Monday, September 22, 2008
My Life in Pictures, Part I
This is the nearly finished version of the slideshow I have been working on. Unfortunately the entire slideshow is too big to upload so this is just part I, pre-Bill and the kids. I hemmed and hawed about putting it on the web, especially since I didn't "ok" it with anyone featured. So, if you have an issue with your picture being posted, let me know and I will remove it. If anyone has brilliant ideas about posting the entire thing (It's 350.4 MB; I tried youtube and that failed as well), let me know.
There was something very cathartic about putting this together. It was a perversely pleasurable experience to look back on my life this way and gave me a sense of peace. Actually, I highly recommend this activity for anyone, if only to laugh at how you hairstyles and "fashion sense" have evolved over the years. I may make ones of each child and one of just Bill and me. For me, these activities are a great way to pass the time and to remind myself of what a wonderful ride this life has been and still is ...
I hope you enjoy it. I don't know if the music will play but the accompanying song should be What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong).
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19 comments:
http://news.aol.com/health/article/womans-hostile-immune-system-reset/183862
I read your blog and am a bit too emotionally caught up to comment. All I ever want to say, just like a child, is please, just don't die.
Tho I did see this article 30seconds ago and had to say something. Its about a woman that had an immune sysytem transplant please look it over. Constant prayers
Nice pictures! I enjoyed watching the video and I'm sure your family will also enjoy it. Thanks for sharing it with us.
You can post your video on Youtube. The requirements are that it is less than 10 minutes and less than 1 GB. You meet both requirements. Make sure it is in the correct file format. Youtube accepts only .AVI, .MOV, .WMV, and .MPG file formats.
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Studies here and in Europe are aiming to reset immunity for patients with severe scleroderma — work that, if successful, could cast new light on numerous autoimmune diseases, from lupus to multiple sclerosis.
While early reports are promising, it remains experimental, recruitment is slow and a fundamental issue is unsettled: Do doctors need to take the radical step of killing all the bad immune cells, or just suppress their function?
"The notion that more immunosuppression is better is somewhat logical," says Dr. Ellen Goldmuntz of the National Institutes of Health, which is funding some of the research. "The question's how best to do it."
Autoimmune diseases are among medicine's most frustrating mysteries: What makes an immune system that worked fine for years suddenly run amok, and why are middle-aged women most vulnerable? And arguably most mysterious is scleroderma, where the immune system somehow mistakenly attacks connective tissues that support the skin and internal organs — thickening skin, stiffening joints, destroying blood vessels, and sometimes killing through kidney and lung failure.
o.k so the first post is part of what i have copied and pasted to my comment...When i saw this i got so excited maybe this could be the help, my new blogging friend might need, if its still possible....
mzoeabeth2, has added the link...take care vicki, i was so excited to post this now i will go look at your pictures.:))
It is so sweet of everyone to suggest the stem cell transplant and pass along the info. I am a very poor candidate b/c the disease has already damaged my lungs and the SCT is unlikely to repair that damage. I am also unlikely to survive the procedure because I am so sick already (risk of dying is about 8% but it's probably higher than that for me because I am catabolic -- breaking down my own tissue d/t prolonged malnutrition). Many of the studies have also shown that a large percentage of patients go back to scleroderma symptoms in 6-12 months even if the transplant puts them into remission. So we have given it a lot of thought and opted not to try it.
But, really, I appreciate the thoughts and support that go into the suggestion!!
http://news.aol.com/health/article/womans-hostile-immune-system-reset/183862?icid=100214839x1209821535x1200610616
Great article about a woman with schleroderma, perhaps this is possible for you too!
Hi Michelle,
My name is Marie, I just found your blog last week and I've read every post. You don't know me, so I hope this isn't strange, but you have inspired me so much. Your diary shows what a bold and beautiful spirit you have! Thank you so much for sharing it with the world of the internet, you can't know how much your positive outlook has helped me these last few days.
You and your family are in my prayers. ~Marie R.
Lovely slideshow. I hope to see the whole thing with music when you figure out how to share it.
You can't figure out You Tube and I can't figure out how to leave a message.
What a cute little peanut! It must have been tough with three older brothers. My Maternal Grandparents came from Italy, so I completely related to your earlier blog about your Mother's eccentricities. My Grandmother made us wear socks at all times to prevent kidney disease. I think Italy sent over all their crazy people with the first waves of immigration!
How did your visit to hospice go? Have they found a medication to help with the queasiness? I am like everyone else and hoping for a miracle. You are a cool, thoughtful and extremely brave person. I have learned something every time I have stopped by.
Linda
Hi all,
Several months ago I attended a healing service in Michelle's honor officiated by her friend Kevin, a Catholic priest. He said something that has stuck with me: "Healing" and "cure" are different things. While we of course would love for Michelle to be cured, healing can still occur even in the absence of a cure.
This strikes me as profound, beautiful, and confusing. At any rate, if you're so inclined, you can add a prayer for Michelle's healing at:
http://freecal.brownbearsw.com/PrayersForMichelle
To add your name and/or message, just click on the underlined date on the day of your choosing.
You don't know me at all....I have been checking in on your blog for about a month after seeing it on AOL. Much strength and peace to you! You are an inspiration to me through your words. Your family has been blessed!
Ah Michelle...I am so sorry you are on your final legs of life's journey.
I live in Santa Barbara County and am familiar with your disease due to the efforts of Sharon Monsky, who had a big presence out here.
Immune diseases are a horror, as you know all to well. My mother died of complications of her decades-long battle with rheumatoid on July 28th. I hope we can see SOME progress against these monsters in my lifetime, and I pray, yours as well.
I have followed your blog for about a month now, I believe I read about it on AOL initially, and have prayed for you to have healing and strength, as well as for these things for your family.
Thank you for sharing yourself with us all so generously and faithfully, even when you are so sick and probably would rather have spent that time and energy with your loved ones.
God bless you, and please know there are many of us out here who care and are praying for you.
Thank you for sharing the slide show... it make you more real to me.
May God continue give you enough strength and grace to bear one day at a time.
when I found out about your blog, I sat down and read the entire thing, without a break. I couldn't tear my eyes away.
It's touched me more than anything I've ever read on the web. It's the most inspiring thing I've seen.
I'm not very religious, but I will be praying for you and your family. You and they are so very strong.
As corny as it sounds, you shine like a light.
My computer finnally let me see the slide show,
the way i make my slideshows is from windows movie maker,or i go to
http://rockyou.com
anyways hope your having a good day!
loved the first communion shot.....a great visual for your family. you do inspire.
Two words...Beauti-FULL!~
Oh! This made me giggle. You're right - the hairstyle transitions alone are worth the price of admission. But mostly? It's lovely to see your big smile and obvious joy and love of life. Thanks for sharing.
Michelle,
Amazing memories of a life lived well, thoughtfully, & courageously.
Love,
Stephen
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