I think it would be nice if we set aside a few minutes today and have a group prayer for Brenda. We all loved that lady and I think it would be appropiate for all to say one together for her. I know we can't really do that in the forums, but we could all do it at the same time. Luv Ya All..

Jim this is a beautiful idea. Since so many of us have been touched by Brenda and not everyone reads the posts promptly, I have an idea.
Perhaps our group prayer could be at the time of her final service. In the meantime, we could individually PM those we know who would want to participate.
Malka

Malka,
thats a good idea. How can we find out? Is there anyway in this new age that we could all sign something electronically on here and forward to her? I quess I am just dumbfounded by this. How could it happen so quickly?

I would like to participate in this. At whatever time is determined.

Nelie

I'll find out from Sue, I hope to speak to her later today. I think it's a lovely idea.

That's a lovely idea, Jim. Thank you.
Due to the time differences between us all, maybe those of you in the UK could do it during her UK service, and those of you in the US do it during this service?

Please include us....

Lois & Buzz in NC

This is an open invitation for everyone. I think all we need would be the time of the service and even if we have to, all pray at the same time. Brenda's daughter, just let us know the time of the service. I still find it hard to believe.

I want to participate. I sadly but fondly remember the words of encouragement Brenda sent to me when I was worried about a possible recurrence a couple of months ago, even as she was facing her own problems....

I too would Like nothing better then to be her to Honor Brenda


SHar

Count me in. I am just having a hard time dealing with the quickness with which things went down hill. Since being associated with this site I have witnessed many that have been taken by this cancer but none this sudden. She was one tough lady and this world is missing a good soul.

David, I echo your thoughts. Count me in too.

me too

me too

Somehow this morning I am able to see Brenda's quick decline as a blessing....after reading of other's struggle (Robin, Rich, John, Wally) with the end stage of H&N Cancer, I realize that it would have been awful for her and awful for her family. Renal failure is a better way to go...hope this doesn't sound crass - I am still devastated by her death, but I am glad that she did not have a prolonged death.

Missing Bren,

Deb

Hi Deb,

It is a blessing. Mum packed so much into the last few months - she really did "live like she was dying".
When the nurses told me it was renal failure, I knew the end was imminent and I'm glad it was as quick as it was - she had no idea what was going on.

Think of everything Brenda did over the last few months -- planning and taking her surprise trip to California (what fun she had with that!), traveling to Cyprus, bolstering everyone here with her spirit and courage, and never feeling sorry for herself. What a way to live. My condolences to her family.

-- Leslie

Count me in as well.

Absolutely! Brenda was a ray of light. So upbeat and positive and lived he last months on this earth to the fullest. She never let on that she was frightened of the end. She was so brave and so courageous and caring of others and what they were going through. I know this website was a source of comfort to her. Her illness was close to her mind always- as it is for most of us- - but probably more so for her as she was terminally ill with this cancer.

I often wonder how people go on when they've been told that there isn't anything more that can be done. It just seems unfathomable to me. Brenda was a fine example of how to not only approach the end of your life- but you life everyday-- with a positive outlook no matter what and an appreciation of all the details that your life has become - all the wonders and joys of family friends & travel etc. Although we never met in person she revealed much about herself here almost every day since the summer I believe.

I like to think that Brenda is finally at peace without any pain or sorrow-she's busy up in heaven wit her new afterlife- whatever that is is a mystery to use here on earth but I knnow that it is filled with joy and happiness. God knows she's got some good company.

My condolances to her family. I'm sorry that she had to go through this illnesss and that she had to leave you too soon.
May you find comfort in all the memories you have of your times together.


Miss kate

I pass along my deepest and most sincere sympathies to Brendas family and friends. I have not ever been acquainted with anyone who was as strong as she. Brenda was setting a strong precident for all of us, ilnesss, cancer will not take over my life.
This is the one lesson she taught me.
God Bless,
Mike

I concur with Deb's statements above, it was a real blessing that she did not have prolonged suffering. My father died 6 weeks after his diagnosis with lung cancer. He had gone to his radiation treatment the day before, spent some time at the hobby shop, and was listening to music and doing some other things at midnight when my wife and I went to bed. The next morning he was gone.

Brenda's spirit lives on with the people here!

me too .my prayers are here with her too.thank you for the invitation
with love
lynn

Please count me in. I want to be there with you guys
to honor Brenda.

Please let me know when. She was such an inspiration to all here. I know I will be reading and re-reading her postings when I am feeling sorry for myself.

Unless anybody else has also selected Brenda's avatar can we take it out of circulation so that it remains hers only?

opinions?

M

I can't take it out of the list without it will disappear from all her posts. We'll just have to watch any newbies and if it shows up, ask them to switch theirs.

I received a PM from Sue about the services here in the US. Sue says they will be next Sat at 2 PM. I'm sorry that I can't be online then or for a couple more days. Friday is the day I have the im-plants and will be in isolation until the following Tuesday. I'm told I will be out of touch with reality for those days too. If I'm far enough out of it, I'll just wave to Brenda. I sure wish I could be online with everyone of you that day. You all have my prayers and especially Sue and her family.

I'm assuming that's 2 p.m. in California, which would be 5 p.m. on the East Coast (and 10 p.m. in the UK). Is that correct?

-- Leslie

Darn, If it's 5 pm east coast time I may not be able to make it here (on the board)either--there's an event at my church I said I'd go to. But one way or the other, I will say a prayer for her at 5 pm on Saturday. And Jim, I'll be thinking of you too.

Nelie

I am now wondering if it is 5 pm east coast time.Sue lives
in California. Just to clear this up.
Thanks anybody that knows for sure.
Debbie

It's 2pm California time, 5pm NY time and 10pm UK time

I've been out of pocket this past week and am very sorry to hear about your mother; as you say, she's probably having a brandy and looking forward to Saturday's gathering. Words are simply inadequate...Godspeed.

To Sue and your family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have been reading posts for a long time and was always inspired by your mother's writings to others. She had insights without preaching. I finally got some courage to put myself out there and post my thoughts & fears. Brenda took the time to respond on 1/29 without talking at all about herself- I've been thinking about her words ever since (and now even more)
Here is what she wrote:

"Don't focus on the 'should have done' stuff.
Start NOW making a list of what you HAVE done--you'll be amazed at how long, full and important it is--working, bringing up kids, being a spouse, looking after a house, giving support and comfort to other people in times of need--includes small child with scraped knee!--to ringing/visiting parents or even grandparents."

I see now that she had a long, full and important list of her own. My thoughts are with you.
Fran

THat sure is Brenda. Always looking out for us. She was one of a kind and very caring.

Sue, Iknew what time you meant, but my mind is visiting somewhere it seems. Sorry about not putting the time down the right way.

I am so sorry to hear of Brendas passing. I dont get on here as much as I used to and when I posted the other day I didnt even look at the rest of the board. Brenda was a great lady who helped me through a lot and I will miss her deeply.

May the good Lord be with her family at this time of grieving.

Billy

I wore a hot pink shirt SAturday in remembrance. I thin k that was a beautiful idea.

Brenda was a wonderful, kind, courageous woman. I have delayed in posting my condolences to Branda's family, it has been difficult for me to put into words my saddness on her passing. She was truly amazing facing such adversity with wit and dignity. Brenda will be missed by many. Her encouraging words will live on.

I went to an Odyssey of the Mind Competition on Sat ... And in the one Skit ( put on by kids ) the kid spoke in a british accent... It brought tears to my eyes as it reminded me of Brenda, She was an amazing woman !! and I think of her daily in my work with children with Autsim , her and I spoke about this before I made my decision to go back as this is what we both do .

I will miss her dearly , daily and forever ........


Shar