What's worse than coming back from the warm atmosphere, big hearted people and blue skies of Austin Texas; landing hard at Dulles outside DC; standing in snowy sleety weather to get picked up; having the next two days stay grey and dismal dawn to dusk; then blowing off all your appointments for the week because you're just so overwhelmed that you cant see ground level?
I've found out the answer. It's learning that a beautiful, smart, loving young woman who I sat next on on Saturday night, who I have known for only weeks through twitter but who acts and feels like family, suddenly is very ill and the doctors don't know why.
Granted, I've got cancer, but I've had a while to get used to that. Now what's more upsetting than me is that someone young like Lani is so violently sick with no notice whatsoever. The one bright light in this is that her husband Benn's with her at every step of the process. Did you see those images of him right there as the CAT scan got done?
And no I haven't got a lesson to share from this yet - it's far too soon. No wisdom; no platitudes; no insights; no talking about community and connectedness. Somehow I don't have anything to say; I'm feeling too much.
Just stunned silence, prayers and messages of support for her and her family.
image: Austin Saturday Night: l to r Benn Rosales Lani Anglin-Rosales Mike Neumann Susan Reynolds Photo by Kim Haynes
We are getting very good at sending prayers on Twitter. Lani made my avatar to make me laugh, even though I know her through the internet I can see an inner light there -- and I'm sending her (and you!) all my best.
Posted by: Sarah Cooper | Feb 26, 2008 at 03:27 PM
I echo that--prayers and heartfelt thoughts are with you all.
Posted by: mousewords | Feb 26, 2008 at 03:30 PM
It helped me write about the special e-friendships that we develop as well.
You are a perfect example of that - that's for sure. Look at all of the people you've introduced to one another!
It's cool you got to meet Benn & Lani the other night! Lucky you!
Posted by: KimWood | Feb 26, 2008 at 03:34 PM
Oh my - well, I'll keep her in my prayers, but I hope it helps to know that my husband went through something similar a couple of months ago - not to the point of not being able to see, but of the point to having to pull over the car and call the ambulance.
We met him at the E.R. - that was one of the worst nights of my life, believe me.
Apparently, whatever it was - still no actual diagnosis ever - the extreme vomitting led to throwing his electrolytes and the rest of his system out of whack that it kept perpetuating.
It sounds very similar to what she went through - and they thought perhaps it was something viral that caused the vertigo and that put everything into overdrive.
Several IVs and lots of Zofran later, he spent 2 days getting 'back to normal' - but he did get back to normal.
I will pray that this is what Lani is going thru - it's scary, but no lasting effects other than the memory.
((((hug)))))
Posted by: GeekMommy | Feb 26, 2008 at 07:02 PM
I can only offer prayers and positive energy. I guess even licorice can't save the day this time :(
Posted by: tndaisy1960 | Feb 26, 2008 at 07:42 PM
omg- i'm at the computer!!! thank you so much for your prayers- I sincerely appreciate them!
http://www.webmd.com/brain/tc/labyrinthitis-topic-overview
Labrynthitis with no hearing loss is the diagnosis (we learned after seeing two specialists). So, I'm feeling a LOT better (no puking, I can be active in spurts) but likely have another week of not working. Hell, I needed a break anyhow :)
I'm thinking of having "Twitter Time" every night at a certain time for like 20 minutes- I'll let y'all know!
God bless,
Lani
Posted by: Lani Anglin-Rosales | Mar 03, 2008 at 12:34 PM