I may be wrong but I don't think the person using that name is gone. Unless two use(d)similiar name. The one I am thinking about is Stacie and her husband is a teacher. I have been thinking about Dotmom as well. I don't post too often and never "met" her but I was thinking she seemed pretty happy in her most recent posts (after the one about her son's issue). Hopefully she hadn't been feeling too bad until she was hospitalized. Sending my thoughts and prayers to her and her family and strength for the time to come.

The bond you had with your DIL was so awesome to witness via this forum. Thank you for being a wonderful mother-in-law. My prayers and heartfelt condolences to you Radio Dok and your families.

Voting is another topic on which I have very strong feelings. I firmly believe if you live in this country you have, not a "right" since we determined that there are no "rights" only privileges! ;) or a "privilege", but rather a duty. You have a duty to vote in my mind. It bugs me so much to hear people complain and then say they didn't vote. I've quit being "nice" about it. I tell them if you don't vote, don't complain. Simple as that. The, er, privilege to complain comes only with performing your duty to vote. There's all kinds of excuses not to vote but it comes down to convenience and laziness it seems. But interestingly the same inconvenience and laziness disappears for other things. I'm stepping down off my rickety soap box now. Be sure to vote. I'm very proud that Minnesota is a leader in the voter turnout and almost always is one of the top. "Minnesota 'Nice'" or "Minnesota 'Living Up To Our Duty'"?? :) Vote. It's very important. Have a say in your future. And I hope you'll be an informed voter and use more than just commercials. Compare and contrast. Sometimes the decision is easy, sometimes not so easy. But that's all part of the duty. Looking for 100% "I Voted" in the forum! And yes, I'm looking forward to the end of the campaigns!

I'm sorry to read this news. Our family also has experience with brain tumors. I will keep DF in my thoughts and prayers.