Oh my ... What a GREAT gathering!  It is always such a wonderful feeling to be among people who know and understand what we suffer from.  No explanations, when you get up, and go to your room.  No explanations, when you return from your room, maybe looking a bit haggard, red eyed, hair messed up, and with the tell tale drooping eye.  But we come back ready to party and have fun, again, until the next time.

How can we do it?  What other choice do we have?  Are we going to mope around, and feel sorry for ourselves, and make everyone around us miserable?  Are we going to give in and give up?  Are we going to let the beast win?  HELL NO!!

We are going to go deal with the beast, kick his ass to the curb, and if for no other reason, than to spit in his eye, we are going to go back and have a GREAT time!  Let the beast win?  Not a chance!

This gathering was fantastic!  I got to reunite with dear friends, that I have previously met, and also got to hug (and grab ass) of those that I have only interacted with on the internet.  What a marvelous group of people!  Listening to their horror stories, their funny stories, and just chatting about this that and every other thing was so endearing.

I am sitting here, still in my hotel room, and missing those that have left, so much.  Why does it have to be so long between such gatherings?  I even will accept that Ruthy, Jackie, Cat, both Jenns, and virtually everyone else, picks on me, unmercifully.  Then certain people (I won't mention Theresa's anyone's name) ganged up and forced me to do extremely embarrassing acts, such as putting on a skirt.  And then, a certain pushy mother, ordered me to go running around after her little double fisted cookie crumbler, and make a total fool of myself, with him.  But, it is worth it!

Saying goodbye is always so difficult.  SOME people (Johnny with an H) scooted off without saying goodbye, of which, those that are guilty, will be punished.

It was so great to meet the ones that I have become to like on-line, and to find that they are even more wonderful, in person.  The spouses that came, were beautiful.  They again showed us sufferers how wonderful they are, and the praise they deserve.  What marvelous individuals they are!

I am trying hard not to mention any names, and pick out certain individuals, from the rest, but I have to break that rule, here.  Deej and Stephanie are the most wonderful people on earth.  We have all become accustomed to, and continuously amazed at the greatness and humility of our dear DJ.  Well, he has met, fallen in love with, and married his perfect soul mate.  Stephanie compliments him and blends with him, yet remains her own self.  The two of them are such charming and loving people who really do care about their fellow man.  We are all so blessed to this site which Deej has created and maintains.  And now to have Stephanie to join with him, and help out, is almost more than we could ever wish for.  Then to have them show up at so many of our gatherings, is just AWE inspiring!  They are such fun, delightful, caring, compassionate, and just all around wonderful people, that I am honored to call my friends.  And you know what?  They produce a pretty cute, adorable, well manner brat too!  I tried my damnest to steal Brandon away, but darn it, they kept catching me, before I could stuff him into my suitcase!

Well, I have rambled on enough, and I have to go and investigate why my vision is so blurry, and what is causing the wetness on my cheeks ...

Humbled at the experience ... AGAIN,
Chuck

<sigh>

Chuck.... It was a pleasure to meet you.  Next time we're together, will you grab MY ass?????  Only then will I feel like I truly fit in.

Be safe,

Jeannie

Jeannie wrote on Jan 19^th, 2009 at 10:40am:

Chuck.... It was a pleasure to meet you.  Next time we're together, will you grab MY ass?????  Only then will I feel like I truly fit in. Be safe, Jeannie

Careful with what you ask for!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

After all its Chuck "The infamous knuclehead"you are talking about   ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Svenn

Jeannie, be careful what you ask for!  He didn't grab my ass....but my boobs (or blouse clowns as Paul likes to refer to them).  I do believe there's a pic out there somewhere of that.....

I love ya Chuck!  You're great!

:'(  the damn wind blew something right through my kitchen and into my eye!   :'(   :'(

Chuck,

YOU amaze me!  The struggles you go through with the beast, day after day, hour by hour, you are a model of strength my friend.  Allowing yourself to experience humility to show others they're not alone with this...true hero!   ;)

DJ & I are blessed to have you all in our family.  We're just two people that want to help, and continue the fight for new and improved ways for you all to NOT suffer anymore!

You ALL can lean on us in your darkest and lowest hour.  We'll leave a light on for you!

From our family to yours...we love you!  It was a pleasure meeting everyone this weekend and look forward to MANY more weekends ahead.

Steph

Chuck, it was good to see you my friend.
I’ve met a lot of clusterheads over the years but only a few who go through what you do. I’m in awe of how you deal with it on a daily basis and yet you still seem able to keep a good outlook on life.
Doing what you do EVERY day easily makes you one of the strongest people I’ve ever met and you are an inspiration for anyone who deals with this condition.

Jim

Great post, Chuck! :)

Can't wait to meet you in person one of these days... :)

Sanna

I am so unbelievably jealous. :(

You all are so lucky.

It was wonderful to "see" you all, and to be able participate in Loucon--if only by proxy.   :'(  Thanks so much for all the photographs...

All the best,

George  

sandie99 wrote on Jan 19^th, 2009 at 11:24am:

Great post, Chuck! :) Can't wait to meet you in person one of these days... :) Sanna

Sanna,

He is even better in person.  You can see the wacky side in the pictures and his caring side in many of his posts but sitting down and having a serious conversation with him was a real treat.  Even a short conversation in the hotel breakfast area was a highlight of an amazing weekend.   I think that's the part I enjoyed most was just sitting and chatting with people.

I love Chuck's laugh.  It is contagious!

Jeannie

EUUUWW!  PTOOIE!  All this Chuck, Chuck, Chuck..my stomach roils!!!!!
He's a cross-dressing Hippie Freak, attention grabbing, loudmouthed, offensive, overthetop,uncouth, uncaring...............

OKOKOK>>>>>>>>>>>soo, it's NOT true..... ::)
He stares down his nose daily at the beast, he's the first one to help another Clusterhead......he's a complete mensche, he loves everyone, and in silence, he will work beside you, giving of himself constantly, without complaint.....he makes a chili that will take the cast iron of a cast iron skillet, and Lord know, when he's around, you'd best have your fanny padding on, but never in my life have I seen someone who cares soo much for soo many.....and I'm proud to call him MY friend as well.........the putz!

Looks like LouCon was a great time for all who attended!

Again, never would have been possible without the Beast and a man named DJ!

Cathi :-*

Cathi_Pierce wrote on Jan 19^th, 2009 at 12:43pm:

Again, never would have been possible without the Beast and a man named DJ! Cathi :-*

Is it OK if I'm only thankful for 1 of them???  I mean I saw DJ steal yogurt from his own kid!!!!!    ;)

kimmiedawn81 wrote on Jan 19^th, 2009 at 10:51am:

He didn't grab my ass....but my boobs (or blouse clowns as Paul likes to refer to them).  I do believe there's a pic out there somewhere of that.....

Not sure I would say 'Chuck grabbed'.  How about 'Kimmie offered them up.  Chuck obliged.'
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Chuck,
That was a fine post and sweet as can be.  I swear after all these years you are growing on me.  I think I'm starting to kinda love like you.  If you tell anyone I said that I'll call you a liar   :-*

Nicely said, Chuck. Nicely said.

Marc

Jackie wrote on Jan 19^th, 2009 at 3:47pm:

Chuck, I swear after all these years you are growing on me.

You might want to spray something on that :)

KJ wrote on Jan 19^th, 2009 at 7:45pm:

Jackie wrote on Jan 19th, 2009 at 3:47pm: Chuck, I swear after all these years you are growing on me. You might want to spray something on that :)

ROTFFLMMFAO!!!!!!!! ;D [smiley=crackup.gif] ;D

Chuck,

Stop groping the cute people! Geeze!!!!!!!!!!!

She's not your type :D

Jimmers

Chuck, you rock. If I could just chime in. You guys know how awkward it feels to be there the first time, especially for a supporter who doesn't have the relationship built on the board yet. Everyone made me feel so welcome. I loved that I was including in the teasing by Chuck right from the beginning. Made me feel the love. :)

Thanks again everyone. Look forward to the next time.

Christy

QnHeartMM wrote on Jan 19^th, 2009 at 8:10pm:

especially for a supporter who doesn't have the relationship built on the board yet.

You dont need to build one, you are a supporter and that means you are above a sufferer.....Joe who?.....LOL ;)

Quote:

You dont need to build one, you are a supporter and that means you are above a sufferer.....Joe who?.....LOL

LOL, thanks Jonny!  Sorry we did not get to meet in St. L.

Chuck,

I couldn't have said it better.  Thanks for your eloquence.

I am hoping next year to be able to make it for more than an afternoon and a morning, but that short time was something I have looked forward to for 11 months, and I feel like there is a hole in my life just from leaving you crazy people behind.

Many thanks to Jean, (sure missed you!). Steph, JDH, Jeannie and those others of you who put this thing together.  

Getting to sit down and talk face to face with a couple of you with whom I have argued on the board helped me understand your point of view and the basis for it a little better.  (You're still wrong! ;D)  Getting to meet some of you and get reacquainted with others means so much.  I only wish I had more time.  

For those of you who were not able to make it, I'm sorry.  Please avail yourself of any chance that you can to get together with other clusterheads.  It is life changing.  Save your pennies if you have to to make it next year.  It is worth it.

Jerry

I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for just being yourselves. Hearts of gold, and just great folks.

I look forward to the next chance to see you all again. Until then it's good old CH.com.

Don

While ya didn't get a grope in on me, I got your man-boobie!
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This is the first time I've seen any of the gang since DavCon '05. I must say, it was a PLEASURE to see you all here in St Louis.

And Chuck, I can't thank you enough for the new Mask and 25lpm Reg with demand valve. It has made a ton of difference already and for that, I am extremely grateful.  [smiley=bow.gif]

I'm missing y'all already. Time to get my pics up before I get to work on other things and distracted with sleep.  [smiley=sleep.gif]

Hey has anyone heard from Rolo?? Haven't seen him on here since LouCon. He was driving home.

I haven't either.

Skyhawk5 wrote on Jan 21^st, 2009 at 10:16pm:

Hey has anyone heard from Rolo?? Haven't seen him on here since LouCon. He was driving home.

He posted at 9:19pm yesterday.  If you click on his name and look near the bottom you can see that last time someone logged in and when they last posted.

Rolomatic is home OK. Just heard from CH Hell & Flipperlips.

FramCire wrote on Jan 21^st, 2009 at 11:46pm:

He posted at 9:19pm yesterday.  If you click on his name and look near the bottom you can see that last time someone logged in and when they last posted.

It looks like Rolo is taking a break from us ... He is now listed as an "ex-member" ...

<sigh>

I hate when people feel they have to do that ...  Well, at least I still have his skype name ...

Chuck

I noticed that too.  Anyone know what happened?

Jeannie

No idea......very strange.

I have no idea why he needs a break, done it myself more than once.

But I DO hope that he's alright........


Marc

Roland is fine.  He's doing what others have done in the past and is taking a break.