Yesterday was a great day!

[Fluffysmom]

Well, the urodynamic testing that started my day wasn't so great, a little uncomfortable.  The results were mostly normal; no stress/pressure incontinence, no overactive bladder, no infection, unlikely interstitial cystitis; my retention and emptying were normal.  No evidence that my symptoms were neurogenic, though the doctor said that there is often no measurable evidence early on.

Well, I took a page from ess's book, and decided to do something nice to treat myself after such undignified happenings (though my doc and her M.A. were great).

I had a wonderful treat; I was able to meet Quix and her sister for lunch!  I was able to give her a real hug instead of a cyber hug.  I had a wonderful time; Quix is as great in person as on the forum, if not more so.  We ordered all sorts of yummy stuff, then talked so much that they took home three boxes of leftovers.  Hmmm, maybe they just meant to order dinner, too! :o)

We talked for at least a couple of hours, about the forum and neuros and cats and life and had a wonderful afternoon.

I didn't know if I'd recognize Quix without her salad tongs on her head, but there was no doubt in my mind when she walked through the door.  She has these sparkling eyes that reflect the wit, wisdom, compassion, and a wonderful soul all contained in that one person.  After we got to talking, it became clear that as passionate as she is about the issues we all face, she has a very calming personality.  You may have noticed this on the forum, but in person you can feel it, not just see it.  I'll bet all her patients felt much better when they came to see her, before they were even treated.

Both she and her sister are witty.  We had some good laughs, and it was great to be able to laugh without having to use a :o) or LOL!  

We all came to the conclusion that it was time to leave at the same time, but I'll bet we would have continued talking in the parking lot for a little while, if my bladder hadn't spoken up and I couldn't follow them out.

What an awesome day!

Kathy

[Sarahsmom46]

My heart is smiling big time for you three.  Oh what a treat that must have been.  We are communicating with people literally around the world via the web and when you actually get to put a name, voice and face and a real hug to that stranger who you are now meeting in person for the first time, well that is amazing.  Good for you all that you could get together.  

I have a little story of one of our members making a connection to the photo I use on my picture slot.  One of the members of our forum noticed the picture and that it was an island where I lived for several years and told me that her husband grew up there.  Come to find out we know the same people and my kids went to school with her husband and his brothers.  This is a small world, let me tell you.  

Thanks for sharing your story Kathy.  My hearts still smiling!!!!

Julie

[Fluffysmom]

What a great way to put it, thank you, I'm blushing.  

Meeting you was truly a great gift!

Kathy

[doni54]

You know, this is the kind of thing that really makes my heart feel good.  I can actually feel it, and it's amazing.

And, yes, Kathy.......Oregon will be included....what I could do is just kidnap everyone on my way and bring them to Washington State...........heeheehee

[Quixotic1]

Yesterday was totally Wonderful!  It was so amazing to meet Kathy.  She was at once already a good friend and a new wonderment in my life.  Kathy is a quiet and positive being who radiates calmness and a zest for life.  We sat there in the restaurant talking as candidly as we do here.  No topic was uncomfortable or forbidden, tho an easdropeer might have been horrified, lol.  Lots of laughter and the assurance that we will get together many more times.

I can only encourage any of your who have formed relationships to do this.  The friendships we have here are very real and there is no "ramp-up" time to establish anything when you meet.  You just start talking as if you had known each other in person forever or even grown up together!

Kathy has that quality of making you feel so comfortable and important.  What a great person to know!  She even brought some jewelry she had made to share with me and my sister.  She understood without any words when the fatigue was taking us both down, but we still had so many things to talk about!  This is a friendship that already goes way beyond symptoms, MS, or disability!

Thank you, Kathy.  Meeting you was like a great present I got way before the holidays!

Quix

[Fluffysmom]

The food; assorted appetizers, soups, salad, 1/2 sandwich, Quix's sister's lunch was so big there was no way she could finish it, even taking half the bread off this amazing looking Angus chili burger (I think; I was so busy talking I hardly noticed the food, though I remember it tasted good!

Ahem, doni, don't forget Oregon!  Unless you're going to Washington to visit Quix, then I'm close enough to drive up and meet you, too!

I would love to have a big get-together somewhere. If I win the lottery, I'm buying!  We'll take over a nice resort somewhere with pleasant weather; not too hot, not too cold.  We'll share hugs and desserts and stories and laughter and tears and all the truly good stuff in life.  Significant others welcome!  Hmm, wonder if we could find a place that accepts pets, too?  :o)

Many many many HUGS!

Kathy

[doni54]

I'm glad the testing worked out good for you, but I must admit I am very jealous that you got to give Quix a hug!!!!!!  heeheehee

I pray that someday we can have a big party somewhere in the middle of the US and all get to share those hugs we're always sending thru cyberspace.  Wouldn't it just be the best!?!

If we don't do that then I've got a huge road trip to make.....New Jersey, Illinois, Virginia, South Carolina, Ontario and Washington State!!!!  Whewwwww, what a trip that would be!  Maybe when I win the lottery....heeheehee

This forum is such a special and blessed place and the people on here are just the most special in the entire world.  I thank God everyday for the opportunity I've been afforded to meet and know all of you.

Not as good as the real thing, but (((((((((((Hugs))))))))))))))))
doni

[essdipity]

Hey, that's great! What a wonderful way to forget about bladder testing for a while. Many of us here have written about wanting to meet others but it seldom happens because this country and this world are awfully big. I've been pretty lucky in that regard. Last winter I met Heather, and earlier this fall I met Elaine. I only wish there were a way we could have a huge jamboree. Wouldn't that be a blast??

I'm so glad you don't have anything obviously neurogenic going on with your bladder issues. You sure don't need that!

So that leads me to my big question of the day---What in the world did you order to eat that allowed for 3 boxes of leftovers? Sounds like the loaves and fishes!

Hugs,
ess