To: Patti (ittapp) - An Open Letter

Dear Semis;

Our hearts are heavy tonight after we learned the news about Patti. I'm grateful for her brother, Jeff, to update us on her progress.

Patti has been on my mind all day - I've been searching my heart for something that I can do to help ease my pain, and the pain that each of us are undoubtedly feeling tonight.

I first just wanted to tell her husband, Chuck, and her brother, Jeff, that we are all so very sorry that this has happened so suddenly. We hurt right along with you tonight and share your sorrow. Patti is adored here and is a valued member of our community. She and I joined the same month and instantly hit it off - she's been a very special friend to me.

For awhile, I was able to help and comfort her, but she moved into territory I was unfamiliar with, and then she became ill and I did not want to bother her, so I did not stay in touch near enough. I hope that you will forgive me for this. I feel like I failed her in some way, but not being to offer anything to help her. There was a time where I thought I was making a difference and maybe I did for awhile, but she outgrew me, and I could only watch helplessly from the sidelines and support her that way. I know she knows how I feel about her.

Please tell her again that her "Kindred Spirit" is sorry I was not there for her and I will not let that happen again. I'm so saddened that she is suffering. She's a tremendously strong woman, who is showing us all about Dignity and Courage. Now, we're learning from her.

We all want our Patti back, just like you do. And we're going to keep the lights on here, until she returns, OK?

In addition, I know Patti likes prayer and Jeff has asked me to pray for her. I have done this and continue to do so. Then, it occured to me that I could do a little something extra for Patti.

So, out on the Spiritual and Meditation board, I have written a special prayer for Patti and have asked for healing. If you would like to pray with me for Patti, then please go to that board and look for the "Prayer for Patti" post that I opened. My wish for this is that our voices will be so LOUD, that Patti will feel our voices and also the love and affection that we have for her. I feel this is something that we can do, for those folks that would like to participate.

It's been a hard day - I want to thank you all in advance for taking your time to read this post and pray on the other post. And of course, good vibes, positive thoughts, good kharma, and anything else that you want to say to her woud be appreciated by her family as well.

Thank you, Everybody!
-Craig