Just a note to say "I miss everyone!!!"---Final update....

Question

Words can not express how much I was encouraged by all of your messages below. There were also tres amigas muy importantes who kept in touch on a regular basis. There are so many "social networking" sites and places where ideas and information are exchanged. However, I feel that this site is extremely unique. This is truly a virtual family and I thank everyone for their care and concern.

Yes, December and the beginning of January were physically horrible. I am so thankful to be feeling much better these days. I miss all of my old friends here in the forum and look forward to meeting some of the new ones that have joined during my absence. I look forward to slowly catching up with everyone as I ease back into a more normal daily routine. Even the Dunce Corner looks great to me at this point!

Original Message:

¡Hola todos!

I just wanted to let my friends in the forum know that I really miss spending time learning, growing in our knowledge of Spanish and *especially laughing together!

I was hit by a drunk driver in 2001 and have been experiencing some real setbacks since November. I had surgery to replace a device on my spine ten days ago. Recovery had already been fairly difficult, but then I wound up back in the hospital due to major complications again at 1AM on Sunday morning.

I am letting you know this only because it takes a lot to keep me from fully participating in the forum. This site is truly a daily source of inspiration and encouragement as I work towards the goal of learning the Spanish language.

I am going to try to pop in every so often, but my ability to concentrate and to ask/answer questions just isn't there right now. I do see a faint light at the end of the proverbial tunnel and look forward to returning on a regular basis as my health improves and my level of pain diminishes.

Every so often I reflect upon the reason that I am experiencing these physical problems and also the reason that my family's life has been altered as well. If nothing else, during this holiday season (and every other day), I beg of you...never drive under the influence!!! If you have been drinking, please let someone else drive you home.

I'm looking forward to returning as soon as possible. I miss you all!!

Abrazos,

Nicole

Just a short note from Nicole, she is slowly recovering:

" Please let everyone know I am thinking of them, especially during this holiday season. "

Good to have you back, NIcole!! - Gekkosan, Jan 17, 2011

Welcome back, Nicole! And don't concern yourself with "easing back in;" the Dunce Corner can be had in one fell swoop :-) .......... PS: The jerk who hit you belongs in jail - 005faa61, Jan 17, 2011

Thanks guys, I miss you both! And yes Julian, that guy should have been in jail years ago, but I would be happy if he would just turn his life around. - Nicole-B, Jan 17, 2011

Answer 1

Hey Nicole, thank you so much for letting us know, and I'm sure I can speak for all of your friends here to say how sorry we are that things are not the best for you at this moment and to say that our thoughts will be with you as we wish you a speedy recovery.

I'm sure you will feel the same confidence of God's support at this time as King David of Bible times -

“In the day of calamity Jehovah will provide escape ... (and he) will sustain him upon a divan of illness; all his bed you will certainly change during his sickness.” (Ps. 41:1, 3)

I'm sorry that I'm not close enough to bring flowers to you but here's some for your hospital room - one for each day of the next week and a bit of the NZ sun too

Answer 2

I hope you are home for Christmas with your family. Maybe a little laugh will help.

I like that kind of medicine! - nizhoni1, Dec 16, 2010

Answer 3

Wow Nicolle - I had no idea! Thank you for sharing with us, and thank you for the always-necessary message. Drunk driving is a huge problem, and you are sadly not the only member of this forum to have had her life drastically altered by some stupid merrymaker at the wheel.

I wish you as full as recovery as can be, and a prompt return to the Forum!

(Gentle) hugs!

would that be an amapuchita? :) - Kiwi-Girl, Dec 15, 2010

Nah, I reckon poor Nicole is not up to too much of an amapuche, just now. Besides, my Forum girlfriends may get jealous. ;-) - Gekkosan, Dec 15, 2010

you have girlfriends? - Kiwi-Girl, Dec 15, 2010

Girlfriends, groupies, admirers, fans... It's not easy being such a handsome and popular character, you know. - Gekkosan, Dec 15, 2010

rofl - not to mention your outstanding humility :p - Kiwi-Girl, Dec 15, 2010

It's hard to be humble, when one's as good as I am. >blush - Gekkosan, Dec 15, 2010

Yeah - I used to be arrogant and the envy of all but I got over that and now I'm P E R F E C T ! - ian-hill, Dec 16, 2010

There you go. Ian understand about the burdens of fame and glory. :-) - Gekkosan, Dec 16, 2010

lol,There is a good song for you two. "Oh Lord, It's hard to be humble, when I'm perfect in every way" - Brynleigh, Dec 16, 2010

Answer 4

Oh my goodness, Nicole, I am so very, very sorry. Thank you soo much for sharing with us and I will be praying for you to get better and not to suffer. Try to be strong and know, now that you have told the members, that you will have many prayers and thoughts and strengths coming your way. Besos y abrazos querida amiga. Séa fuerte.

Answer 5

Answer 6

News from Nicole:

Please let everyone know I am thinking of them, especially during this holiday season.

Just a shor note, she is feeling slightly better and will hopefully come back very soon

Awesome!!!! - lorenzo9, Dec 28, 2010

oh this is the best thing I've heard today :)) get well soon Nicole you'll be in my prayers and thoughts - 00b6f46c, Dec 28, 2010

Gracias Heidi, I miss Nicole. - amykay, Dec 28, 2010

Answer 7

Only this morning I was thinking: I M U S T write to Nicole!!!

I have been away for a trip to Mexico, you would have loved it Nicki

I am sorry to hear you are not feeling better..

Every so often I reflect upon the reason that I am experiencing these physical problems and also the reason that my family's life has been altered as well

Somehow we all think this once in our lives...why me? What have I done to deserve this?

Answer 8

Hi Nicole,

I am so sorry that you are having to endure so much. I hope that you feel better as each day passes and you will be back to your home soon.

You are an amazing person and you are deeply missed.

Sending healing thoughts your way. Bryn

Answer 9

but my ability to concentrate and to ask/answer questions just isn't there right now.

Maybe this can help until you're back to normal...

And, to think, I have been wasting my time with all those other less efficient methods. - webdunce, Dec 15, 2010

I especially like the last one :) je je - Kiwi-Girl, Dec 15, 2010

good one DR - nizhoni1, Dec 16, 2010

Answer 10

but my ability to concentrate and to ask/answer questions just isn't there right now. .....my level of pain diminishes.

I agree Nicole, pain issues just down right take the ability to concentrate and focus away -- sometimes even simple tasks like eating, bathing, sleeping are affected. So rest assured we all here are thinking of you; wishing you rest and the ability to heal and recover. You've a great deal of courage! Thank you for sharing and yes, it's a wonderful reminder to have travel arrangements made ahead of time during holiday celebrations. I hope photos are okay!

And here is something to tickle your funny bone!!

Answer 11

So sorry to hear this news. I can only say that I wish you the best and am praying for a speedy recovery.

We Miss You, Amiga

..........................

Muchos abrazos desde Texas

Ira

Answer 12

Hang in there Nicole

We will be here for a long time.

I hope it is appropriate to wish you a Happy Christmas.

Ian xxx

Answer 13

Nicole, I m saddened by your experiance. You were/are an inspiration to me. You made me feel comfortable on this site. When I began, some of the corrections, and suggestions, I received were, well, a little bit strong. You always were gentle in your corrections and the way you dealt with "us newbies."

I forgive you for being a Flyers fan.(Go Bruins!), and wish you the best. I am older than you, and have also suffered setbacks. The only thing I can say is, after suffering a bit, and struggling through, when challenged now, I simply say, Bring it on! What else can you do?

God Bless and I await your return!

By the way., I miss your antonim/synonim, It made me think! - 002262dd, Dec 16, 2010

Answer 14

Nicole I wish I could be there to give you a big hug and a cup of hot tea! (Tea makes everything better don't cha know!)

I truly hope you are on the mend and I do miss your "antónimos y sinónimos" threads everyday on the forum.

Answer 15

Dear Nicole,

I have walked your walk. If you ever need anyone just to listen, send me a PM and I will give you my phone number. I was hit by a semi-truck 12 years ago and have been fighting ever since then.

I wish for both of us that we didn't know.......but today, my wish is especially for you. Stay strong. Fight the fight, but remember to ask yourself, "Based on how I'm feeling right now, what can I reasonably expect of myself to do" and make sure that you stop when you need to. This is one of those valleys, but your friends here at SD will stick by you and cheer you on. We need you here, and will be waiting when you get strong enough.

besos y abrazos,

cathy.

Well said Cathy :) - Izanoni1, Dec 16, 2010