The worst part of being sick all the time is the stuff you miss....

[WCGreen]

I missed the last Leonard Cohen performance as well as the last Dave Brubeck concert. I had tickets to both but when the time came for the concert I was sitting in a hospital bed, watching clips on my laptop...

I have missed so much over the years that a lot of times it seems like I am in jail or somehow separated from the rest of society.

But I have to say this; I don't know what I would do without DU and the community we have all built by caring and showing compassion to so many people in need.

Sometimes I feel more attached to the people here than I do to my reality friends.

Just wanted to mention how important this place can be to those of us who can't always get out of the house.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. I hope that this will change once you get your transplant...

I've had a few times, though not anywhere near as many as you, when I was housebound...

DU saved my life too.

Here's to better days!

[rocktivity]

2. Been there done it -- just this past election day

Hurricane Sandy forced me to take refuge in a fleabag motel with marginally functional Wifi. Instead of snarking my way through the evening at a keyboard, I had to settle for refreshing the DU Latest News page and texting on my marginally functional cell phone. If it hadn't been for all the long faces on Fox News, I think I would have cried for missing DU!


rocktivity

[gateley]

3. I know -- soooo disappointing.

But know with your friends on DU, you'll never really be alone.

Hoping you will be able to go anywhere your heart desires any time you want -- soon!

[Marie Marie]

4. May you soon be well enough to do at least some of the things you want to.

In the mean time, I hope you can find some solace in hanging out here with your DU friends.

[WCGreen]

5. It's kept me sane and connected...

Over the years my reality based friends have slipped away. Don't blame them. But DU is always there for me...

[freshwest]

8. Same thing here. And DU has been pretty good to me, but I'm more recent.

[grilled onions]

6. I Can Relate

It does seem that life is passing you by. I am on a two year period where I am home bound except for medical appts. If it wasn't for the internet I would feel like I am living on a deserted planet. If it wasn't for DU I would not have any idea of what is going on politically,especially issues like Medicare,S.S etc where I am one of those horrible "lazy entitled" people. But DU has also brought a smile through beautiful photos that others have found or taken pictures of. They have melted my heart more than once with doggie related anything(my health does not allow me to have a fur baby right now) as well as anything else in the animal kingdom. I also feel better knowing there are people out there helping the homeless,the hungry and speaking for many of us with health issues who can't always voice an opinion from time to time. I may not have money but the wealth of facts and daily "visits" I get from DU helps me realize I am not alone. In sickness and in health we are one trying to do battle with those who feel if you are not healthy,wealthy or well connected please leave the planet! WC my thoughts are with you.

[WCGreen]

7. Well stated....

[freshwest]

9. +1

[nadinbrzezinski]

10. I know, partially, the feeling

Every so often my knee has issues (confession time, I will need a knee replacement one of these days). So there are times I can barely walk across the room.

So I am thankful when I can go cover the stuff I cover in the field, even if I know I will pay for it tomorrow.

I know that this place can be at times invaluable.

And we love you too.

[Skittles]

11. WE WILL KICK ILLNESS ASS, WCGREEN

I AM WITH YOU MY VIRTUAL FRIEND

[Raine]

12. You're never alone when you're

a part of DU. We fuss and feud and fight here like a family but we are there for each other when needed. Two years ago I lost the love of my life when he died suddenly at age 54, I was devastated. I received so much support from DUers when I replied about my loss in someone else's post. I can never express how much it meant, I'll never forget it.

[malaise]

13. I hope you'll be able to make up for what you're missing

one of these days

[shireen]

14. i agree

I've been there too. My online friends have seen me through some very difficult times in my illnesses, things I've never told my reality friends and family about.

[Surya Gayatri]

15. Your OP has touched me and I'm sure, hundreds of others, WCG...

So sorry about your bad health and shut-in life. I've read that you're waiting for a lung transplant.

Let's hope and pray that the surgery improves your quality of life and gives you the autonomy you deserve.

[thucythucy]

16. Everyone in our household

is sending you best wishes for the New Year.

Hang in there, friend. You're important to us too!