A Special Thank You ...

I want to say a special I Love you .. and Thank you to Joann Tigert... otherwise known as Tigger ... This weekend Joann hosted me and Alan in her home . She and Tom traveled to the top of Wintergreen to pick out my wedding site ... then back down the mountain .. to meet the wedding officiant .. then back up the mountain again to re-think the whole thing ... Joann has been there for me when no one else was .. when there was no hope in site for me sometimes ... Yesterday for example , I was not feeling well when we met with the Wedding Planner .. and she took over .. taking all notes ... and getting my head back where it needed to be ... We shopped at our favorite place ... The good ole GW .. otherwise known as Goodwill and we got some really great deals ... We have laughed so hard this weekend ... ( PewBews--- Inside Joke ) and we have had some memorable times as well ... not to mention her getting coffee spilled down her backside at a restaurant .. geesh... If it where not for Gastric Bypass surgery I would never have the friends that I have and all the love in my life that I Have now . I just want to reach out and tel Joann that she is so special to me and that I thank God each day that she is in my life ... If you have that special friend or someone .. take time today to tell them how much they mean to you .. Life is too short .. Natalie

Nat, she really truley is a "one of a kind" friend. i love her just as much as you do!!! i glad you two had a wonderful time this weekend, sorry i wasnt able to get over there to say hello.. take care and hope you are feeling better now. Hugs, Holly

Great glad to here you guys had a great time, I was just thinking of Joann cause hadnt seen her on here for a while glad she is well. Now what about the coffee spill down the backside? Sounds painful but interesting, hope she is ok. Joann is the gem and a great person.

I write this with tears in my eyes.................Thank you, Natalie, for this post. You have truly made my day. Thank you for making me feel so special. I enjoyed the weekend as well. Thank you also to Holly and Melinda for their kind words. I haven't been posting a lot lately, but I read the board every day. (Sometimes I am afraid of what I would write after a Percocet or two!) Nat is right---We need to tell those we love how we feel. You just never know when you might not be able to do it again. Also by telling them, you just might make their day like she has made mine! I LOVE YOU GUYS!!! JoAnn

Nat I am so glad that you have someone special who is always there for you and that you can rely on. I think Joann is a really special person that despite her pain wants to help others and get involved. And I am sure she loves you dearly and it is obvious how you feel about her... friends like that are very dear! I have found now that most of my really good friends are wls people because we all have so mu*****ommon and we naturally gravitate to each other..... we surely are a beautiful community!!!! Jackie

Natalie, your post about Joanne, as well as Leillani's post last week about Paul and how everyone came to her side, really points out to me the importance of friendship. My best friend died in August. I have yet to really get through the mourning for her and feel alone when ever I think of her not being here. She was someone that I could talk to about anything, and she would not judge me or scold me, or laugh at me (yes, maybe laugh with me, but not at me). I find myself going to the cemetary at least once a week just to feel her closeness even though I know she's not there! I told Greg the other day that I wanted and needed to have a new 'best friend' (so fair warning to all of you out there -- look out !!) I often wonder, what would I do and who would really care, if I needed help (other than my family of course who are 3000 miles away), and of course I always think of this board. Even for those that don't know me I know I would get support. For me, that is such a comforting thought. I'm glad you have Joanne, Natalie, as well as all the others on this board that love and support you. I think we're all very lucky we have this little community!! much love donna

Hijack! Great new avatar Donna!!!!

thanks David - I didn't think it looked much different than my last one, but I wanted to see if I couild change it!! I always look the same -- same mouthy smile, same lazy eye, same hair sytle and color, same ole same ole!! Thanks for noticing!! love donna

Hey stop running yourself down - you look beautiful!! Same sweet smile, same beautiful eyes, same cute hairstyle - thank goodness for same ole same ole!! Why change it if it is working?! Jackie

You are so right .. the list for me is never ending of friends that I have here . You being one of them ... you like Joann come into my life just when I need you the most .. you have always been one of my biggest fans .. and I adore you .. and yes .. I am very lucky to have all of my OH friends ... Natalie