Sunday, April 15, 2007

What Have I done to deserve all this? ? ?

I write this before I open my Email this morning. I am almost frightened to do so because 2007 is proving to be a fearfully bad year for me. I don't remember who let the New Year in by being first to cross my threshold after midnight on New Year's day but if I find him I will take an axe to him. First, my wife was ill for a couple of weeks, that brought Kevin home from America. He stayed for a week or ten days until he was sure that his mum was on the mend then he went home. then I had a milder version of whatever she had. The husband of my wife's best friend died of a brain tumour which upset Jean because he was a very nice man even though he was a bobby. Two weeks after getting home Kevin had the worst of his troubles which led to two operations and a long course of radio therapy which he is still on.

An old army buddy of mine went to that parade ground in the sky and I have had two falls each of which left me with a huge cauliflower right ear.  I had a week in hospital and came out just in time to hear that my youngest son Anthony was staggering around on crutches because while playing cricket with his kids he jumped in the air cheering when one son bowled the other out. When he came down he ripped a ligament in his ankle. Result,  two months out of work and the news that he was two weeks short of the qualifying period for sick pay. Today I have been told that a very close friend of my entire family was found dead  just half an hour ago.  As for me, do you wonder at my subject line?    JIM   

 

 

  

56 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dont for get Jim it is always ...Darkest before Dawn ,you certainly have had a packet this year so far ,havent you ? lets hope thats the end of it now ....love Jan xx

Anonymous said...

Life goes like that...it has it's ups and downs...sometimes it seems like the downs are taking over.  I think we need to stop and remind ourselves of all the good things we have and try not to dwell so much on the bad.  {{{hugs}}}  I hope that things start to look up for you real soon.
Marie
http://journals.aol.co.uk/mariealicejoan/MariesMuses/

Anonymous said...

Oh! Jim!   What a long catalogue of distressing illness and deaths.  I too went through something similar, my sister got breast cancer then me then my sister-in-law got diagnosed. That was all of us within 6 weeks of each other and then my husband with his heart attack whilst I was in the middle of my chemo and there we were just we two alone as family live far away.  There were other worries amongst friends and relatives at the time too.   Sometimes life sends us what we think is too much to bear.  But for some unknown reason we carry on, burdened but still stuck in a mind numbing ritualistic routine.    Keep your chin up my friend.....this too will pass....God Bless you both and your family.  Praying for your peace of mind and contentment again.   Take care JIm...you are not allowed any more cauliflower ears!   Jeanie

Anonymous said...

That is a lot you're having to deal with, on top of your own misfortunes. But cheer up, it's Spring!

Anonymous said...

Sweet Jim, talk to God about this.  Have a really good whinge.  I think it would do you a world of good and resolve some of this frustration and hurt that you are feeling.  

Much Love,
Bunny

Anonymous said...

Oh Jim, it has been an awful year so far for you but I suppose the good thing is that you are still alive and kicking (well maybe not high kicks)!  You have had some awful losses and shocks this year ....  I hope this is the end of it all and things look up from now on in.  Thats terrible about your son not being eligible for sick pay, maybe his work will look kindly on him, I'll keep my fingers crossed.  I, too, lost a dear friend this weekend, I hope our friends are dancing together in the great beyond (if there is one of course).  Big hug for you but being very careful of your ear as I do it.  Terry x

Anonymous said...

This year has really been challenging for you, to be sure.  Let's hope the rest of the year will quiet down a bit for you.
Pam

Anonymous said...

At the risk of sounding odd, this is called life and it's doing its unpredictably best on you.  Sometimes the horrors come in packs and strengthen our resiliance, then others just skate through.  You're a good decent man who's having life happen to him and it hurts.  Rely on friends, you have so many.  Look to your spiritual inner side and know it's all temporary.  xoxo CATHY http://journals.aol.com/luddie343/DARETOTHINK/  

Anonymous said...

Have just heard the sad news of Jims passing ,I am very sorry there wont be any more entrys from you dear Jim ,my cyber friend ,my love to your dear wife and family ....with love Jan xx

Anonymous said...

Deeply saddened to hear of Jim's passing, all these stories lost to the world. Rest in peace, Jim, up there in the parade ground in the sky. All strength to friends and family, hope all are well after health scares earlier in the year.

Anonymous said...

Although I hadn't visited Jim's journal often I was still very saddened to hear of his death. My sympathy and condolences are with you all. Jeannette xx  

Anonymous said...

My deepest sympathy to Jim's family.  Linda in Washington state

Anonymous said...

How very sad to hear about dear Jim's death.  I grew very fond of him in such a short time of knowing him.  He cut straight through to the point and didn't mash with his words.  I was so looking forward to his latest story being updated as he mentioned to me in an e-mail. Now I will never know.  But I can guess the kind of story it was just from previous writings.  He was a unique man and very open hearted.  His was a mighty heart and a caring soul.  May he rest in peace. I will remember him fondly.   God Bless you his family.  I hope you have all recovered your health.  Its what he would have wished for.  Jeanie

Anonymous said...

I just learned of Jim's death. He shared so much with so many of us in this journal. My life has been enriched by knowing him. I've enjoyed his wit and wisdom, and his wonderful ability to make characters come alive in his stories. My deepest sympathy goes out to Jim's family. He was a wonderful human being and the world will be a little less bright with his passing.--Sheria
http://journals.aol.com/aimer/on-my-mind

Anonymous said...

Now we all must find a way to carry on life without this man's incredible gift with words, humor and most especially, his love of FAMILY.  I know I'll miss seeing his name in my new mail and making special time to read his words.  God bless you, Jim, safe journey to God.  Courage to his family.  We will truly miss this gentle man.   CATHY
http://journals.aol.com/luddie343/DARETOTHINK/  

Anonymous said...

I did not know Jim but i would like to pass on my deepest sympathy to his family.
katie
http://journals.aol.co.uk/katie39041/KATIESDIARY/

Anonymous said...

Though we met only briefly, I was impressed by what a gentleman you were.  God comfort all who loved Jim.  -  Barbara

Anonymous said...

I wish I had known Jim.  My condolences to those friends and family mourning his passing.
Angie, xx

Anonymous said...

Jeannette had this link posted , so wanted to come by & leave my condolences.
I din't know Jim, but we are all a community here in J-Land, what touches one...touches us all.
From what I've heard, he was a wonderful man, so I'm sure his soul is resting in God's House, may you all find peace in that.
God bless,
Sugar

Anonymous said...

Jim will be fondly remembered.  God Bless you all.
~~Kath~~

Anonymous said...

I am so saddened to hear of Jim's passing my deepest condolences go to his wife and family ~ Ally

Anonymous said...

Found my way to Jim's journal via a link from Jeannette.  I am sorry to hear of your news and I am sure Jim will be greatly missed by all his Jland friends too.  Deepest condolences.  Eileenx

Anonymous said...

so sorry, praying for all of the family

Deb

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear the news of Jims passing, I just want to pass my best wishes to your family xxx Denise

Anonymous said...

I too have come via Jeannette's journal, and wish I had come over earlier as Jim was a great journaller, will stay to catch up on his previous entries.  So sorry I wasn't able to comment whilst he was still able to read it :-(
best wishes
Freda

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear of Jim's death.   I pray you will be comforted and strengthened and his memory will be a loving one for you, his family.
loving you
karyl

Anonymous said...

I am sorry to hear of Jims passing. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family.
Cindy

Anonymous said...

so very sorry to hear about your loss. i hope you get through all this. love Joanne

Anonymous said...

Just reading a little of his journal, you can tell what a good man he was. Please accept my condolences on your loss. His writings, his story was very well written. If he has the whole story saved somewhere someone in your family should see if they could get it published. It would make a nice memorial to Jim....sincerely, Sandi

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear of Jim's passing, know all of you are in my special thoughts and prayers.  Bless you all.....Arlene (AJ)

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear of your loss. My sincere condolences to you all. I wish I had visited before. If you don't mind I'd like to stay awhile and read some of Jims stories. God Bless you all. Carol

Anonymous said...

Sad news ,sending my deepest sympathy to all the family and friends.

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear of Jims passing
keeping you all in thought
emily

Anonymous said...

My condolences to you all for the loss of Jim, I was saddened to hear the news.

Love Sandra xxxx

Anonymous said...

My condolences on Jim's passing
take good care of yourselves.
Vanessa

Anonymous said...

My sympathies to the family.
Lori

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for your loss.  I never read Jim's journal before but from what I've read now, he was a special person, talented in writing......a very genuine person.  My thoughts are with you. Rache

Anonymous said...

((((((((((((((((((((HUGSTOYOU)))))))))))))))))))I am sorry for you loss.You will be in thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

I was saddened to hear the news.  My heart goes out to all of you.  Sending prayers and strength.  Jim will be missed by all here in JLand.
hugs
d

Anonymous said...

Hello. My name is Monae. I heard from one of my dear friends of the news and so I had to come by and offer my condolences. It is sad to lose of our J-Land friends. He will be missed by many. I didn't get much of a chance to know him but I heard what a great person he was. J-Land will miss him.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of this man, a fellow J-land journaler. May he rest in peace. My condolences to the family. I hope that you will decide to leave his journal online, intact as a memorial. Our prayers are with the family. bea

Anonymous said...

RIP, I'm so sorry.

Anonymous said...

I am very sorry to hear of your loss xxx

Anonymous said...

i came here due to jeannette's journal entry about the passing of this dear man.  we don't always honor our elderly while they are still here, only in their passing.  i wish i had know him, and if this journal is kept open, i will try to get to know him, even after his passing.

my condolences to the family................

in prayer,

regina

Anonymous said...

Worth a second visit here.  I miss you, Jim.  I miss your words of comfort and curiosity about life.  I miss hearing about your family and all they're up to.  I just miss YOU.  Can't take your name from my list, no reason to.  I know you're watching, helping, that's your way.  CATHY

Anonymous said...

Jim, I do hope your son finds a way to open your journal and your family can read the comments that have been left and know how valued you were during your months in J-Land.  You would have been thrilled to receive so many comments.  I know many read but did not comment as happens on my journal.  We all have "lurkers" that do read us but never say anything.  As a previous commentor said, I hope you are looking down on us now and watching over us all. Rest in peace.

http://journals.aol.co.uk/jeanno43/JeannettesJottings/

Anonymous said...

I popped over from Jeannettes journal.

I never had the pleasure of reading this journal unfortunately, but just reading the last entry left here I realise what i have missed.

My heartfelt condolences goes out to your family , may you rest in peace.

Jayne

Anonymous said...

Look at us, Jim - still needing to connect!  You left a void I don't think anyone knows quite how to fill it, but seems we need to keep coming back here.   Miss your letters, friend.  CATHY

Anonymous said...

Still miss you Jim.  I know that you would be proud that your name and Journal URL have been added to our new Memorial journal to our departed J-Land friends.  Rest in peace.

Anonymous said...

Well Jim, more than a year since you went to that paradeground in the sky, and still missing your yarns. Keep them entertained up there.

ADB said...

Jim,
We've taken you with us to a new place, after we were kicked out of AOL. After all the trouble you had with them yourself. You're up there in the paradeground in the sky, looking down on us all. Be at peace.

Guido

ADB said...

Jim,
Back again. It's three years since your final post. You had more stories than just the 5 that this blog has on display, and it's as well that some of those were deleted ;-). I for one am not going to forget you in a hurry. Neither will anyone else. Be at peace.

ADB said...

Jim, where you are, a few months or years are no longer of any consequence. We will never forget you, and I'll certainly remember some of your stories - not contained in this blog. Carry on, soldier.

ADB said...

More than five years have gone by since you were marched to that paradeground in the sky. Saluting you from down below. Miss your yarns.

ADB said...

Nine years since you left us unexepctedly, Jim. Rest in peace, you deserve it.

ADB said...

Time is no longer of consequence where you are, Jim. You came to mind tonight, as I realised it was close to the anniversary of your passing, 12 years ago. Stand at ease, easy, soldier. You did great.