Harriet Vane Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 . . . You can't know the joy it brings me to realize that even virtual acquaintances remember him. I was so very sad when I learned of his death and of your pain. My dh can tell you that I actually cried--he seemed like such a lovely man. I loved that he helped his sisters make their bed, and loved that they called him "boy-boy." Thank you for sharing him with us--I hope to be as proud of my own ds some day. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 What a lovely tribute to your dear son. I remember starfish hands very well. I am so sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caitilin Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 (edited) I was so very sad when I learned of his death and of your pain. My dh can tell you that I actually cried--he seemed like such a lovely man. I loved that he helped his sisters make their bed, and loved that they called him "boy-boy." Thank you for sharing him with us--I hope to be as proud of my own ds some day. :grouphug: I too cried, MFS, and read and reread your posts about him. But I wish I could have known him--he was a truly beautiful soul. I am so glad to see you here again. :grouphug::grouphug: Like Eliana's, these are personal space recognizing hugs. Welcome back to the boards. :D I am slowly reading the Sayings of the Desert Fathers, and listening to Anathem, by Neal Stephenson. I recommend it highly. Just read Blackout and All Clear by Connie Willis. Also very good. Edited June 4, 2011 by Caitilin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elizabeth Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Hi there . Your presence here has been missed. Your family has been on my mind and I wish there was something to say to express my condolences . Gosh it is good to see you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnTheBrink Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Nice to see you back. I'm so very sorry for your loss. I'm reading A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KJB Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Would that he were fatter, MFS. Yes, he's well remembered. As are you. You've done such a wonderful job of mothering. Inspirational. Truly. Would that he were fatter.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ELaurie Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 and so deeply sorry to hear of the loss of your son :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiegirl Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 It is so good to see you back here, MFS. I lurked on the old board and still don't post too much now that I have come out of hiding. I always enjoyed your 'On the Nightstand" posts. Actually there was one yesterday and I immediately thought of you. I am reading 'Major Pettigrew's Last Stand' by Helen Simonson, 'Daughter of Time' by Josephine Tey and 'Ivanhoe'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LNC Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Welcome back! I've been inspired by your posts over the years- your teaching, parenting, reading!! I found your blog a couple months ago again, and I was terribly shocked and saddened to read of your loss. I've prayed for and thought of your family often. Thank you for sharing with us here, and as other have said I respect your need for privacy... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer in MI Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Six months ago, our son, LCpl M-mv, died in an off-duty motor vehicle accident. You can't know the joy it brings me to realize that even virtual acquaintances remember him. Thank you for remembering starfish hands, Valerie. I'm so sorry. I remember him and you with fondness. You and your son had a wonderful relationship and both of you were an inspiration to me. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liza Q Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 I'm still mostly a lurker but I remember you well. Your posts on Shakespeare were a huge help several years ago! I read about your son a few months ago and have been praying for you and your family. And if you ever want to, well, let me know if I can do more than pray. Oh - reading Little Dorrit! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen in NY Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 I'm a bit of a lurker, but I've been here just about .... oh .... give or take .... you know .... forever. On innumerable days your writing has inspired me to be better... it all begins with me, right? So very glad to see you here again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane in NC Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 You and your nightstand are both welcomed back. Words cannot express the sadness I felt when hearing about your son. I have always viewed posters' children as members of the virtual playground, children that I have watched grow up. Best regards, Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan Wise Bauer Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 MFS, so glad to see you here. I've thought of your son often. Welcome back! SWB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MIch elle Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 :seeya: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-M- Posted June 4, 2011 Author Share Posted June 4, 2011 (edited) (1) Thank you for the lovely words and, as I said, for remembering. He was such a funny, wonderful, smart, *good* boy and man. (2) A shout-out to Susan and the board moderators: In the days following our son's death, the intersection of my professional, personal, and virtual lives proved more than a little disconcerting -- overwhelming, even. In an effort to preserve some sense of privacy, the board moderators and Susan herself honored my request to delete both my (practically brand-new) account and my posts. I deeply appreciated their kind consideration. [MIch elle, I think this answers your question about H.B. And when I rejoined yesterday, it just made sense to be what I was, MFS of M-mv.] (3) As for answering my own question, I am finishing up The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth (Alexandra Robbins). Of one of her other books, a reviewer wrote that it was part soap opera, part social treatise. I think the same can likely be said of this. More, the soap opera sections ring truer than the social treatise assertions. Heh, heh, heh. Next up? In the Basement of the Ivory Tower (Professor X.), I think. Edited June 4, 2011 by Mental multivitamin Note to item (2) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Hi, MFS. What a nice sight to see you back here on the boards. I'm currently reading Once on a Moonless Night by Dai Sijie and Five Quarters of the Orange by Joanne Harris. :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Welcome back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Hello! I have always admired your way with words; what a gifted writer, and a generous one to share with us your talent. I'm so glad we get to hear from you more often. So very sorry for your loss. I don't have any other words to give you, so I'll just offer you a little silent spot. Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MIch elle Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 [MIch elle, I think this answers your question about H.B. And when I rejoined yesterday, it just made sense to be what I was, MFS of M-mv.] Welcome back, MFS! I hope you will join the discussions on "The Hive" more often. :thumbup: I'm sorry for the loss of your son. Your blog has been a source of inspiration for me for many years - thank you. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackie in AR Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Welcome back! :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mama Lynx Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Welcome back! As others have said, many of us old-timers check in from time to time. I'm re-reading "A Wizard of Earthsea," to prep for using it with the high schoolers next year as we discuss medieval thought. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen in NS Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 I'm not even sure I see any familiar faces. Might you wave me over to your couch if you "know" me? [*Padding gingerly across the room.*] Excuse me. Hello. Hi. 'scuse me. May I sit here? So. How have you been? What are you reading? Am I in the right place? Yup, I know you (though you may not remember me from the old boards)! HI!!! Welcome back! Please jump right in and talk! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElaineJ Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Welcome back! I remember you well, although I am mostly a lurker (as you can tell from my post count). I always enjoyed hearing (reading) what you had to say. I am so very sorry to hear about your son. :grouphug: I am currently reading Father Elijah by Michael O'Brian, Busman's Honeymoon by Dorothy Sayers and Signs of Life by Scott Hahn. ElaineJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen in NS Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 As you can see, she's gotten over that :lol:. That's the understatement of the year!!!! :lol::lol: And without casting a pall on this merry reunion, I'll just say that we continue to miss our son fiercely every single day, but his laughter still rings in our ears. I'm SO sorry to hear about the loss of your son. I read about it on your blog a few months ago. Six months ago, our son, LCpl M-mv, died in an off-duty motor vehicle accident. When you're ready, you might want to read this announcement from a year ago by Kari C in SC. http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=178251&highlight=car+accident In an effort to process her grief, she has periodically posted about her son here. I'm pretty sure she was an "old board" poster, too, so you might remember her. Welcome back! I still have this post (the original, maybe from 05 or 06?) up on the fridge.Jennifer Loved that post, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JennW in SoCal Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 It is wonderful to see you here. I'm one of the old timers, though you may not remember me as I kept a very low profile on the old boards. I have tried to keep your "Read. Think. Learn." mantra alive for all the young whipper snappers who have joined the homeschool ranks over the last few years. Only I may have misquoted it, perhaps adding "discuss" before "learn". I am shocked and so very saddened by your loss. I remember you talking about him reading Harold Bloom's How to Read a Book, something that still strikes me now that my boys are teen agers. One is an avid reader, but I just don't see him wading through Harold's writing! (I do hope I'm remembering this right -- I can't keep a 3 word quote straight so it is quite possible I have people mixed up!) I'm finally reading The House of the Spirits based on the glowing raves by fellow posters of Isabel Allende's writing. I can't believe it sat collecting dust on my shelf for so many years before I read it! I love it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MicheleinMN Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Welcome back! It's so nice to see you again. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcconnellboys Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 I do not wish to prick raw flesh, but just wanted you to know that I believe there are many here who have had your family in our thoughts for a long time now and who will continue to send good wishes your way.... As for reading, I've been reading some C. S. Lewis of late: The Problem of Pain, Letters to Malcolm, The Great Divorce, Paved with Good Intentions, etc. And I'm revisiting some old friends: just finished Wuthering Heights; starting Mary Stewart's Arthurian books today; moving into T. H. White.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LizzyBee Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 I'm not even sure I see any familiar faces. Might you wave me over to your couch if you "know" me? [*Padding gingerly across the room.*] Excuse me. Hello. Hi. 'scuse me. May I sit here? So. How have you been? What are you reading? Am I in the right place? :seeya: Welcome back. I was ElizabethB in NC on the old boards. I am very sorry to hear about the death of your son. :grouphug: I am currently reading How To Reach & Teach Children & Teens with Dyslexia by Cynthia M. Stowe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elisabeth in IL Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 (edited) Hi!!!! I was mostly a lurker way back then and am still, sort-of... ;) I remember!!!! Sorry to hear of the loss of your son. Edited June 4, 2011 by Elisabeth in IL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Nice to have you back! This thread is like a family reunion! I'm supposed to be reading Kitchen for my book group meeting on Wednesday, but I don't even have it yet. I'd better get cracking! I'm rereading Girl Meets God, as I occasionally do, and What the Dog Saw. I'm so sorry about your son. :grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redsquirrel Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Well, I have it backwards, as usual. I was not on this board when you were here more often but I have been reading your blog for a while. I am currently reading "The History of the World in Six Glasses" and "Universe Down to Earth." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mamagistra Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 I do not wish to prick raw flesh, but just wanted you to know that I believe there are many here who have had your family in our thoughts for a long time now and who will continue to send good wishes your way.... Indeed. :grouphug: Welcome back, MFS! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janie Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 I think of you often and have missed your posts here, even though I don't come often anymore. Now, that might change! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Might you wave me over to your couch if you "know" me? We've never met, but you can join me on my couch. Nice to meet you. :seeya: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Margaret in GA Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 I'm not even sure I see any familiar faces. Might you wave me over to your couch if you "know" me? [*Padding gingerly across the room.*] Excuse me. Hello. Hi. 'scuse me. May I sit here? So. How have you been? What are you reading? Am I in the right place? I remember you well, MFS-- I was Margaret T in GA. I have often thought of you and yours. And so I sit here crying for your loss. I am sending you my love over the many miles between us. Reading The Genius in All of Us, Just Kids, and Eaarth Hugs, Margaret Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Welcome back! I still have this post (the original, maybe from 05 or 06?) up on the fridge.Jennifer I read this for the first time last year. It helped me deal with guilt I had developed about how our family prioritized its time. Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DB in NJ Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 I'm not even sure I see any familiar faces. Might you wave me over to your couch if you "know" me? [*Padding gingerly across the room.*] Excuse me. Hello. Hi. 'scuse me. May I sit here? So. How have you been? What are you reading? Am I in the right place? Welcome "home"! I have missed you :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denise in IN Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Hi and welcome. It's good to have you back! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kate CA Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Hello, everyone! I was worried.... Anyway, coffee, please, Audrey. And Julie... a life update, eh? Where to begin? How 'bout this? The Misses are both in high school now. Do you read M-mv? If not, here's a photo of them. I know: They're growing up *so* quickly. Mr. M-mv and I celebrated our twenty-fifth wedding anniversary last month, so I guess *we're* growing up, too. (*wry grin*) And without casting a pall on this merry reunion, I'll just say that we continue to miss our son fiercely every single day, but his laughter still rings in our ears. Welcome back, MFS! My sincerest condolences for your son. I remember many of the things you wrote about him and how very proud you were of him. He will not be forgotten! I have always been Kate CA and have been around since almost the beginning of the boards so I certainly remember you. :001_smile: I remember the wonderful conversations we had here about what was worth a listing of "Great Book" and why we choose what we choose. I still think about it. Since you asked, I am reading the John Adams biography by David McCullough, and Why We Get Fat and What to Do About It, by Gary Taubes. Both are highly fascinating in their own ways. What are you reading? Warmly wishing you and your husband many more blessed years together. Welcome back. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin M Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Hi Doll! So glad to see you are back. Cuddle up on the couch and have a cup of tea. Missed you. Love sharing and talking books. Hope you will join in 52 books weekly thread. I'm supposed to be reading Adventures of Huckleberry Finn for humanities class. Taking a side trip reading a fluffy paranormal romance. *hugs* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catherine Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 I've appreciated your thoughtful posts so much in the past, particularly on math. I'll hold you and your family in my thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GraceinMD Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 I am so glad that you're back to share your wisdom with so many more families in the living room. I offered sincere (although clumsy) condolences many months ago, and still have a heart that is heavy for you and yours. He is not forgotten. Reading: Bitter Lemons, by Lawrence Durrell (a wonderfully written account (from 1957) of the author's move to Cyprus) - highly recommended, even if only for the evocative language, the vocabulary that's making me reach for a dictionary, and the deft turn-of-phrase. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nrg Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 I have been here lurking since the old board's inception and remember you fondly. I am so sorry for your loss and hope we can be of comfort here. I am reading reams of short stories looking for lots of them to populate a short story discussion and writing club for ages 9-13. Do you have any must-reads in this category? Do stay for awhile. have another cup of tea and perhaps a biscuit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin in Tx Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 Hey MFS, My daughter is in a one day a week classical ed program that next year will be studying Shakespeare. When I saw the reading schedule, I immediately thought about you and your son with fond memories of your reports on his passions. I remember your stories about living in the city, and then the move to the country. What was your tag line? Something about a little prairie at the edge of the woods? I don't know if this is correct or not, but I also seem to remember that your son was involved in swimming... either swim team or life guard? Whta I remember most was how much you love your children, how proud and supportive of them you are, and what upstanding character you nourished in them. Anyhow, I haven't been on the boards in several years, and have lost touch with all but a few of the treasured virtual friends I've met here. I had the pleasure of visiting with SWB today and she told me about your son. I was devastated to hear the news. She said you were back on the boards so I came online to find you and let you know what a wrenching kick in the gut it was to hear about your loss and how very, very sorry I am. Love and peace to you, MFS. May his memory be eternal. Robin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy in NH Posted June 5, 2011 Share Posted June 5, 2011 Hi MFS! Welcome back! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JenneinCA Posted June 5, 2011 Share Posted June 5, 2011 Hi! It is good to see you again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maverick_Mom Posted June 5, 2011 Share Posted June 5, 2011 I know you by reputation. :D Welcome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shawneinfl Posted June 5, 2011 Share Posted June 5, 2011 I remember you well and you have been missed greatly! I am not a frequent poster but I've been here a long, long time. I was not aware of your loss - I'm so sorry - I do remember enjoying all your swimming and lifeguard posts since my oldest dd was lifeguarding at the same time. Bless you and your family as you journey into this unplanned turn on the road. I'm between books but just finished Half-Broke Horsed by Jeanette Walls. Tomorrow I'm having high tea with a dear friend and then going to see Jane Eyre. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desert Rat Posted June 5, 2011 Share Posted June 5, 2011 Welcome back! I'll scoot right on over. I'm so sad about your dear son. My thoughts are with you. I'm reading an Anna Pigeon mystery novel right now, complete and utter fluff, and complete and utter fun. Glad you've decided to sit and visit for awhile. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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