
Our Angels see us through.
You are one of my Angels.
Perhaps I am one for you.
Author Unknown

WHEN TOMORROW STARTS WITHOUT ME
When tomorrow starts without me
and I'm not there to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes,
all filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn't cry;
the way you did today,
while thinking of the many things,
we didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me,
as much as I love you,
and each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too.
But when tomorrow starts without me,
please try to understand,
that an Angel came and called my name,
and took me by the hand,
and said my place was ready,
in heaven far above,
and that I'd have to leave behind,
all those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away,
a tear fell from my eye,
for all life, I'd always thought,
I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for,
so much yet to do,
it seemed almost impossible,
that I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays,
the good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared,
and all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday,
just even for a while,
I'd say goodbye and kiss you
and maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized,
that this could never be,
for emptiness and memories,
would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I didmy heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through heaven's gates,
I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me,
from His great golden throne,
He said, "This is eternity,
and all I've promised you."
Today for life on earth is past,
but here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow,
but today will always last,
and since each day's the same day,
there's no longing for the past.
But you have been so faithful,
so trusting and so true.
Through there were times you did some things,
you knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven
and now at least you're free.
So won't you take my hand
and share my life with me?
So when tomorrow starts without me,
don't think we're far apart,
for every time you think of me,
I'm right here, in your heart.
Author - David M. Romano

TAKE MY HAND
I can not ease your aching heart,
Nor take your pain away,
But let me stay and take your hand,
And walk with you today.
I'll listen when you need to talk,
I'll wipe your tears away,
I'll share your worries when they come,
I'll help you face your fears.
I'm here and I will stand by you,
Each hill you have to climb,
So take my hand, let us face the world.....
Live one day at a time.
You are not alone, for I am still here....
I will go that extra mile,
And when your grief is easier,
I'll help you learn to smile!
Author Unknown

FAITH
Faith isn't anything you can see;
It isn't anything you can touch.
But you can feel it in your heart.
Faith is what keeps you trying
When others would have given up.
It keeps you believing in
The goodness of others
And helps you find it.

Faith is trusting in a power
Greater than yourself
And knowing that whatever happens,
This power will carry you through anything.
It is believing in yourself
And having courage
To stand up for what you believe in.
Faith is:
Peace in the midst of a storm,
Determination in the midst
Of adversity,
And safety in the midst of trouble.
For nothing can touch a soul
That is protected by faith.

FOUR CANDLES
The Four Candles burned slowly.
Their Ambiance was so soft you could hear them speak...

The first candle said, "I Am Peace, but these days, nobody wants to keep me lit."
Then Peace's flame slowly diminishes and goes out completely.

The second candle says, "I Am Faith, but these days, I am no longer indispensable."
Then Faith's flame slowly diminishes and goes out completely.

Sadly the third candle spoke, "I Am Love and I haven't the strength to stay lit any longer."
"People put me aside and don't understand my importance. They even forget to love those who are nearest to them."
And waiting no longer, Love goes out completely.

Suddenly...

A child enters the room and sees the three candles no longer burning.
The child begins to cry, "Why are you not burning? You are supposed to stay lit until the end."

Then the Fourth Candle spoke gently to the little boy, "Don't be afraid, for I Am Hope, and while I still burn, we can re-light the other candles."
With Shining eyes the child took the Candle of Hope and lit the other three candles.

Never let the Flame of Hope go out of your life.

With Hope, no matter how bad things look and are...Peace, Faith and Love can Shine Brightly in our lives.
Author Unknown

HIS JOURNEY'S JUST BEGUN
Don't think of him as gone away-
his journey's just begun,
life holds so many facets-
this earth is only one.
Just think of him as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days and years.
Think how he must be wishing
that we could know today,
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.
And think of him as living
in the hearts of those he touched.
For nothing loved is ever lost-
and he was loved so much.
By E. BRENNEMAN

Life is for the living, and so we must go on-
trusting God to see us through
when those we love have gone.
But those who have departed now claim their sweet reward-
exchanging life on earth for life forever with our Lord.

You are not alone in sadness,
You are not alone in grieving,
You are not alone in missing what you've known.
As friends and family gather,
in the time that will come after.
Please always know that you are not alone.
There's one who knows why you are sad.
There's one who cares for you.
Just look to him and trust in him.
And he will see you through.
He knows your loss and sorrow.
He hears your prayer above.
Each day he freely gives to you the strength of his great love.

BLESSINGS IN DISGUISE
by Emily Matthews
The world is full of miracles to those who recognize them,
but we have to look the right way since God sometimes will disguise them.
He shines his light in places where we'd least expect him to,
and often does the opposite of what we think he'll do.
He has a way of bringing out the best within the worst.
The moment we stop worrying and choose to put him first.
And if we do, he'll pull us through and help us find the door
that opens to the very thing that we'd been looking for.
Sometimes things happen that are hard to understand,
but I believe that your faith will see you through.
Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you.

The 7 Ups
1. Wake Up !! Decide to have a good day. "This is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Psalms 118:24

2. Dress Up !! The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
I Samuel 16:7

3. Shut Up!! Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. "He who guards his lips guards his soul."
Proverbs 13:3

4. Stand Up!! . . . for what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..."
Galatians 6:9-10

5. Look Up !! . . . to the Lord. "I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me".
Philippians 4:13

6. Reach Up !! . . . for something higher. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path."
Proverbs 3:5-6

7. Lift Up !! . . . your Prayers. "Do not worry about anything; instead Pray about everything."
Philippians 4:6
Author Unknown

Life can seem ungrateful ~ and not always kind... Life can pull at your heartstrings ~ and play with your mind... Life can be blissful ~ and happy and free... Life can put beauty ~ in the things that you see ... Life can place challenges ~ right at your feet... Life can make good ~ of the hardships we meet... Life can overwhelm you ~ and make your head spin... Life can reward those ~ determined to win... Life can be hurtful ~ and not always fair... Life can surround you ~ with people who care ... Life clearly does offer ~ its Up and its Downs... Life's days can bring you ~ both smiles and frowns... Life teaches us to take ~ the good with the bad... Life is a mixture ~ of happy and sad... SO... Take the Life that you have ~ and give it your best... Think positive be happy ~ let God do the rest... Take the challenges that life ~ has laid at your feet... Take pride and be thankful ~ for each one you meet... To yourself give forgiveness ~ if you stumble and fall... Take each day that is dealt you ~ and give it your all... Take the love that you're given ~ and return it with care... Have faith that when needed ~ it will always be there... Take time to find the beauty ~ in the things that you see... Take life's simple pleasures ~ let them set your heart free... The idea here is simply ~ to even the score As you are met and faced with ~ Life's Tug of War.
Author Unknown

DON'T GIVE UP HOPE
Hope gives you the strength to keep going when you feel like giving up.

Don't ever quit believing in yourself. As long as you believe you can, you will have a reason for trying.

Don't let anyone hold your happiness in their hands; hold it in your own, so it will always be within your reach.

Don't measure success or failure by material wealth, but by how you feel. Our feelings determine the riches in our lives.

Don't let bad moments overcome you. Be patient, and they will pass.
Don't hesitate to reach out for help; we all need it from time to time.

Don't runaway from Love, but towards love; because it is our deepest joy.

Don't wait for what you want to come to you. Go after it with all that you are; knowing that life will meet you half way.

Don't feel like you've lost when plans and dreams fall short of your hopes.

Anytime you learn something new about yourself, or about life, you have progressed.

Don't do anything that takes away from your self-respect. Feeling GOOD about yourself is essential to feeling GOOD about life.

Don't ever forget how to laugh or be too proud to cry. It is by doing both that we live life to the FULLEST.
~author unknown~

I WISH YOU ENOUGH
Recently I overheard a father and daughter in their last moments together. They had announced her departure and standing near the security gate, they hugged and he said, "I love you. I wish you enough." She in turn said, "Daddy, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Daddy."

They kissed and she left. He walked over toward the window where I was seated. Standing there I could see he wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on his privacy, but he welcomed me in by asking, "Did you ever say goodbye to someone knowing it would be forever?"

"Yes, I have," I replied. Saying that brought back memories I had of expressing my love and appreciation for all my Dad had done for me. Recognizing that his days were limited, I took the time to tell him face to face how much he meant to me.

So I knew what this man experiencing.
"Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever goodbye?" I asked.

"I am old and she lives much too far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is, the next trip back would be for my funeral," he said.

"When you were saying goodbye I heard you say, "I wish you enough." May I ask what that means?"

He began to smile. "That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone." He paused for a moment and looking up as if trying to remember it in detail, he smiled even more."When we said 'I wish you enough,' we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them," he continued and then turning toward me he shared the following as if he
were reciting it from memory.

"I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much
bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting. I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish enough "Hello's" to get you through the final "Goodbye."

He then began to sob and walked away.
My friends, I wish you enough!
by Bob Perks www.bobperks.com

WHATEVER YOUR CROSS, WHATEVER YOUR PAIN
Whatever your cross, whatever your pain,
There will always be sunshine after the rain.
Perhaps you may stumble, perhaps even fall,
But God is always ready to answer your call.
He knows every heartache, sees every tear,
A word from His lips can calm every fear.
Your sorrows may linger throughout the night,
But suddenly vanish at dawn's early light.
The Savior is waiting somewhere above,
To give you His grace and send you His love.
Whatever your cross, whatever your pain,
God always sends rainbows after the rain.
Have A Blessed Day
May God Watch Over You And Keep You Safe
Author Unknown

GOD'S GARDEN
God looked around his garden and he found an empty place.
He then looked down upon this earth, and saw your tired face.
He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest.
God's garden must be beautiful he always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering; He knew you were in pain.
He knew that you would never get well on earth again.
He saw that the road was getting rough, and the hills are hard to climb.
So he closed your weary eyelids, and whispered "peace be thine".
It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn't go alone
for part of us went with you the day God called you home.
anonymous

Hug
When you've struggled through the day
and nothing seems to go your way.
There's just one thing I have to say,
You really need a HUG.

You work so hard to do things right
and no one seems to care.
You wonder if it's worth the fight,
You need a HUG to share.

When sad and tears begin to flow
and words can't reach your heart.
I care and want to let you know,
a HUG says more than words impart.

When you're filled with love and happiness
and you want to share those feelings
that words can't quite express,
a HUG will say it best.

So whatever the day has brought your way
Here's a great big hug
From me to you.
Author Unknown

In fact that hits kind of close to home, as we are both 49.

20 years have passed, and we know alot more about this disease than we did then, but still all we know how to do to treat it is throw lots of antibiotics at it and hope for the best.

Sad to say there are far fewer doctors TODAY that are even willing to treat it than there were 20 years ago.

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. I also started having symptoms in 1984 and am around the same age as your mother. This disease stinks!

Going to medical school is a wonderful decision. I know you will make a fantastic LLMD after you graduate.

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.

Good for you for going to medical school and I hope you decide to become an LLMD...we need more.

It's very scary to think how many people have lyme, don't know it and never get a diagnosis.

None of us here are strangers any longer. We share with you your pain and loss...and give you our love and support as you go through this and long after.

Know that your mother is watching you and loving you as well...and I'm sure is proud of who you are and what you are doing with your life. That is the best legacy you could give her.

As each of us reads your post, know a prayer is said for you both. Our lives are all entwined by this disease, but we are stronger knowing we are not alone as we go through it.

The marathon is to benefit the American Stroke Association. Most of the names on my shirt are in honor of/memory of those affected by stroke but also will be including others of inspiration to me such as my dad, friends that have other chronic illnesses or have passed, etc. I had planned on printing "All the Lymenet Members who helped me back and helped me here without ever knowing it".

With your permission I will include her name separately (and anyone else who cares to be added to the list-I just opened it up!)

In my initial fundraising letter I wrote "the more names I carry with me the more determined I become". I did and still do mean that!

I truly believe from my own personal experiences with this disease your mother is in a place of true peace and wholeness-that thought should bring you great joy!

The best to you and what seems to be your amazing spirit.....Debbie C.

------------------
"Courage is the mastery of fear-not the absence of it."-Mark Twain

May God comfort you and hold you in his arms. We all are here for you.

Hugs
Mule

I add my loving condolences to the loss of your mother to Lyme. The timing must make this holiday very bittersweet for you!

I support your decision to become a doctor. You go girl!!! We need more like you to bring healing to a world that needs to be healed.

Thanks for sharing so we could all pray and hold you and yours in our hearts!

My mom also passed away early this year, and I, too, like you, feel it was probably Lyme. She had a long history of multiple illnesses, and over time, I put things together. And it is now so obvious. I so wanted to have a blood sample drawn after she died, just so we would know. But was afraid to ask. It was an upsetting time for us all, and I know the frustration you feel.

I think it is a wonderful idea to go and study medicine if you can do it.I would love to do that to and become a doc specifically for CFS,lyme etc.We only have one doc in just about Australia who deals primarily with lyme.

Anything to raise awareness,change laws over there etc is going to help.

Take care and I send you a rainbow to help you at this time.That means I am thinking of you and sending happy thoughts to you and your family.

I am so sorry for your loss.

God Bless.

I lost my mother earlier this year to ovarian cancer

Just remember....your mother is now watching over you, and guiding your path to medical school

Just want too add my condolences on the loss of your mother. It is tough dealing with any loss of those we love.

Good luck on your future as a doc. I have a daughter that is an RN and she is talking about more education, either a masters or PH.D. in infectious diseases because of my diagnosis.

Found it very interesting what CDC told you about Okla. drs., etc.

How about posting the CDC info to a NEW post so others can be aware of what you found out this week? Just copy/block and paste it there.

I found out after I was dx in July that my dr. had not reported me to our Iowa health dept. on lyme dx...he thought blood lab was going to.

We have to cross all our t's & dot our i's not taking anything for granted.

There's something so very very wrong with this. I want to raise the red flag but don't know how YET!
regards
paisley