Wickgal's Xanga

Sunday, January 11, 2004

Sun, 11 Jan 2004 21:54:56 GMT

Just a quick note. I spoke with Lawson this evening via the msn messenger and he wanted me to let you all know he is ok. He also wanted to thank each and everyone of you for all your cards, letters and thoughts etc. He is very thankful to you all! He seems to be doing well. He is glad Donna will suffer no more pain and that she is now at home with God. He is just taking it a day at a time although it is lonely with out her. Thank you all for all you have done! God bless you ALL ! ! !

Saturday, January 03, 2004

Sat, 03 Jan 2004 06:48:16 GMT

Hello again. My final duty to my dear friend Donna (Wickgal). Below will be posted her memorial information. I picked this up from a Venice Newspaper. Lawson, I hope you do not mind! I believe Donna was one of the most well loved people here in the xanga community. All of the comments in the previous 2 blogs will show that. Our love and support are with you. May God bless you and help you through your grief. Donna loved you more than words could ever say!

The only picture I have of Donna & Lawson

Donna F. Warmuth, 48, Venice, died Dec. 31, 2003.

She was born June 21, 1955, in Allentown, Pa., and came to Venice 13 years ago from Pennsylvania. She was a homemaker and a member of Venice Assembly of God.

Survivors include her husband of 23 years, Lawson; her parents, Clyde and Maryann Shoemaker; a sister, Dawn Shoemaker; and brothers Randy Shoemaker, Mike Shoemaker, and Dale Shoemaker.

A memorial service will be at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at Venice Assembly of God. Ewing Funeral Home, Venice, is in charge.

Memorial donations may be made to Venice Assembly of God, 695 Center Road, Venice, FL 34292

Thursday, January 01, 2004

Thu, 01 Jan 2004 12:22:14 GMT

Hi all it is Pepsi again! I spoke with Lawson this morning and I believe this will be my last update. Donna died yesterday morning, December 31 st, 2003 at 10:00 AM. Will you all please join me in praying for Lawson in this great time of sorrow! I am sorry there does not seem to be an easy way to say it. May God Bless Lawson and help him through this tragic time, and his great pain and loss! Thank you all for your prayers for Donna & Lawson! I know Lawson truly appreciates it. God Bless You All!

Sydney has done a blog honoring Donna. She wanted me to pass on a poem that wickgal entered in a Survivor contest she held. This is what Sydney says: It is her words and they seem so fitting for today...the challenge was to write a poem to go along with this picture.

"Slipping Away"

I've come to watch you slip away,
Dropping low into the trees,
Just you and I will end this day,
Golden hues, with a gentle breeze.

Oh, if I could stop this moment,
Suspend the colors, pink and blue,
Pastels that must be heaven sent,
God's handiwork, for me and you.

He paints the sky, A Masters touch,
Every night, a different view,
A drink for thirsty eyes and such,
Scarlet shades against the blue.

Go if you must and slip away,
Taking with you the heartwarming light,
I'll stand here with you and end my day,
Watch your colors fade into night.

Long after you're gone, I'll remember you still,
Hues painted yet fresh in my mind,
In 24 hours, another great thrill,
Your glorious sunset I'll find.

Lawson, I believe with all my heart that Donna wrote that poem for you. It is about the sun setting, but somehow, I think you are her sun. So does Sydney, I think, that is why she contacted me with it. This was definitely one of Donna's more serious moments! Sydney thank you for asking me to share this with Lawson. Lawson our love and concern go out to you, along with our sympathy!

Sunday, December 28, 2003

Sun, 28 Dec 2003 22:50:17 GMT

Hello all! I finally got a hold of Lawson tonight. He also had been trying to reach me, but lost my number with all going on. First off the blood clot is no longer an issue. They managed to take care of it. Donna is right now in a coma. She went code blue (with out oxygen) last night for about 15 minutes. They did a brain scan shortly there after and her brain seemed ok. They are doing another brain scan in the morning. She is now on a ventilator. Her blood count is getting more normal, and her potassium levels are coming down to normal. They do not know why she is still in a coma. Lawson was home for just a few minutes getting a change of clothes. It sounded like this is really taking a toll on him. I worry about him also, with his heart problems. Right now, I think they could both use ALL our prayers. Please join me in praying for Donna and Lawson. I have activated the prayer chain in my church also. If you have a prayer chain available to you, please add them to your lists. I will update you all as I know more. Tina of TinaCantrell.com has made us all a little animation to go on our sites, for wickgal. Please feel free to take one. It is right below. Thank you all very much ! ! ! Lawson really appreciates all your love and prayers!

Saturday, December 27, 2003

Sat, 27 Dec 2003 22:06:08 GMT

Hi all this is pepsi again! I just wanted to let you know, I have not forgotten you all or Donna. I just don't know any new information. I have called Doo 4 x now. Two or three of those times I have left messages. Maybe he is just spending all of his time at the hospital with wick. I don't know. But I didn't want to leave you all hanging here either. Donna is in my heart and my prayers ! ! ! ! I can only hope and pray for the best. I hope you all will join me in praying for Donna. Praying that she is ok! Thank you ! ! !

Donna we love you and we miss you ! ! ! You are in our prayers ! ! !

Saturday, December 20, 2003

Sat, 20 Dec 2003 22:52:09 GMT

Hello all! Just popped in to update you all on Wickgals surgery! She came out of surgery fine! She is now in ICU! They are, however having to keep a close eye on her. She appears to have a blood clot in her lung, I believe they said. But according to what I understand she should come out of this just fine. I will call Doo in the morning and double check on her condition and the facts. I was not home and Doo relayed the facts to my husband. I am sure though, that my hubby was pretty accurate with what he heard. So join me in praying for Wickie to come out of this fine and feeling good. May God give her a healing hand! Thank you and I will be back to update you as I learn the facts.

Tuesday, December 16, 2003

Tue, 16 Dec 2003 13:24:08 GMT

The gift of Giving

This is the time of the year when people want to show their love by giving. It doesn't have to be something big or expensive at all. Just a little something to let your loved ones/friends know you are thinking about them. A card will do, maybe some home made cookies. It really doesn't matter how big or how small, as long as you give. This is part of the true meaning of Christmas. We give gifts because the Wise men brought gifts for The King over 2,000 years ago. This started a long standing tradition.

Over the years I have been so Blessed at Christmas time. I don't know how this got started or even when, but it continues every single year. I pick out one person to give to that normally doesn't recieve a gift from us. I wrap and mail it out feeling so good about this little surprise. This year was no different. The really neat thing about Blessing someone else is that it comes right back to you. Might not be the same day or week, but eventually, it comes back to you. Say it anyway you want... what goes around, comes around.

And like clockwork, I am always Blessed by someone whos gift will be a total surprise and clear out of the blue. But this year, that Blessing came back so swiftly it truely stunned me. Doo came home from mailing our surprise package and there, sitting in the driveway was a florists truck, with the most beautiful bouquet I ever saw! He brought it into the house and walked it all the way back to the bedroom where I was answering some email. Setting it down on the desk and commenting how pretty it was, Doo announced it was addressed to Wickgal Warmuth. Hmmmm... someone from online! Opening the card attached, I was expecting it to be from someone I am really close to, but it wasn't the case. I know this person because I visit his website from time to time and he comes to mine, but have never really had a conversation with him per say. Just comments left on one anothers page.

tw2001 Was my surprise Blessing this year. Why he sent me these beautiful flowers is beyond me. I sent him a Christmas card and he commented that he thought it was a beautiful card. Isn't that nice? I'm glad I don't have a jealous hubby! (Although an eyebrow did go up on one side) Anyway, If you don't go to his site, you should! Tell him what a nice gesture that was. Some people are just so kind! I wonder if he has the same Blessing Thing going on like we do? Now THAT would be something!

I have already decided to take them into the hospital with me. I can't let them stay here and wilt away while I'm gone. I would feel terrible. So I will enjoy them and smile while I'm clicking on my Morphine Button. Thanks again TW. I know someone else is going to Bless you for such an act of kindness.

Please be a Blessing to someone this year! Start a tradition of your own and watch what happens. It really does come back to you.

Tomorrow is the big day for me. No, not the kidney transplant. Not yet. But I'm going through everything they tell me I must "Fix" in order to get that kidney! It's the Big Female H surgery. I expect to be gone for 6 days, so if you don't see me around, you'll know why. Thank you for all your prayers and emails of encouragement! You guys are the BEST!

The Cards are coming in and I'm loving every minute of it. 47 cards and counting. Thank you one and all!!!

Sunday, December 07, 2003

Sun, 07 Dec 2003 17:45:57 GMT

Hi Ya'll! Gosh... you guys never cease to amaze me. The Christmas cards are coming in and I'm having a blast with them. Reading and cutting out the stamps, plus any little stickers that are on the envelopes. I always get such a charge if the card is from out of the country! You Aussie friends are awesome!! I didn't think there would be many participating this year, but ya'll must have saved those addresses from last year. Sneaky Petes! Anyway... I'm so glad you think of me! (((((hugs)))))

It is the VETERAN, not the preacher,
Who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the VETERAN, not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the VETERAN, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the VETERAN, not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.

It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the VETERAN, not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.

It is the VETERAN,
who salutes the Flag,

who serves under the Flag.

ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD,
AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT
SHINE UPON THEM.

I don't know if you saw this in the news but I was really impressed. Funny, our US Senate/House took 2 days off as they couldn't work.

On the ABC evening news, it was reported tonight that, because of the dangers from Hurricane Isabelle approaching Washington, DC, the military members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment.

They refused. "No way, Sir!"

Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be afforded to a service person.

The tomb has been patrolled continuously, 24/7, since 1930.

We can be very proud of our young men and women in the service no matter where they serve.

God Bless them.

No... there is no special Holiday for Veterans today. Well, actually, It's Pearle Harbor Day. That would make it a special day. Someone sent this to me and I wanted to share it. Whenever you go to any parade, Please stand for the Vets and for your Flag when they pass by! There was a Christmas Parade here last weekend and Doo and I were the only ones to applaude the Service people as they marched by! How quickly people forget.

Wednesday, December 03, 2003

Wed, 03 Dec 2003 17:32:14 GMT

Good news/Bad news.

I won't be having the Big H surgery on the 8th of this month. They have put it off till the 18th due to the fact that the Doc wants me on antibiotics a bit longer than just a week. That was the bad news. Well, at first I took it for bad news and started whining about how I must be doing something wrong to be punished like this.. one thing after another. Then it came to me (I wonder why!) that once again God stepped in to stop this surgery
because something wasn't right for that day.( The GOOD news) Why do we always look for the negative and beat ourselves up this way? Do you do this too? All this time I was whining and I should have been thanking! Yes... thanking because it wasn't the right time for all these events, so they were changed to a day when it would be better. Phew.... I'm lucky the Big Guy is patient with us mortals. He must shake His head with me quite often, but then smile when I FINALLY get it! I'm slow, what can I say?

http://www.xanga.com/home.aspx?user=merry_xangrismas

Above is the Christmas list site in case you missed it. Also, I have another list from Teri that I can send you as well... just email me. Now that I have more time, I'll get to working on my list. I'm so excited! Already my mailbox has been delivering Xanga cards. Today one came from the land down under!! If you haven't seen my post from last year, I'll post this neat picture of the stamps I cut off the envelopes and pasted on cardboard, then framed it. It has reminded me of my Xanga friends all year long... as I have it setting right on my Computer desk where I can see it.

Neat huh? Hey guys, go ahead a make one of your own! Doesn't cost much of anything because you can get those cheapy frames at Wal-Mart for 2 bucks or so. Also, cut off the little envelope decorations too. It helps fill in the smaller spots. Ok now... if you make one, let's see it when it's finished! Oh boy.. a Wick project for everyone!

And here is a picture of the cards!

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Just in time for the new fall season!

Pass this to any senior you know or, file away for future reference.

Despite what you may have seen on the streets, the following combinations DO NOT go together:

A nose ring and bifocals.

Spiked hair and bald spots.

A pierced tongue and dentures.

Miniskirts and support hose.

Ankle bracelets and corn pads.

Speedos and cellulite.

A belly button ring and a gall bladder surgery scar.

Unbuttoned disco shirts and a heart monitor.

Midriff shirts and a midriff bulge.

Bikinis and liver spots.

Short shorts and varicose veins.

In-line skates and a walker.

But, otherwise, YOU'RE LOOKIN' GOOD !!!!!!!!!

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Friday, November 28, 2003

Fri, 28 Nov 2003 13:02:35 GMT

Hi all! How was your Thanksgiving? Mine was grand! I cooked the Big Bird and had a lovely dinner. My cousin Donnie joined us so we weren't alone this year. He is the only family we have here at the moment. The day was so perfect! was shining and it was 81 degrees. We ate out on the Lanai. You know, no matter how long I live here, I'll never get used to the fact that's it's warm (80) for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It just doesn't seem right to be sweating over your Turkey plate... know what I mean? I set up a buffet line on the snack bar inside and then had the Turkey and gravy out on the table with us. It worked out so well! I had a 14 pound bird so I'll be doing leftovers this week. I hope to take pictures and do a cook along since I haven't done that in ages! Have you missed that?

My surgery is still scheduled for December 8th. Lots of complications in the past few weeks but we WILL go forward and get this over with. I'm a bit nervous but so many of you have mailed me and told me of your same surgeries and it really did ease my fear somewhat. That's all about this for now. More at a later date.

Thanksgiving is over and what's next? CHRISTMAS! Today is Black Friday and Doo went out to Wal-Mart this morning, forgeting allllllllllllllll about this infamous day in the shopping world. He said it was INSANE there! Couldn't find a parking space and drove around in circles. Yikes... I'm so glad I opted to stay home and work on Xanga! He is now down on the beach with his metal detector looking for Thankgiving Day Lost Jewlery. (He didn't find anything the other day except a penny and bottle cap.) I wish he would find something!

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http://www.xanga.com/home.aspx?user=merry_xangrismas

Still time to sign up on the Christmas Card list. If you would rather just swap with me, that's great too. email me at Wickgal@comcast.net The entire address list will be printed on the above site on the 30th of this month.