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velvet_sparrow

From Velvet Sparrow

velvet_sparrow
16 years ago

My apologies for suddenly disappearing from the forum, and for failing to update the new URL for my chicken info site:

http://jackshenhouse.com/

My husband got me a domain name for Christmas, I will be working on updating and improving the site, although the basic look will remain the same. Bandwidth problems should no longer be an issue.

My family is currently trying to deal with a sudden and unexpected tragedy for one of my sisters which occurred days before Christmas.

My sister Carla and her husband Gene lived in rural Idaho, in a home they built themselves many years ago. On December 13th, while Gene was taking Carla to work (Carla suffered from epilepsy and could not drive), their house burned to the ground, taking all of their belongings--and Carla's seizure medication--with it. There is a link to the newspaper article here:

http://www.bonnercountydailybee.com/articles/2007/12/14/news/news01.txt

One week after the fire, they were moving into a furnished condo temporarily. While they lost a great deal, including many rare, vintage books, we were amazed and grateful that neither of them had been hurt or killed in the fire. On the 20th, Carla called me to thank me for some money and a Target gift card I sent them for anything they might need. She sounded tired, but was in pretty good spirits, all things considered, and even joked about the fire. She told me that her husband, Gene, had spent a few hours at the hospital the day before due to heart problems, so he wasn't feeling very well. She had missed a few doses of her seizure medication that was lost in the fire, and when she got new meds one of them wasn't quite right. Both of these things, coupled with the stress she was under, triggered what happened next.

I was very glad to have had this chance to speak to her and tell her I loved her, because less than two days later, she suffered an epileptic seizure and fell to the floor facedown. This obstructed her airway and she stopped breathing. By the time Gene found her, she was not conscious or breathing, and was blue. The paramedics took her to the hospital, reviving her twice on the way. She was placed in the ICU and put on a respirator, but never regained consciousness. Carla passed away the next day, December 22nd.

My brother drove from southern California to northern California to pick up my mother and escorted her by plane to Idaho, which was in the grips of a severe blizzard. Carla died while they were enroute. They were further hampered by trying to travel just days before Christmas, when flights were extremely crowded. While I wasn't able to go because there wasn't a seat available for me, at least I was able to help them monetarily, which at least allowed me to do something.

http://www.bonnercountydailybee.com/articles/2007/12/28/editorials/letters/letter01.txt

We buried Carla on what would have been her 59th birthday, January 5th.

http://www.bonnercountydailybee.com/articles/2008/01/01/obituaries/obit01.txt#blogcomments

Because all of this sounds too horrible to be true, I've included all of these links to forestall any comments that may be posted as to whether all of this is true or not. That kind of nonsense is something I don't want to deal with right now.

To everyone who posted kind words and/or emailed me with words of support without even knowing of my situation, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Those that trashed me, quite frankly can go straight to Hell.

I don't want to churn up any drama, I just felt an explanation was owed and wanted to provide it. This forum is not the place for dumbshit drama, anyway. I'm not going to be posting much online right now because we are grieving the loss of our favorite sister; Carla's loss has hit me extremely hard. Having them escape dying in a house fire, then one week later having her suddenly die, out of the blue, is almost too much to bear.

So I'm going to step back for a bit to try and heal. But if anyone needs chicken help please don't hesitate to email me.

Velvet ~:>

Comments (34)

  • beeliz
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Velvet,my sincere condolences...I hope you find the time to heal and surround yourself with loving people to support you through this terrible time. I'm so sorry xoxo

  • t_bred
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Velvet, I am new to this forum but my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

  • johanna_h
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Velvet--

    What a horrible, terrible tragedy for you and your family. Some times it seems life just gives us way too much to bear.

    I sincerely believe in the healing power of time. You may never understand why Carla was taken from you, but with time your loving memories will begin to fill the hole that is left in your heart.

    With condolences,

    Johanna

  • lfrj
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    What a trying season you've been through. Here's hoping things slow for you for a while so you can begin healing.

    Thanks for letting us know.
    Peace be with you.

    LFRJ

  • Miss_Kitty
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I am so sorry, you will be in my prayers.
    Kitty

  • lilod
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I am mostly a lurker, but a fan of chickens, so I read all your wise advise on my favorite fowl. I am so sorry that you have to face these challenges, my thoughts are with you.
    There really are no words that make this better.
    May I offer some hugs? (((((((((Velvet))))))))

  • buckeye_brian
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I am truly sorry for your loss and the pain your are going through.

    My prayers are with you and yours...

    Brian

  • vancleaveterry
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    May you find comfort in your family, and friends and your cherished memories of the loved.

    Terry

  • Dibbit
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Velvet, I am so sorry for you and your family. I know there are no words to make it better, but please know that I am thinking of you and wishing that you may get through this. I hope your memories and family and friends can comfort you.

    Dibbit

  • Patriz
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Velvet....I'm so sorry to hear about this tragedy. The fire was bad enough, however, Carla's passing away is just too sad. She sounded like a beautiful human being, and her legacy of loving to read will go on with those whom she inspired. My sympathy to you and your family...
    Trish

  • marlingardener
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Velvet,
    In this time of tragedy, know that you have many friends that you have never met personally, and each one of them is feeling sad for you. Our condolences on your great loss, and may all the happy memories of your dear sister help you deal with your grief.

  • acorn
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It is so sad that these tragedies happen. So much too soon.
    Words of comfort and love are here for you when you can accept them.

  • sullicorbitt
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Oh Velvet, I am so very sorry, my heart is with you and your family. Thank you for sharing your very personal story, you are so valued here on this forum, I look forward to you returning when you are ready. Sending a *hug* and prayers to you.

    -Sheila

  • mailman22
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Velvet, I am very sorry to hear such sad news. I pray that you will soon be thinking less sad thoughts and remembering only the good times you shared. God Bless!

  • claraserena
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Velvet, I am so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

    Dianne

  • msbeekeeper
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I am so sorry to hear about your loss . Losing a loved one is never easy but having it happen so unexpectedly must make it so much harder. Take care. Our thoughts and prayers are with you .

  • sherryo
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I am so sorry to hear of your loss.Please accept my condolences at this time and know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.Sherry

  • mersiepoo
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Velvet Sparrow, I am so sorry! You and your family must be totally in shock.... What an awful tragedy.... I wish there was something I could do to make it better. :(

  • Rose_Qld
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    So very, very sorry, Velvet.

  • chickadee_42us
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    What a hurtful shocking situation. Prayers for you and your family.

  • snycal
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    your feelings will be running amok, but time will heal, everyone else has said what I would want to say.

    I would like to add, the bashing of the internet is a way bored people can get their adrenaline going, waiting for a reply or rebuttal. I belong to quite a few online communities, just remember its not you.

    You have provided us with endless amounts of information throughout the years. Peoples words are meaningless when it comes to the bottom line of love and family/friend support.

    Stay strong

  • Maggie_J
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Velvet, I am so very sorry to hear your sad news. I lost my younger brother without warning some years back at the age of 45 - just a month after losing my father. So I understand how shock compounds the grief you are feeling. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

  • mabellyn
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I'm new to this forum, I've read alot about you on this site. I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Mabellyn

  • marlingardener
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Velvet,
    Judging from all the heart-felt responses above, one would guess that you are held in great esteem by many people who truly share your and your family's grief.
    Knowing that you have helped so many should be a comfort and source of pride for you.

  • Jonathan
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Just another echo here about how much your input is valued, and your generosity with your knowledge directly translates to higher quality of life for the people here as well as the animals under our charge. Warmest thoughts and sympathies towards you during this dreadful time.

    --Jonathan

  • cherig22
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Velvet, so sorry to hear of your loss. Your wisdom is treasured in these forums, and I have never had a bad thought of you. Blessings to you and your family in this sad time.

    Cheri

  • gardengalrn
    16 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Velvet, so sorry to hear of your loss and know that you must be devastated. What a tragedy. My prayers to you and your sister's family. Lori

  • msjay2u
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Velvet I don't know how I missed this thread and I am sorry to hear about the tradegy in your family. I know the pain is deep and will be hard to get over. I lost my mother to a robbery turned bad and she was murdered last summer and right after that my Grandmother died. Anytime an unexpected death happens it makes it harder to accept and deal with. It is a journey like no other. My prayers are with you and your family in hoping that you get through this and may the Love of God help heal and soothe your pain.

  • brendan_of_bonsai
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I don't know how I missed this thread either. Nothing hurts like loosing a loved one and I'm so sorry to hear about your loss.

  • runningtrails
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I, too, missed this. I am so sorry! My prayers are with you and your family.

  • nelda1234
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I too missed this---I am so sorry for your loss! My prayers are with you and your family-may God heal you and bring only good memories to fill the void in your heart.

    Nelda

  • posy_pet
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Velvet,I also missed this post and offer you my sympathy and prayers.During this time,take good care of yourself:eat right,get enough rest and exercise outside and pray lots too.Do something you enjoy everyday.Love,Posy Pet

  • seamommy
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Velvet, I am so sorry for your loss. I haven't always agreed with your advice and I think you and I exchanged some 'words' once, but it never crossed my mind to doubt that you had suffered a terrible loss or to criticise or mudsling. I know that some people in these forums will do that occasionally but I always know I can come here for help and sincere sympathy from the good people who post here. You are so well known in the forums you cannot help but find caring and empathetic words here. I am so truely sorry for your loss. Cheryl

  • brendasue
    15 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I'm among those that missed your post, also.

    Velvet I'm so sorry to hear this. How tragic for you, Gene, and the rest of the family. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
    Brendasue

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