I have for many years. I think it was planed by a higher power, so we could all meet and become friends. I will be here 10 years in April. That is a long time. When I came here life changed for me for the good, cluster wise, health wise. I have so much more knowledge about lots more things than I use to. I have friends I love very much. I even have people I have bickered here with I love very much. Each one of you have touched my life in some way. Each time my life is touched it changes things and makes my life better.I hate the pain but I love the people the pain brought me too.

Memories I have that will go with me till the end of time I made here with many of you. No matter how far away some of you go, no matter if you post or not, or don't email any more. The memories are still here with me. The first hello, the first welcome to the last good by.
Regrets that I said something dumb that mad some mad, regrets that I missed posting on a few Birthdays. I think God knew we needed each other and he worked through DJ to build us this place. There is a reason and its to help each other and love each other!

When I have my cluster tonight I am going to raise my hands to the sky and say Thank you Lord I love my friends and glad you took me to them. I just have one questions,Why clusters? Why not a bad case of pimples or something? We could have met on a pimple site maybe. I guess you had to get our attention with a hot iron through the eye to get us to see.

Thank you for leading me and others to theses fine people! I don't know if its the xanax I am on or the pain that is making me so sentimental .   I f I have not rated you on your profile I am getting to it. I can only do so many a day. I have not forgotten any of you.

Elaine, I recently read your post about the meals with your husband, it made me think of ONE thing,,,,, a home. NOT a house , but a loving home! Now I read the post you just wrote and i can fully understand why the word "home" kept running in my mind previously.  You have obviously filled that house with love and made it a "home"  God bless ya! and may you sleep well tonight!    Tuck

The cynical catholic in me was taught that god tortures us until we die... and if we don't show the appropriate amount of gratitude for all that is dumped on us... we get to spend an eternity burning in hell.

... lol... my sister said of my cluster headaches... thank god for them and offer them up to jesus... god shows you how much he loves you by making you suffer so much... I said "fine... I will pray that God shows you his love in abundance 8 times a day for an hour at a time... after a year of enjoying all of gods love in the form of cluster headaches... get back with me.

with warm regards,
Tony

This place wouldn't be anywhere near as effective nor as much fun as it can be without your presence Elaine.

You're doing a lot of things right kid.

Charlie

I stopped asking why a long time ago.

I don't believe we can ever really know why. I think there's a reason my middle name is Thomas.

One thing I've come to realize is that we are put here to love each other and so that we're not alone. What that has to do with the original question, I'm not sure.

I am not where you are at this time Elaine.  I hope to be someday.  I am still muddling through.  I love your outlook and kind words, they soothe me and give me hope that I will once again feel peaceful in spite of the pain.

I look forward to your posts, they make me smile and laugh, loved the one about your husband complaining about the meal!  My husband does most of the cooking, I am so blessed to have him. Not just for his cooking of course!  He is the love of my life, he makes this life of mine so worth it!

Thanks for being here Elaine, you help even when you aren't aware, just wanted you to know.
Kathleen
Wichita, Kansas

And if i only got to meet you Elaine, I'd still say it was probably worth CH. Love ya back.

Guiseppi

You know...Elaine's stories online are pretty freakin funny...but I'd highly suggest hearing some in person...my guts have never hurt SO bad as when Elaine tells a story, in person!  It's such a good hurt too, unlike the clusters.

Miss you tons Elaine!
PF vibes goin up to ya,
Tell Buddy I said hi :)
Mast

  Now I think I know why I've always enjoyed your friendship Lady E.
[smiley=smokin.gif]

wrote on Aug 21^st, 2008 at 11:02pm:

The cynical catholic in me was taught that god tortures us until we die... and if we don't show the appropriate amount of gratitude for all that is dumped on us... we get to spend an eternity burning in hell. ... lol... my sister said of my cluster headaches... thank god for them and offer them up to jesus... god shows you how much he loves you by making you suffer so much... I said "fine... I will pray that God shows you his love in abundance 8 times a day for an hour at a time... after a year of enjoying all of gods love in the form of cluster headaches... get back with me. with warm regards, Tony

   This is funny stuff my friend.

       Potter

Quote:

cynical catholic in me was taught that god tortures us until we die... and if we don't show the appropriate amount of gratitude for all that is dumped on us... we get

Tony?  I've been a Catholic since Baptism.  I have rasised my children Catholic.  I have never EVER.. heard of this (above)   please tell me you are kidding, or that you had a very unpleasant and VERY isolated experience here.


Elaine, as to what you have said ?


  You were the very 1st. person I ever met at the very first convention in Atlanta.  (2000?)

  By the time we got to the first stop-light on the way to the hotel..I knew you were a keeper and I knew you'd be my friend for life.  You are,  and you will be fore-ever.


Linda

Elaine, my friend, well said.  :)

The bonds and friendships formed here are strong and lasting....you are so right.  What do they say...'brothers and sisters in pain'.

We've been friends for 9 years or so....been through lots too.....clusters, deaths, births, health issues, etc.....good times and bad.  This is a family for sure.  Does that make DJ the Dad? ;)

Wish you and BillyBob were here....we're going to Zimmy's for Friday date night.

Doing my 'clusters away' dance for you, my friend.

Much Love to You,
Jackie

Dont think anyone wondering why we really do love you LADY E

Svenn

Awe Elaine.  I think we are on the same page in history and thoughts.  I don't think it is the xanax I think it is that we have come to terms with our illness and have learned to appreciate the value of friends and family that we have made here after 9 years.  I still remember the day you and Margi welcomed Ted and I to this site.  And am forever grateful for the impact you and others have had on my life.  I love you all and do believe that God used DJ for a higher purpose in life.    

Atheists get CH, too.

Guiseppi wrote on Aug 21^st, 2008 at 11:55pm:

And if i only got to meet you Elaine, I'd still say it was probably worth CH. Love ya back. Guiseppi

Yess its definatly worth it.

Lady E is definatly a LADY with BIG LETTERS and i am proud to call her a personal friend of mine.Lady E and OLD CHARLIE "sorry Charlie but just had to say that"  :)was among the very first that did talk to me when i was so lucky finding this community back in 99/2000 something

It doesn't seem like 10 years. Damn where does the time go.
I love you guys.
[smiley=heart.gif]

AussieBrian wrote on Aug 22^nd, 2008 at 9:29am:

Atheists get CH, too.

Athesists just do not realise the help the universe gives until they stand along side the pearly gates. thats what I tell Rob - one day you will know if you are right and wrong and either way it will not matter. :)

Just when I think the human race is whacked and people suck, I read a post and thread like this and breathe a big sigh of relief.
You Rock!...and lots more. :-*
I have a broken hypothingy that only explains the CH. :P
thebb

what a sweet lady you are elaine. you know i'm not on any other blogs or message boards. ch.com is pretty much it for me. even though i've been pf for several months now i still get on here and surf around. some people come and go but i've hung around. it's such a relief to know that i'm not the only one with this condition, and it feels good to identify with somebody that knows the difference between a migraine and ch.

I've heard apathetic people get headaches but I'm not sure if I care.

Okay,  that was terrible -- I care about anyone who gets these little jewels.  

PF Weekend to all.

Happy to be sharing the board with all of you.

echo wrote on Aug 22^nd, 2008 at 4:55pm:

I've heard apathetic people get headaches but I'm not sure if I care.

Let's not forget the apoplectic.

Guiseppi wrote on Aug 21^st, 2008 at 11:55pm:

And if i only got to meet you Elaine, I'd still say it was probably worth CH. Love ya back. Guiseppi

Eat your heart out, Joe....LOL  ;)

START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

Elaine, that is so very sweet.  And I can't agree with you more.  Through all of lifes trials (even though I whine about some of them) Deep down I always believe there is some kind of reason for it all.  We may not know what it is, in the here and now.  But someday, when all is said and done we will know why.  That's why one of my favorite quotes is "everything happens for a reason".  

I would not trade this place for the world.  I have had such wonderful support (bot ch related and non) here, and made some pretty amazing friendships.  This is truly more of a family that I ever knew.  A lot of you have been there for me (and my little fam) more than my "real" family has or ever will be there for me.  So it's you my clusterfam, my 2 kids, and hubby that complete my meaning of family.  I am beyond thankful for finding such an amazing group of angels.  We can laugh together, cry together, lean on eachother, and just plain be ourselves with eachother... even if we argue, cause that's what family does.

Lotsa Love,
Tara Ann

I have never felt more normal and at home as when I am with other CH'ers.

:)

Elaine your posts and those of the others here are why the newbees like myself so quickly find this place to be a home!  I can't thank you all enough or explain what it's like to find others who are like myself and then be welcomed in with such warmth and grace.  We are very lucky and blessed to have found all of you!  :)

Glad you're here Mick and I know exactly what you mean.

Even though mine have been gone for 17 years, I had to join in here. Finding out that I wasn't alone was something. The thing that I'll never forget was when I met a whole bunch of us at my first convention. Not one of us had to explain anything about CH or pain when we first met. It was wonderful not having to deal with it that way. It made it similar to meeting members of any group. If you haven't met others, do it!

You'll never forget it.

Charlie

I know your right Charlie!  I have never met anyone who could really understand like the people here.  Not a complaint as much as just a fact of life.  I'm sure others who suffer from various maladies experience that same thing.  I know I'll go to a gathering at some point soon.  :)

Quote:

You know...Elaine's stories online are pretty freakin funny...but I'd highly suggest hearing some in person...my guts have never hurt SO bad as when Elaine tells a story, in person!  It's such a good hurt too, unlike the clusters.

OMG....you got that right!   Between Pidgeon Joe and Elaine at the New York convention I'll bet I lost 15 pounds just laughing so hard.  


Mel, your comment was right-on!!!!!!!!!!!

mick wrote on Aug 29^th, 2008 at 8:18pm:

Elaine your posts and those of the others here are why the newbees like myself so quickly find this place to be a home!  I can't thank you all enough or explain what it's like to find others who are like myself and then be welcomed in with such warmth and grace.  We are very lucky and blessed to have found all of you!  :)

Your damn lucky I didnt welcome you in!  >:(

Kidding ;), welcome aboard. you can grab an oar at opening of the galley, eat some good info and then start rowing.

Its just like the high sea's, the more you row the more you survive.

Now row damn it!  :)

Edit to add: Sorry, I should explain "Row"......Its when you give back and offer any advice you have to help others here. Knowledge!. someone has to show the new folk. ;)

HappyElaine wrote on Aug 21^st, 2008 at 10:48pm:

I think God knew we needed each other and he worked through DJ to build us this place. There is a reason and its to help each other and love each other!

I KNOW the Lord "blessed" DJ with Clusters AND Moyamoya, so he could build a home for many.  It's like his saying...adversity doesn't build character, it reveals it.

I thank God everyday for giving me DJ, without him, I wouldn't be here (and so much more...  )!

You all are wonderful in my book...  :-*

LOL!  Thanks for the welcome Jonny!  You are correct.  It became clear to me real quick that my GP was clueless.  I all but threatened to kill her if she didn't get me in to see a neurologist!  Hell, I originally figured I had a brain tumor or something strange like that.  Then began to look at the internet.  I got real lucky with the neuro.  Not to worry I'm a scott irish worker bee.  I'll be rowing with ya.  :)  

I used to wonder a lot why I have ch. I don't do that anymore; in a way I got my answer... Ch has been a blessing in so many ways, that I'm beginning to think that the next time I'll get hit, I will also be thanking God for it.

Sanna