Your strong as ever, were all here for you, always will be. I myself am getting my eyes examined again to see what can be done, you get better and know your loved, even though we may never meet across this machine.

*Snugs up against your leg* Thanks, Lance. I know most of us may never have the pleasure of meeting in person. However, it never takes away from how real our friendships and bonds are.

I wish you lots of luck with your appointment. If you need any advice regarding adaptations, or things they may say that sound any bit scary, please let me know as I am truly here for you. I'd even be open for a phone conversation if ever you were up to one and time allowed us to talk.

Like me, keep showing your condition that it doesn't own you. Rather, you own it and can do anything so long as your mind is there and your imagination is limitless. *Nuzzlesnugs before sneaking a smooch on your beak* Thanks for always being there for me. :)

I've gotta say that you and Nishi make a great team. It's been really encouraging to see you guys knock heads together and come up with such awesome collaborative stuff over the years. All the while, I've been enjoying the products of your work immensely. ^^

*Hugs* As I've enjoyed yours as well. There are many artists on here, but few wo inspire me like you do. If not for you, I may not have even stuck around, or had a real reason, to even try and discover my true self by opening to great pals like you. Your ability to go beyond babyfur and excel with works like Children of Maeria make me very happy and know I am in the riht place to continue to grow my talents.

Although work and other things keep you from your creativity at times, I know you are committed to all you do. As such, you inspire me to keep committed to my recovery and doing all I can to return to a normal life no matter what my eye decides to throw at me.

Keep being your awesome self and know you will always have a fan and friend in me. :)

Awwwww, on the way to success. ^^ Nishi is a very nice and cool guy. I'm glad he was there to help you so much. Like Tacki said, you two make a good team. We're all still here for you when you need us. *hugs*

*Hugs* I really appreciate it, Ozzie. For a time, I thought I was becomming a real downer to everyone for all that I seem to keep going through. However, I knew this to be negative thinking and how it is always best to share times with friends as the magic of friendship always makes things better. :)

Nishi truly has been a godsend to me throughout this process. From the time I was totally blind to now where I am clearing the last hurdles I need to leap to be my best again, he's been quite a trooper and I am forever in his debt for caring as much as he has to keep me from being a wet diaper about things.

*Huggles* I've also enjoyed getting to know you and appreciate the inspirations you have sent my way. I am hoping to finish that Hapo story either today, or tomorrow. I hope you like it. :)

*huggles* Awwww, no need to worry about that. Its important to have friends to talk to when we're feeling down. We're here to help you feel better and are in your corner cheering for a speedy recovery. ^^

Hehe, well sometimes a wet diaper can be very warm and comforting. ^^ Nishi is a true friend who really cares a lot about you and I'm glad he was able to help you so much. ^^

I've enjoyed getting to know you too, and I hope we continue to talk with each other. Either this way or with notes, e-mails, or whichever way is best for you. *hugs* I'm sure the story will be great! I look forward to reading it. :)

*Huggles* I am honored that this time has brought us two closer together. Originally, I just knew you as Tavi's #1 influence and inspiration as you are in a lot of his piccies. Now I know you as more than that both as a babyfur and a person who is just as wonderful as those others I have had the pleasure to get to know.

I'm having a good eye day today, so I am feeling quite excited as I think I may be on the right track and could potentially evade needing surgery next week. Should I discover my cornea is healing, I'll be even happier as all the stresser in my current life will be gone and I can focus on rebuilding my career and being helpful to my wife so she doesn't have to feel like the soul, bread winner anymore. As we both can agree, SSDI just doesn't cut it. Especially with the costs of medicines these days.

On the topic of medicines, I can't get enough of how antipsychotics are so dirt cheap compared to those in which truly treat a major condition. A 5 oz. bottle of antibiotic eye drop I need to take, with insurance, costs $70! On the other hand, I can get all my antipsychotics for less than $30! What's with that? Especially when you condiser how people are known to abuse getting these and sell them off on the black market for massive profits to folks looking for a cheap high. Truly, I don't understand. Especially the "Getting High" part as all mine just keep me from getting icky-ucky feelings in my tummy during stressful times that I should know better than to let stupid worries get the most of me.

Whether it is comments, PMs, or what-not, I will enjoy keeping up with you, Ozzie. I feel we make for good pals and I do hope we can keep having fun learning about each other along with our cubby sides. :)

*huggles* Awwww, I'm honored that this has brought us closer together as well. Hehe, well before we started talking, I just knew you as that cute little ducky that hangs out with Nishi a lot. Now I know you as the writer and creator of a wonderful world all your own, as well as a family man who faces life's challenges head on. Its always great getting to know someone better and feeling closer as a result.

Yay! Glad your eye is doing better today! That's great news. ^^ I hope it keeps getting better and you don't need that surgery at all. Tavi and I will be hoping for you and keeping you in our thoughts. You're right about SSDI, its just not enough. What I get is barely enough for just me, but in covering Tavi as well, it gets even harder. Hospital bills are what causes me most grief. Since there are so many, I can only send them each $10 a month, and they don't like that. One turned my account over to collections, but there's nothing I can really do about it.

Oh, heh, yeah, its kind of funny about how much some meds cost compared to others. I guess in some cases it could be because they have a generic for the med and that makes it a lot cheaper. I usually get the generic version of whatever med I need, if there is one. The whole pharmaceutical thing is out of hand though. Some meds get held back because they would make many others obsolete, and not worth as much. Its sad that people tend to put money before other people's lives and well being.

Hehe, well, either way is fine with me too. I do enjoy talking to you and look forward to seeing your replies when I get up. ^^ *hugs* I feel like we make good pals too, and I'm sure we can keep having fun and learning more about each other as we do.

Yep, yep, yep! *Huggles* I agree in how we can only get closer with each comment, remark, journal, etc. we share. You truly have been my biggest surprise pal this year as I never thought I'd be talking to you so openly. Now, it is like we have been friends for ages and I really like that. :)

*Huggles* I really appreciate you and Tavi pulling for me. I think I found a way to keep my eye super happy. So, I am hopeful for nothing but good news this Monday. Moreover, I think I heard one can keep a "Healing Contact Lens" in the eye for a month. As it covers a majority of my eye's surface, and I get good news, I may ask to get another one and return in a month to see how well it's shielding has done to further my healing. The biggest concern is my corneal implant going into rejection along with my getting exposed and open for infection. The healing lens covers my cornea and that danger spot, so it is hopefully keeping them safe while ensuring their is no obastacle to recovery. :)

Once you hae a condition, as you know, it is like a death trap for money. UPMC, the hospital I go to for my eye, won't accept $10 a month. That is complete bologna as there are people who don't pay at all and get away with it while we who try to be honest get nailed for noting how we have barely the funds to keep up with our basic care, let alone those special times we are in particular need. Worse, as you may also agree, it discourages you from seeking help at an early stage as you don't want the bill. Even though the early intervention could make a big difference if done. *Sigh* How I despise the way our health system is. Truly, I feel we live in an alleged "Humanitarian" Survival of the Fittest society. Those who have no issues look down at us for how we keep needing help while forgetting it is those of us who suffer such trials who help provide those stories of hope, along with other great things. Status Quo bings no new progress while we who have to endure what we endure make it so future generations don't have to. We are lab rats for society and should be appreciated for, without us, medicine would not advance. Now, if we could only get folks to understand those of us who are homosexual or have different coping methods to make it through our lives without becomming insane or suicidal. *Sighs*

Hapo Healing 6 is done! I hope to post it tonight. I'm really excited and do hope you like it as, again, you inspired it. :)

*huggles* Hehe, yay! I'm very happy we could both be surprise pals! I think since we've known of each other for a while before talking, we were more willing to open up to each other. So a healing contact lens is a big lens that covers most of your eye? I don't think I've heard of those. I hope it helps you a lot so you don't need more surgery. I know it must be very difficult having things like that on your eye for so long. I remember when I had to wear my arm in a sling for a few months when I dislocated my shoulder during a seizure. Then I had to wear a compression stocking on my left leg after I had that blood clot, so it looked like I had panty hose on one leg. Plus the latex grip on it around the thigh kept giving me a bad skin rash. So that was hard to endure, but I can't imagine it compares to what you have been through.

Oh yes, this condition has been a huge drain on finances. The hospital called me about my bill once, and said $10 isn't enough. I told them its all I can afford since I have so many, and they weren't happy, but seemed to understand because I haven't heard another complaint from them, and they still send me a bill after I pay, so they haven't tried to turn it over to collections. I've had to send out several letters to collectors telling them I can't pay since I can't work and am on limited income from Social Security. Those letters are helpful in getting them to stop contacting you, but doesn't necessarily make them stop. It always baffles me how people in high places try to get rid of Social Security and Medicare when they have to realize that they or members of their family will need those things some day. All they seem to care about is themselves and how much money they can stuff in their pockets. Its a terrible reality, but I hope we can evolve and move past such things in the future. Have to keep up hope.

Oooh, yay! I'll read it as soon as I see it pop up! ^^

*Huggles* I'm glad you enjoyed Hapo Healing 6. It was a real blast to write, as it turned out over 7 pages. *blush* :)

I think our society is too much in a "Must be Now!" mentality. As such, short term concerns outweigh the long term.

For example, you pay $10 a month towards your bill. However, that is not enough for the "Gotta' Have Its!" and they get all spazzy over it. Though, if you think of it intellectually, you'd realize $10 a month is better than getting nothing. This is where I feel the housing market went to heck. If I were a banker, I'd rather get less money a month than no money at all and be stuck with deadweight property. Furthmore, deadweight property takes away from property values and, in the long term, makes things worse for everyone beginning with the banker who can't sell the house they evicted people from as a result of insisting on getting a full mortgage instead of what the family could afford until they got back on their feet.

Social Security is the same thing. This why senior citizens are targetted highly with political ads. Most are retired and have the time to vote for things that impact them while not totally hearing all of what they are getting out of the politicians promise will screw over the retirees of the future. "It's all about me!" Most unfortunate.

I think this issue even applies here, at times, where people will constantly whine about the same problem looking for sympathy. However, when people reach out to help, they don't listen and get back into the same problems. It's fun to have fun in the short term, but you got to think long term if you are going to be truly happy.

The above applies to me and my family as I have not worked for over 3 months now. I could whine, complain, and ask for money. However, I have just worked with my wife to retweak our budget while seeking out other aids to help me independantly move forward despite all the setbacks my eye has given. I admit it took me a lot of self-confidence to do such a thing, but I really think sites like this are great for building self-confidence and wish more would use it to make friends and find happiness in their real selves rather than bring others down and ask for handouts and other such things like free art as it eventually wears on those who do their best to care, but have limited ability to do so while wondering what they can do t help said person or persons become happier and more positive.

The above is no dig at anybody, I just wish folks could be kinder and think more of others than themselves and I guess I got on a mass topic. If we thought beyond ourselves and put ourselves in others' shoes, we'd understand that some things are neccessary for a reason and how how a short term want is not as good as a long term need.

*huggles* Hehe, I'm glad you enjoyed writing it so much. That's what keeps me writing. Once I start I don't want to stop until its done. Getting started is another matter though.

Yeah, I hear that. I actually just got another collection letter today, this time collecting for the clinic I go to. The thing is, I've been paying them when they send me bills, and they've cashed them because I see it on my bank statement. But it seems like they sent me two different bills and I must have mistaken them both for the same bill, and only paid one. Why can't these places combine the amount owed so we don't get multiple bills from the same place? Its stupid. Its only $137 too, and I would have had no problem paying that one off. They just never sent me the bill again or anything. But whenever they send something to collections, they won't work with you on it anymore, and you have to contact the collection agency. Like they can't pull the bill back from collections or something, which is also lame. I guess since this bill is affordable, I can try to see if sending them $10 a month will work. They had just better not get fussy with me or they won't get anything.

Yeah, I've seen those ads too. They're aimed at the elderly and retired, but relate to me and others on disability as well. You can't just help out people in need, then stop and just let them die. That's not how I'd want my government to act. Even when I was working, I didn't mind paying into Social Security and all because I knew it was for the greater good. Of course, I never planned on needing it, or at least needing it so soon, but I didn't mind. All part of being adult right? Some people really need to grow up, and coming from a babyfur, that's saying something.

I rarely ever ask my family for help either. I know they're in a bad financial situation as well, and can't afford to help out much. Of course, my mom does send me a little money every now and then just because she's my mom, not because I ask her to. I have asked people for help in journals before, but its always a last resort. I'm not trying to take advantage of anyone. I'm sure you know as well as I do how monthly SSDI payments don't last the whole month, and even with budget planning and cutting things, its still almost impossible to live on that alone. Your wife works, so that brings in more money, but Tavi doesn't have a job and is more often helping to take care of me. He gets a little money from commissions, but its not always guaranteed income and often isn't enough to get by. So that's when I ask for help, when there's no other options and I know no more money is coming in anytime soon. Its better to ask and see if you can get help than not ask and just run out of money for food and meds. I also know that not everyone can help, so I never count on my asking for help actually helping or anything. Its just a final option that may or may not work, but its better to try than not to.

I've found that more people seem to care about others than some would think. Even those that say they are unable to help with money are at least helpful in spreading the word or just leave positive and encouraging comments. I'm glad at least some people can at least do that for others.

I don't know what I'd do if I didn't get positive and encouraging feedback from everyone here and beyond. It is sometimes hard to get all the strength inside that is needed to overcome those inner-demons that try to make you feel awful for a situation that, truly, is out of your control. Thanks to pals like yourself, I have at least been able to stay optimistic and not alone despite how scary all this eye action has been.

I also am very understanding to those who ask for help financially as a last resort. In such cases, which I may need sometime myself, to make it through a rough patch that seems like it will never end. My wife works, but her pay and my SSDI are not enough to last forever and I so desperately need to get back to work so we can pay down all the bills we have accrued as a result of all the trips back-and-forth I have had to take with my mom to Pittsburgh to just see if I am on the right, healing track. The day I am told I don't need to go back to Pittsburgh for 6 months again will be a most glorious day indeed.

And I, too, have had the mysterious "double bill". You think you cover it all as they both look the same, but there is like a one word difference you miss that makes grief fly off the charts. Seriously, can't people within the hospital 's Accounts Payable at least call and make reminders and explain things? Surprise bills with late fees are unfair and terrible. Especially to those of us who have no choice but to go to these places and spend money we know we don't have just to be proactive about our conditions.

I bet it can be stressful for Tavi to try and make a living off of arts. Especially when payment may not neccessarily come when it is supposed to, if at all. My compliments to him for doing all he can on his end to kep things going while being a fantastic support and caretaker to you. I'm sure you reciprocate by always making him feel loved and appreciated. :)

Awwww, well I know how important positive feedback is, so I try to give it often. I'm glad my words to you have helped. ^^ I often need such encouraging words as well. Sometimes I feel so sick that I worry one day I'll get TOO sick and end up in the hospital or worse. The stress from that and the constant bills and collection companies make me feel less cubby and makes it harder for me to get into that cubby mood again so I can feel better.

Yeah, it makes saving up for anything almost impossible. If I ever need a new car or something I don't know what I'll do. I've often thought of somehow getting Tavi to be my official "caregiver" which would give him a small amount of money each month since he has to stay home most of the time to take care of me. I'm just not sure what that would call for or have him need to do, or if it would cost anything. If we could do that, it would help, but I don't know how much. Plus it could also end up putting even more on Tavi's shoulders, which is something I wouldn't want.

Yep, it makes you wonder why they couldn't just combine the bills too. I mean, they all go to the same place. If its the same patient, just combine the bills so there's only one to worry about. I understand separate bills are for separate things, but it doesn't take a genius to see that one bill is easier to handle than two. I also looked up info on hospital bills getting sent to collections. Turns out there's nothing illegal about them sending a bill straight to collections, even if there has been no missed payment or anything. The thing is, once they send a bill to collections, it actually limits them more, because there's more safeguards against collectors than there would be against the hospital itself. So it really doesn't make sense to me.

Tavi does go above and beyond his limits just to make me and other people happy. Sometimes he ends up stretching himself thin, and that's why I tend to back off and try not to lean on him TOO much or ask him to be a full caretaker. He's talked about giving up his cub side before, and I always tell him not to. He'll always be a cute little cub to me, no matter what.

Oh, I do hope Tavi never gives up on his cubby side. The only condition I would say he should is if it would truly, and honestly, make him feel better. Though, for as long as he has a cubby spirit, I feel suc a thing would be hard and feel quite hurtful to attempt.

Heck, I tried to deny my babyfur self throughout my entire twenties and I felt awful each time. I felt so alone and desperately tried to make myself "normal" and it never worked to do anything beyond making me feel worse. It is thanks to friends like yourself that I have finally been able to happily embrace who I really am on the inside and, as such, am able to have a more positive outlook on life.

*Hugs* I'm a firm believer in how one must be there for themselves before they can be there for others. Do you ever feel poor Tavi tries so hard to be a super support to everyone that he forgets about himself? I know people like that and it is sad as they have their lives so framed around others that they forget the reason folks are friends with them is because they themselves are special and have a lot of great gifts they need to be proud of and engage in. :)

I hate hospitals and have it up to here with them. Moreover, I am one who is not happy when it comes to medical required leave and not working. It sucks as being an adult means you HAVE to work and be healthy in order to survive. I don't mind the working part, but me, like you, can't help what our bodies do and all we want is our chance to be there for others as they are there for us. Nobody on this planet can't contribute something and I wish the world would better understand how even what we do here to help raise the morale of our fellow man is worthwhile in lieu of doing nothing, which is what we get accused of. :(

You know, I do believe a thing does work if there is a potential they'd want to put you in a nursing home / assisted living facility. If it comes to that, or it is determined, Tavi, or someone else close, could get funds for being your caretaker while allowing you to stay out of such a place. It is definitely something to look into as I know you'd be more happy with Tavi at your side then sitting in a home with folks that could potentially bring you down while not allowing you to so easily engage in your cubby side, which I guess is like how I engage. This being a way of coping with the world that can often feel too terrible to bear. *Hugs*

Awww, yeah, as long as he's with me, I won't let him give up being a cub. ^^ He's really too much of a kid at heart to just give that up. He can't help it at times, and his inner child will come out. Just like the other day when we were eating dinner at a Waffle House. There was a little kid and his mom sitting next to us, and the kid kept looking at Tavi and then turning away when Tavi would look at him. So they kept sneaking looks at each other and laughing while we ate. It was cute. ^^

I tried to deny my baby side when I was in my late teens. I suppressed it for a while, but it just came back strong. After I found out I wasn't the only one, I felt a lot better though, so I decided to fully embrace it.

*hugs* Yeah, sometimes he forgets about himself, but not completely. He knows he is loved, but when caretakers or friends stop talking to him or only talk to him when they want art or something, it makes him feel like that's all he's good for. He knows that I love him for much more than that, and so do most of his friends. Its just good to hear it every now and then.

Heh, yeah, I hated hospitals too, but ended up working at one. That was kinda difficult to do, but I got over it since we tend to the computers and not the patients. Though there were times we saw them wheeling dead bodies around, since they had us in the basement. That's where they transport the dead to the morgue so visitors and patients don't have to see it. It was even more awkward having to share an elevator with one. o.o What really got me is that the hospital always talked about helping people in need and people who were disabled. There was even an employee who was in a wheel chair and had no use of his arms, yet he was still employed. Then when I became disabled, they wanted me gone. It was so unfair.

Nah, I'd never go to an assisted living place. Tavi will always be there to help me, plus I have family that would help too. Its just that I need help every day, and sometimes may need a lot more help than other days because I'll get really sick or something. So Tavi stays close just in case something like that happens. Since he does that, I feel like he should just be listed as my caregiver and get that extra income for all he does. I'm just not sure how to go about it. *hugs*

Tavi sounds like such a special cubby. You are truly lucky to have each other to support and love and all around feel good around.

To get Tavi to get financed for helping you out, I'd start by calling the master number for the Social Security Administration. You could then inquire about your condition and how it requires special, round the clock attention and that you have someone living with you who does it. They may be able to help you get on track to setting something up as, again, the last place they would want you is in assisted living as it closts more to do that than to have an assigned caretaker.

Ugh... I don't know how well I could do being around dead bodies. The concept creeps me out and would make me want to zone out into my work as much as possible so I didn't notice them as my heart would be all over the story behind that person and how the story ended while hoping (s)he has others who will carry on their hopes and dreams.

So there was a guy working who was, technically, more disabled than you and they kept him on board while shoving you out? That's super unfair and the ADA wouldn't stand for it. Reminds me of my last job where I was demoralized for putting my health before my job. I know you need to work and work hard, but you can't do either if you aren't healthy. Would you say your condition has been stabilized for the most part? I do hope so.

You're also right about how important it is to say your feelings towards someone. After awhile, things become implicit. However, we all just need to hear it at times to feel good. That is why I always tell my wife how much I love her while letting everyone here know how much their love and support has meant during this dark time in my life. I know their caring and love has found me through and I plan to never give up. No matter what the overall outcome may be.

Yeah, Tavi is a very special cubby and I feel so lucky to have him. I'll have to look up the info on the Social Security web site, but I think in order for a friend or loved one to be your caregiver, they have to have CPR training and such. He had to get that while working at Disney, but I think it has to be renewed every so often.

Yeah, most people are really creeped out by that, and I'm surprised more employees didn't complain about it, since that's a very disturbing thing to have to witness. We weren't the only group in the basement. Most of the maintenance was down there too, as well as an accounting department and the kitchen, though they were on the far opposite end and would never see any bodies being wheeled by.

Yep, the way I saw it, he was much more disabled than me at the time. Since, at the time, I could do my job and still walk. Though, I imagine even though he was in a wheel chair and all, he didn't have a condition that made him ill and tired like I had. Meaning he could at least come to work and such at a regular rate. My condition only stabilizes in that I don't have to be in the hospital anymore, but never really gets better. I have good days and bad days, but mostly bad ones, and Lupus can attack any organ in your body at any time, so you just never know when something will happen. It never gets to the point where I can predict it, and I never go more than two days without feeling very ill. The pain I have never really goes away, it just kind of gets less when I lay down or take pain meds, so I'm kinda used to being in pain, but it still gets to be too much at times. I'm currently trying to see a rheumatologist and a hematologist about specific things, so I hope those go well, even though they will add more bills.

We all need that encouragement to go on in life. Some people claim they can do without it, but I doubt they could ever do without it 100%. Although I don't talk to them often, I know my family is supportive of me and wants me to get better too. So I know I have to keep going and trying for them as well.

It just seems so unfair on how you were booted out of your job. Did they at least give you a severance? Were you able to collect unemployment? Every little bit helps.

I'm going to be journaling this soon, but I just got back from Pittsburgh, again, and they found another problem with my eye. Fortunately, it was super minor and only required some special love by my one doctor to repair. Though, I haven't been able to see the same since, so I'm guessing she used some pretty powerful meds to ensure my eye behaved for her while she did what she had to do.

*Hugs* Living in pain is so awful. Are there any meds you take to control the pain? Have you found any positions to sit, stand, or lay in that help take away any of the agony? The worst pain I had that seemed it would never end was kidney stones and they are miserable as the pain never goes away until your body finally moves the bothersome thing out. I hope the pain never gets too severe. Though, I can understand why you'd like to sleep lots as, right now, I really only want to sleep since having yet another procedure done on my eye and I'm not feeling as good as I did a few days ago.

I don't think it would be too hard for Tavi to get registered again in CPR. I think local YMCAs and churches tend to do them for free as it is an aimportant talent to have. However, what matters most is that you two can be there for each other. Our lives may throw monkey wrenches in our works, but we are still people with great ideas and possibilities. Let us both continue to strive for nothing short of success at all we can do despite what our bodies seem to keep us away from. *Hugs*

*nods* It seems unfair to me too. I did get unemployment though. That's kind of how they slipped by the rules on letting me go. They had me sign a paper saying that I voluntarily quit, and said if I didn't sign it they wouldn't pay me unemployment. I needed the unemployment to survive, so I was more or less forced into signing it.

Awwwww, I'm sorry to hear that. I'm glad its minor though. *hugs* I hope it can be fixed quickly without too much trouble.

*hugs* Yeah, it gets really bad sometimes. I am usually limited to just Tylenol or ibuprofen, but sometimes they give me something stronger. Usually laying down helps me feel better, but not always. I just have to find some sort of comfortable position to be in to feel better. Usually with my legs propped up, in a cool quiet room with low light. I've had kidney stones a few times. The last time was the worst, because the stone was too big to pass on its own, so it had to be removed by a doctor. I had to have a stent in my urethra for a few days. That was some of the worst pain I've ever had, but not THE worst. The absolute worst I had was when I first had the blood clot in my leg. It hurt so bad I couldn't move and had to use a wheel chair at the hospital. I couldn't even get out of the car and walk to the entrance. It even made me cry a few times it hurt so bad. Even after the surgery, I just wanted to get up and walk around but just getting dressed was something I couldn't do. Its never hurt that bad again, so far, but it does always hurt now.

*nods* I've wondered how he would have to go about getting registered in CPR. As soon as things settle down more, I'll look into it. I'll be sure to keep my friends and loved ones in mind to keep on going as best I can. Tavi is a true inspiration and always keeps me moving forward. *hugs*

*Warm hugs as he pat pats at your padded backside* You are indeed an inspiration in how you have overcome so much and still plug along as positively as possible despite what setbacks your body has thrown your way. It's hard to be strong when all you want to do is all the things you used to. However, I know, with Tavi especially, you are finding other ways of achieving happiness and peace for yourself and those around you.

My wife wound up in a similar situation. They were just going to purge the school she taught at of all its teachers and, in the process, they told her if she didn't resign they would make a bad report on her teaching record. :( It's amazing how cruel people can be. I have tales I can share of what my past employer did, but they make me sad and I will opt to note simply that joining FA has helped me to overcome the mental damage done.

Speaking of mental stuffs, have you found a way to see a therapist or psychiatrist lately? I know that was on a "To Do" list for you. You can never have enough support. and anything to keep you strong is always welcomed. :)

It is interesting how Tylenol is the catch all pain reliever. Then again, I learned this past week why. Apparently, a lot of other medications have blood thinning agents in them where Tylenol does not. I try my best to avoid blood thinners as, during the Monday sew job I had, my doctor told me I bleed the whole time wereas normal folks' eyes wouldn't bleed a drop. My poor eye can't take anymore and I do hope that, after this Monday, I will be okay for a good long while as I think my luck is running out. :(

Has anyone told you and/or have you found any advice in helping you with your condition? Fish Oil was a miracle for my eye until I had to cut back on blood thinners. My doctor told me about it. I also learned about something called a "Moisture Chamber" that is basically an eye patch with foam on it that, once taped over your eye, helps hold in the moisture. As my eye needs super hydration to save my cornea, that is what I've been using before bed each night, or when I've napped.

*Hugs* As always, I wish you all the best, Ozzie. Life obstacles are a pain in the padding, but we can at least find ways to be happy amidst all the stress and scary. *Leans over and gives you a little kiss as his stubby tail wiggles and makes crinkles* Be Yoshi!

*warm fluffy hugs n crinklewags* Awwww, you are an inspiration as well! We have both had a lot to overcome, but you've dealt with this your whole life. You and I both know how hard it is to maintain a positive attitude when things get bad or worse, but we keep going thanks to our friends and family being so supportive.

Ugh, that sucks. Why were they going to purge the school of its teachers? Did a few rotten apples spoil the whole bunch or something? That's really shameful. Was your wife in the teacher's union? If so, she could have fought that, because its not right.

Well, since we just moved, and are still unpacking, I haven't had time to try and find a therapist or anything. But at some point I will. They just need to be close by.

Yeah, but even Tylenol has its limits. Like if you take too much Tylenol, it can damage your liver. So I try not to take too many pain killers, since you never know what ill effects they could have in the long term. So your blood is naturally thin? Mine seems to be naturally thick, so I need a good balance of thinners. I've been told I shouldn't take Ibuprofen, but sometimes I do anyway because it sometimes works better than Tylenol.

Awww, don't say your luck is running out. *hugs* Try and keep your spirits up.

No one has really given me any advice on my condition, but I do take Fish Oil for cholesterol control help. Your moisture issue reminds me of one of my aunts. She developed Lupus and it caused her tear ducts and salivary glands to not work so well. So she had to constantly apply moisturizing stuff to her eyes and drink some kind of moisture gel to keep her mouth and throat moist. It was terrible.

*hugs* I wish you all the best as well. Finding ways to be happy is the key to feeling better, even if its just a bit. *blushies n gives a lil kissy back, crinklewagging* ^^

Hehe aww, how sweet! (: You really did a great job drawin' this Yosh, and the colors are all bright and pretty and great. Even now your work is still improving. And the writing above was very thoughtful, and thinking back on the past few months is nice too - even though there were plenty of stressful times in there, I'm glad we were able to stay in tough all throughout, I'm definitely happy to keep you company, and it's been a ton of fun for me too! :3 And even when you're better it'll be fun chattin' and hangin' and doin' what we do together! :3

*Happy cry* I just know all the words I wrote can't express just how thankful I am to have you as a pal. You've changed my life, given me positivity and happiness where I had none, and even made me a better and happier author and artist. I am ever thankful for that faithful day, nearly 4 years ago, when we met just because I saw your avatar and found a fellow Oxnard fan. *Snugsnug*

With all the support you've given, along with all that which surrounds me, I know I can do anything and overcome any obstacle. It's great to know one is not alone and having love and caring certainly makes for great healing. :)

Well it's great to hear that you're back on your flippers and that Nishi was able to help you through things! ^^

Yep, yep, yep! *Huggles and nuzzles* Hopefully what was found on Monday is just a minor bump that will resolve safely and allow me to return to a solid recovery.

As I noted to Zee-Zee, I may not have been able to keep in touch with you over the brunt of this recovery, but you were always a part of my mind. You are a great friend and getting myself to where I can enjoy all of our fun again has really meant a lot. *Hugs and sniffles* I've missed you.

Hello. Nice to hear everything's going well.

Thank you. I am indeed elated things are on the right track. Sure there are scares, but faith and positivity have seen me through all of it and I am so glad to be able to see again and keep getting better. I may have missed out on getting to know new friends, like yourself, if not and that would've been no fun at all. Nope, nope, nope!

Here's to a Yoshi of a day!

Yay, Nishi! ^.^

*Huggles* Yay, super special squirrel buddy! We may not have had many exchanges during the brunt of my recovery, but I did think of you LOTS. I am just glad to be on the mend, despite this slight complication, and hopeful to only keep getting better while knowing I have so many wonderful pals. *Wraps himself up with you using your tail* Gotta' love the clever squirrel. :)

Nishi indeed has been perhaps the best friend I could ever ask for. Honestly, throughout my life, I would make best friends who'd move away from me almost on tri-year basis. I felt I'd never be able to find a pal who I could bond with wo wouldn't leave me.

And, one day, I was on FA and saw someone who had an avatar of Oxnard from one of my favorite shows, Hamtaro. I couldn't help but write him as I have been a long-time fan of Hamtaro and Oxnard was my favorite character. The rest has been a monumental journey together as we both work either together, or seperately, to better upon our boundless, artistic skills.

Moral of the story? You never know when one common interest can build one of the greatest friendships ever.

As noted, I've really enjoyed getting to know you and hope I may continue to do so in the times ahead. You seem like a creative, talented, and overall great person. Here's to good times while you continue to better your talents and build wonderful friendships that transcend the furry realm. :)