Becalm

Beat wishes, smiles, laughter and healing energy
throughout the coming year. Hope Springs Eternal.
Focus always - not on our issues - but on helping others.

...And I know what I have to do now. I gotta keep breathing.
Because tomorrow the sun will rise. Who knows what the tide
could bring ?"
- from the movie "Cast Away"

dogster

Well G, here's another test coming up.

I suspect the road is getting tougher and more concentrated now, as it must. No one really knows what to say. No one really knows what to think or what to do.

But actually you do. You've known it all along. Bathe in the affection of your friends, suck up their love and use it to power you through the ordeal. You don't have to give anything back now. You've done that. This rejuvenated forum of crazies is proof of that. Now it's time for you. You just have to receive.

I can sense a certain special wisdom in you now, my friend. It's there in your silence. It's there in your words above. It's all around you. I know you can see it now - in every dawn, in every sunset. Let it guide you.

Then fight like hell. Clamp your fingers on the ledge and don't let go. Now is the time to get strong, tap that wisdom, distill it and never lose hope. That's what our words are for. Rocket fuel.

But if you slip and lose your grip, remember, it's not far to fall.

Soft landing, I promise you.

Bokhara2

Knuckle down, screwey tight, you'll be right.
xo

dogster

lol lol lol Bok. From the ridiculous to the sublime. Ain't Fodor's grand?

simpsonc510

Andy, I'm sending cyber hugs and good thoughts just like all of your other friends from Fodorville. As dogster says, use all of this cyber-love to help you through the ordeal. Be strong. We need you here.

sharona

Ah, Andy. Sorry about the setback. I'm sending my very best wishes to you and to Beth. I'll be thinking about you on Monday and hoping for the best.

lcuy

Andy, have recently been meaning to thank you. You have been a huge part (and that's saying a lot, considering Bob's size) in making the Asia forum the fun place that it is. And what would I do in October if not for the GTg that you and Bob created?

Wishing you strength and humor in equal amounts. Lots of love to both you and Beth in 2011.

marya_

Andy,

Just checking in, after getting settled back in Beijing, to see how you are as 2010 draws to a close. This is one of many cities for which you have given me wonderful travel advice. Thank you many times over. My plans on January 3 now include lighting joss sticks for you in a temple here. Given the 13 hour time difference, that will allow plenty of time for fond, healing wishes to travel back to Boston as you bravely undergo experimental surgery. Remember -- 2011 will be the year of the resurgence of the Massachusetts liberal. We need you.

Marija

May the surgery tomorrow be the first step in a miracle...

Gpanda

Thanks. I can't tell you how much support I feel from this forum. The knowledge that we not alone is comforting. bob and Karen are sitting withBeth through the 7 hours of surgery. I feel a part of a wonderfully diverse community. From newbies to regulars, we exchange ideas without too much posturing. Where else would a diehard liberal befriend a foolish conservative?

Doherty, I take your meaning and love your prose. There is a way in which you are abawdyBill Bryson.

Smeagol

All the above with hugs (( )) from Muffin and I

dogster

Doherty? lol lol lol. Here we go, eh? You have my fingers clamped tight over yours. I won't let go. Time to fight.

SueHuml

Will be praying for you tomorrow Andy and thinking about Bob and Karen there to support Beth as you undergo surgery. Praying for your skillful Doctors too that they will be starting 2011 with a successful surgery that is long talked about in future years.
Sue

DonTopaz

Sending Andy and Beth positive energy and very, very deepest wishes for health and peace.

Amy

Sending all good vibes for strength and peace.

FromDC

I'll be thinking about you and sending positive thoughts through cyberspace.

bookchick

Huge hugs, my dear friend.

BC

travelaw

GPanda,
Know that you're surrounded by caring thoughts and prayers and heartfelt wishes.
Successful surgery. Rest easy. Get well.
With all our friendship and love,
Travelaw

Bokhara2

A day ahead & half a world away, I'm watching the ocean through gum trees & thinking of a man I know only by his writing on a travel forum and holding my spiritual breath for him.

It's a soft, hazy morning and the waves are breaking softly on the sand and earlier, over my feet as I walked along the shore.

In many ways, I think the ocean is a great metaphor for our lives. Sometimes stormy, crashing & booming with King Tides; other times, sparkling in the sunshine; ethereal & beautiful in the moonlight - like a pond of mercury. It can be brutal, beautiful and gentle. And like life, there lies beneath great depth & beauty that can eclipse even the most glorious surface view.

You've been caught in a nasty rip, GPanda, but you're swimming with the current and there's a safe beach just around the headland.

sassy_cat

gpanda
Ahh, a long night ahead followed by a long day for you but you won't be traveling alone.

Here's a recent report that states that even when people know they're taking placebos they still seem to have some benefit.

With no scientific research whatsoever I'm going to attribute this to the healing power of the human mind so THINK POSITIVELY (actual placebo is optional)and look forward to the day after tomorrow when you'll be on the road to recovery or on the beach Bokhara mentioned

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/20...ents-sham-drug