Most of you who follow me, know that I write these weekly musings to spark something within you (and me). To make you think on a deeper level. I’ve, in the past, revealed some parts of myself in the hopes that you get me and from your comments, I get you.
You may have noticed I’ve been awol from the blogging community for a bit. It began with that nasty storm that rocked the East Coast recently. We saw devastation but we were okay — just without power for about a week and a half. We left for a while and stayed somewhere else. Finally, the abode was livable and we returned. We were there for one night and the phone rang the next morning with news from one of my sisters. The kind of news you don’t want to hear. I feel as if my world is upside down.
We are once again in limbo but that storm is a faded, insignificant memory to me now. That doesn’t seem important anymore (and I’m not in any way taking away from those who suffered and lost more and are still coping) but I have a family member in harm’s way now and that’s more difficult than any “storm” I’ve survived.
My Daddy is an intensely private person so even though he won’t know I’m writing about him, I won’t mention him by name but I wanted to write something. He is one of the most important men in my life and I’m used to seeing him strong and sure. He has been through a very serious surgery and is recovering. That recovery is first and foremost in our lives now. This has shifted my life into a sharp and distinct perspective; one that I’ve never experienced. You know, when something happens and everything comes into focus and you realize what the REALLY important things are in life.
The people you love and those that love you. And that love is fierce. The kind that makes you cry and ache and you want to take the pain away and you can’t. You just stand there hopeless and praying and promising and wanting everything to be okay and return to normal. My family is a wonderful one. We have been there for each other and I know that we will weather this, stronger and our love stronger than ever before.
So I’m asking all of you to do me a big favor. Would you please put your loving good thoughts and prayers or however you do this — however you send good thoughts to someone because I could use them. He could use them as he goes through this long recovery to being well again. This incredibly strong man could use it and I think good energy and prayers work.
I miss you all so much. I miss “talking” to you. I miss visiting your blogs and commenting. Thank you — all of you who’ve emailed me personally — you really have no idea how much it means to me. Thank you.
Brigitte's Banter 
Will do whatever I can on my end–glad to see you are back –and your story motivates me to be happy for what I have and to love those around me actively – thanks Brigitte–prayers will go out on behalf of you dad
Posted by on thehomefrontandbeyond | November 19, 2012, 9:39 amLou Ann, thank you and thank you for checking in periodically via email — it is so appreciated.
Posted by Brigitte | November 19, 2012, 10:23 amstrange as it may seem, I feel we are friends (hugs)
Posted by on thehomefrontandbeyond | November 19, 2012, 11:20 amSending love, healing and prayers your way, Brigitte. Thanks for checking in. I’ve been thinking about you.
Cathy
Posted by Cathy Ulrich | November 19, 2012, 9:40 amHi Cathy, thank you — I accept them. xo
Posted by Brigitte | November 19, 2012, 10:23 amOh, Brigitte, I’m so sorry that your dad is going through a rough time and sorry for the pain and anguish it’s caused you. I’ll keep your dad and family in my prayers. It seems like lots of people are going through ‘the wars’ right now – it’s a time to put things in perspective and yes, have faith in God. 🙂
Blessings to you!!
Lisa
xoxox
Posted by A Gripping Life | November 19, 2012, 9:42 amLisa, thank you and thanks for your personal email — it means so much. blessings to you as well, friend. xo
Posted by Brigitte | November 19, 2012, 10:24 amYou’re in my thoughts. Hang in there, Brigitte.
Posted by mabukach | November 19, 2012, 9:55 amThank you, Mike.
Posted by Brigitte | November 19, 2012, 10:24 amDearest Brigitte,
I, too have been AWOL from blogging! I didn’t know of any of your hardships!
Please know, I am blasting your Dad with healing purple light. I am picturing in my mind’s eye…your blog post that says, …”Thank you friends!! He is doing wonderfully!”.
Family is what makes earthschool “Do-Able” if you ask me. I understand your heart, dear friend. I wrap you up in love, too. I don’t know you Dad’s name…but I have a prayer for YOU to pray…as often as you wish. I’ve found it to be tremendously powerful.
“Dear Lord,
Because you have instructed us in Your Word that we are to pray for one another so that we may be healed, I pray for healing and wholeness for my Dad. I pray that sickness and infirmity will have no place or power in his life. I pray for protction against any disease coming into his body. Your Words say, “He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions” (Psalm 107:20). Wherever there is disease, illness, or infirmity in his body, I pray that You, Lord, would touch him with Your healing power and restore him to total health.
Deliever him from any destruction or injury that could come upon him. Specifically, I ask You to heal (name specific problem). If we are to see a doctor, I pray that You, Lord, would show us who that should be. Give that doctor wisdom and full knowlege of the best way to proceed.
Thank you Lord, that you suffered and died for us so that we might be healed. I lay claim to that heritage of healing that You have promised in Your Word and provided for those who believe. I look to You for life of health, healing and wholeness.
Your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.
Isaiah 58:8
-prayer by Stormie Omartian from her book called, The Power of the Praying Parent.
I’ve adapted the prayer to work for anyone….not just children. I prayed it over my mother just months ago when she had her heart attack that nearly took her from us.
It is powerful, Brig. I love you. I miss you. I send blessings♥
Love, Lis
xoxoxoxoxooxoxo
Posted by Carr Party of Five | November 19, 2012, 9:59 amLis, how beautiful. I will copy and paste and look at that and say it and believe it. Thank you for your email as well. I hope you Mom is doing okay. Thank you, friend. xo
Posted by Brigitte | November 19, 2012, 10:26 amLove and prayer and support your way.
Posted by Addie | November 19, 2012, 10:03 amThank you so much, Addie.
Posted by Brigitte | November 19, 2012, 10:26 amBrigitte-
You have been in my prayers and now, I am going to say Lis’ prayer for you as well.
Be strong and be positive my friend.
Audra
Posted by unfetteredbs | November 19, 2012, 10:05 amAudra, thank you. That is a beautiful and powerful prayer and one that I intend to use in the coming days/weeks. I will stay positive. xo
Posted by Brigitte | November 19, 2012, 10:27 amDear Brigitte, I send my love to your Dad and to you and all who loves him. I am so touched when people speak of their families as treasures, as you do. A history of loving years will always pull people together in a powerful journey of recovery.
Posted by Allyson Mellone | November 19, 2012, 10:16 amHi Allyson, thank you. My family is so much a treasure. Your love and sweet thoughts are so appreciated.
Posted by Brigitte | November 19, 2012, 10:28 amSorry to hear about your father. I got your back. Prayers and thoughts coming your way.
Posted by Brother Jon | November 19, 2012, 10:39 amBroJo, thank you so much and it’s so appreciated.
Posted by Brigitte | November 20, 2012, 9:55 pmI understand when a parent get sick and has to go through so much. Sending much love and light to your father and to you.
Posted by JackieP | November 19, 2012, 11:10 amThank you so much, Jackie.
Posted by Brigitte | November 20, 2012, 9:56 pmSo sorry to hear of your ongoing struggles. Definitely sending streams and streams of positive thoughts your way.
Posted by Carrie Rubin | November 19, 2012, 11:32 amCarrie, I’m ready for it to stop now and thanks so much for your kind sentiments.
Posted by Brigitte | November 20, 2012, 9:56 pmBrigitte, I know the pain of watching a parent suffer. I know how hard it is to watch your rock be compromised by illness. I am sending all my positive thoughts and prayers your father’s way. Take good care of yourself.
Posted by notedinnashville | November 19, 2012, 11:36 amNashville, it is so difficult and I so appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
Posted by Brigitte | November 20, 2012, 9:57 pmI am holding you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. I wish your father a speedy recovery.
Posted by runningonsober | November 19, 2012, 11:36 amThank you so much — positive prayers and thoughts help.
Posted by Brigitte | November 20, 2012, 9:57 pmI will send him good thoughts, and also some reiki. And remember to try to look after yourself in all this too, Brigitte.
Posted by Madame Weebles | November 19, 2012, 12:09 pmI like Mme. Weebles’ advice to you Brigitte — it’s so important. I’m there with the prayer. I believe in it and I will pray for you and your family.
Posted by Sandee | November 19, 2012, 1:17 pmThank you, Sandee! I’m just now getting this message from you and I don’t know why!!
Posted by Brigitte | January 18, 2013, 5:46 pmWeebs, I so appreciate it. I am trying but it takes much stamina. Thank you my friend.
Posted by Brigitte | November 20, 2012, 9:58 pmAll the love and peace and healing you need wrapped around you in a warm embrace. That is my prayer for you and your father.
Posted by Honie Briggs | November 19, 2012, 2:44 pmHonie, my friend — I will take your embrace and prayers. xxoo
Posted by Brigitte | November 20, 2012, 9:58 pmFrom my heart to you and your Father’s I send lots of healing love and light!!
Posted by free penny press | November 19, 2012, 3:07 pmLynne, your love and light is so appreciated. thank you.
Posted by Brigitte | November 20, 2012, 9:59 pmMissed you too Brigitte. Sending all of my good vibes, thoughts, and prayers to the universe your way.
Posted by becca3416 | November 19, 2012, 3:55 pmHi Becca, that is so nice — thank you.
Posted by Brigitte | November 20, 2012, 9:59 pmsending you all my good thoughts, and those I’ve been receiving lately back at you x annie
Posted by bodhisattvaintraining | November 19, 2012, 5:51 pmAnnie, thank you. That’s so nice — to send those good thoughts along — much appreciated.
Posted by Brigitte | November 20, 2012, 10:00 pmah I Am a bodhisattva in training you see 😉 he he
Posted by bodhisattvaintraining | November 20, 2012, 10:07 pmSaying a prayer for your dad right now. And for you too, because you sound like you need it. And…I’m really glad you’re back, because I missed you!
Posted by sarafoley | November 19, 2012, 7:09 pmHi Sara, I’m getting so many good thoughts, prayers and positive energy. Thank you so much. Miss you too.
Posted by Brigitte | November 20, 2012, 10:01 pmAdd another voice here, sending you and your family good thoughts. Having you and your family around your father can be some of the best medicine out there. The love and support from family and friends can make all the difference. Remember to take care of yourself, too.
Posted by jmmcdowell | November 19, 2012, 7:10 pmJM, your “voice” is always one I look forward to hearing from so thank you so much, friend.
Posted by Brigitte | November 20, 2012, 10:02 pmBe assured of my prayers and good thoughts on your’s and your dad’s behalf. HUGS xo
Posted by dianasschwenk | November 19, 2012, 7:20 pmD, I’ll take all the prayers, good thoughts and hugs I can get– thank you.
Posted by Brigitte | November 20, 2012, 10:03 pmYou got it.
Posted by Change My Body...Change My Life | November 19, 2012, 7:26 pmThank you.
Posted by Brigitte | November 20, 2012, 10:03 pmDearest Brigitte, you and yours have been, and continue to be, in my thoughts and prayers. May you all be nourished and sustained by Love and Light. xoxoM
Posted by Margarita | November 19, 2012, 8:11 pmMargarita, my friend — you love and light is so appreciated and much appreciated and needed.
Posted by Brigitte | November 20, 2012, 10:04 pmWow. How frightening. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I guess I know what you will be thankful for this Thanksgiving. I hope your father’s health improves quickly.
Posted by newsofthetimes | November 19, 2012, 9:19 pmThank you so much. I am hoping for the same thing!
Posted by Brigitte | November 20, 2012, 10:04 pmPlain and simple, I’m sending as much positive energy as I can muster and adding in a prayer for your family. Keep faith, stay strong, and stay positive. Family is indeed something rare and completely irreplaceable. Wishing your dad and the rest of your family all the best.
Posted by lillianccc | November 19, 2012, 9:25 pmLillian, my friend — your sending them and taking the time to do so means so much. Thank you.
Posted by Brigitte | November 20, 2012, 10:05 pmBrigitte, since I was subject to atheist training in my youth i.e., 12 years of Catholic school, the best I can offer is sincere wishes that he’ll make a full recovery.
Posted by lameadventures | November 19, 2012, 11:19 pmV, sincerity, thoughts, prayers, good energy it’s all the same and thank you for taking the time to extend them to me — it’s so appreciated. I hope he does too.
Posted by Brigitte | November 20, 2012, 10:06 pmI was just thinking the other day that I hadn’t received one of your inspirational blog posts for a while and thought that you must have still been getting things sorted after the storm. I was sad to hear that your dad is not well. I hope he recovers soon.
Posted by rachel's book nook | November 20, 2012, 1:24 amRachel, thank you so much.
Posted by Brigitte | November 20, 2012, 10:06 pmThoughts and prayers are with your Dad, you and all your family. 🙂
Posted by floatingwiththebreeze | November 20, 2012, 8:15 amTeresa, thank you — I will take them.
Posted by Brigitte | November 20, 2012, 10:08 pmYou’re in my thoughts Brigitte!! Hope all turns out okay for you and your family. xoxo!
Posted by TJLubrano | November 20, 2012, 4:49 pmHi TJ, that is so nice of you to take the time to comment and send me good energy. Thank you.
Posted by Brigitte | November 20, 2012, 10:08 pmThis was very sweet Brigitte. Your dad and you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!
Posted by Lily | November 20, 2012, 5:26 pmLily, thank you so much. xo
Posted by Brigitte | November 20, 2012, 10:08 pm(((((Hugs)))))
You’re in my thoughts honey xx
Posted by Vikki (The View Outside) | November 20, 2012, 6:53 pmVikki, thank you my friend.
Posted by Brigitte | November 20, 2012, 10:09 pmBrigitte – you have all my positive thoughts for your father and your family – you are so right – our shift in focus for ‘what is really important’ is so relative. It stops us in our tracks – it makes us more aware. We hope to hear how things are faring when you are ready.
Take care – Denise
Posted by Rutabaga the Mercenary Researcher | November 21, 2012, 8:58 amHi Denise, thank you so much. xxoo
Posted by Brigitte | November 22, 2012, 11:07 amOh shoot Brigitte. I’m sorry that you have had so much upheaval in the past few weeks. I will say a prayer for you and your Dad. Not that everyday isn’t the day but this is the time of the year that hopefully we all gain some perspective on what life has given us and what a gift the love of family and friends is. My best wishes to you for a hopeful and happy Thanksgiving. xoxoxox Maggie
Posted by Maggie O'C | November 21, 2012, 4:47 pmHey Maggie, thank you — it’s so appreciated. You are so right, my friend, family and friends is the best gift that life has. xxoo
Posted by Brigitte | November 22, 2012, 11:08 amOh Brigitte, I am so sorry about your father and I really hope that by now he is well on his way to recovery. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Posted by Deliberately Delicious | November 25, 2012, 9:59 pmThank you — that means so much.
Posted by Brigitte | December 1, 2012, 11:55 amThis post was written well over a week ago, and a lot can happen in that time. I hope that by the time you read this, your father is on the mend. Your dad is in my prayers. I know what it’s like to worry about a parent, and what an abrupt shock it can be to see this person, who has always been so strong, so dependable and so indomitable, now weakened.
It is, however, a great time to give back. It sounds like you have a great dad, and you know as well as I do that you can never pay him back for all he’s done for you (that’s the nature of being somebody’s child, I think), but a life-event like this gives you the chance to try anyway, to switch roles with him and become HIS protector and HIS champion. It is hard and trying, but it is also glorious.
I hope your dad makes a full recovery. When he does, though, try to hold on to some of the sense of urgency you felt while writing this post, and you will never take anything for granted.
Posted by Smaktakula | November 29, 2012, 4:43 pmSlowly but surely, it is getting better…and thank you, Smak. Your words are so true and I appreciate your comment. Be well and thanks so much.
Posted by Brigitte | December 1, 2012, 11:54 am