Brad,
Once again, you have lifted my spirits and made me smile. I shared your post with my husband, and he enjoyed it, too. 
Peace,
V
See there ya go. you know there is safty in numbers. you all could go to the playground and see those hoodlums look on their faces when they see the entire group there. lol. that is somethin that even the newspaper could enjoy. lol. just my sick sense of humor there. but might be worth a try, for some exposure for the cause anyway.. lol
Ray.
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A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Rheumys ...
Brad
By Brad, Health Guide Monday, August 06, 2012
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A reply to the “Funny thing happened on the way....”
I have never opened up and spoke about this RA thing. Brad had shown a great sense of compassion for everything and everybody he meets. So, after reading his latest rendition, I had to reply. I don’t know how well any of you know Brad. He is more than a fantastic individual. (kinda like an Angel in disguise.) He has taught me more compassion and respect for all life than could ever have come from the finest scholars and or colleges in the entire world.
Even in his condition and massive discomfort, and physical pain, which is an understatement, he finds the humor and some positive things to consider. So I will also relay and share what he has gifted me.
I say this, as looking almost from the other side of “His Coin.” First of all, I also have/had RA( my RA has been in remission for several years, and I am grateful for that.) I really don’t know what started it, nor what sent it into remission. But I am very happy about it too. Now, I look, hear, and read about you folks on this site often, as Brad has sent me several links to it many times. I might have even registered on it long time ago too.
A little history here first. I’m a 64 year old guy that met Brads Mon a little over 20 years ago. We got together and have been together for the entire time enduring several serious illnesses and problems of our own. Then there is the great son.!! Brad. Well, you can say that if you knew him, and if you were his mother. That’s what his mom says, and now so do I.
Anyway after knowing Brad for all these years, as we used to venture to the hardware and lumber stores every Saturday when he lived near us. and enjoyed the construction projects we completed together over the years, a great friendship and comradeship developed. And also following his remarkable career with all the places he’s worked at and to have vastly influenced so many different people in such a positive way. I am the benefactor here. I got the son I never had. Well enough of that, but its true.
Brad has shown such a concern to helping others in his situation, and unselfishly spent many hours of research and laborious time investigating anything that would or possibly could help any of those in the same boat as he. His success in uplifting all of your attitudes and interests is a great thing, but he has also given me a most fantastic gift of knowing and enjoying him. He has a sense of inner magic that seems contagious to any that he comes in contact with. Every time I speak of him to some one out of his past they are so joy ed to hear that he once shared time in their lives as well. any one that has ever come in contact with him is happy to have known him.
I will also mention the same thing. I know his mom and I have a thing going on, but, knowing Brad and conversing with him is a great joy. .
Ok, on to the RA stuff and if I might say, The rewards and positive things about RA. Well I cant begin to tell you about the wonderful feeling it has given me to be there for Brad and to help him when there is a need I can cover. the friendship and togetherness of doing some of the things we both enjoy and now we can sort of do them together but long distance. the rewards of having him enjoy Model Railroading, and several other hobbies we both enjoy, and the feeling I got when I helped him get that first power wheel chair. Its a feeling like almost giving new life to someone very near and dear to you. I cant tell you folks just how glad I am that he helps all of you as he has helped me. My helping him was miniscule to how much he helps me. I know this whole thing sounds rather mushy, but there is nobody like a good friend that has or is going thru the same difficult times as you each are. Glad Brad is there. and here. Just wanted to show my appreciation, and relay my feelings. the wisdom, and the unselfish sharing of so many positive things Brad can show all of us is a true and enriching treasure and fortune.
Knowledge is knowing a Tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom is knowing NOT to put it in the fruit salad.
Ray Goetz.
Thanks Ray! :)
The pleasure is all mine! Mom gained a husband and I gained a dad. AND a ton of extra hobbies
! I know you read on this site a good bit, you should post some of your knowledge on here as well! I am sure it would be of great help to others! Hope to get up to see you and Mom shortly.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts about Brad, RA and our community. We all agree. Brad is a gem!
V
That was a wonderful tribute, Ray. Thanks so much for sharing your Brad experience with us. He is indeed a special guy.
Thank you for letting me know that remission CAN last for years. I'm in my first 7 months of remission and am praying for years.... the freedom is amazing. But I'm still faithful to naps, breaks when needed, not scheduling every minute, stuff like that. Thank you so much, Laurie
Yes there is a Santa Clause. !! My remission has indeed lasted for several years now. I really never knew what did it. Have no idea why it has lasted this long and hope it continues as well. I am glad to give a glimmer of hope that remission does come to some and does last for a time. Can't say how long, as I dont wanna jinkx it. lol. but it does happen. I also have a friend that has been in remission. His has been for alomost 15 years or more. So I do keep hoping here too. Hope it comes to each one of you.
Ray.