Comments on: Lina’s Not Doing Well

By: Sheryl

Sheryl — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 17:14:57 +0000

Hello Craig,

It’s Sheryl again. I can only echo what many have written more succinctly than I could. I hope you will consider a “wishing well” for Lina. It is difficult for our family here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, the “other” Portland, if you will, to visit, but we would be honored to help out with a special love fund for your family. If you only knew how many people in the cyber world have been inspired by your work, it is truly overwhelming. If you believe in Karma, maybe we will see some of it come back your way. Peace. Thank you for working for it and, of course, justice.

By: Marta Daniels

Marta Daniels — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 02:00:10 +0000

When I last visited Lina at Brigham and Women’s, I told her that there were angels all around her. There, right beside her bed, in her room. I still believe that. They are there with her every day. First, the family angels — beloved Chloe and Moriah, and wonderful husband Craig who have been hovering daily through each stage of this terrible struggle. And next there are the Portland friends who have cooked and cleaned and chauffered and cared for Lina and her family for so many months. And there are all the loving relatives who feel deeply for their wonderful sister, cousin, daughter, aunt, niece, knowing how special she is. And finally there are those who are Lina’s extended family, who live far from Portland or Boston who have agonized over every bit of news, wanting to do something, anything that would make the pain less for Lina and for Craig and Chloe and Moriah. If wishing and wanting could change the world, the world would be a different place. But as I said to Lina on the day of my last visit, all of us are there beside her everyday, in our hearts and minds, right beside her, angels hovering by the bed, and surely she knows this. Angels, like bees, hover over the source of life and try to sustain it with whatever resources there are. We keep hope alive because hope is the source of renewal. Angels are everywhere. Angels are everywhere.

By: Betty Carter

Betty Carter — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 01:45:29 +0000

Craig, the Brown and Carter Families go back a long time and I feel your and Lina’s pain as if it were one of my own kids suffering. I think of you often and wish that better news was coming from the doctors. Much love!

By: Abigail Norman

Abigail Norman — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 01:30:03 +0000

I like the idea of a “wishing well.” Let us all know if you do set that up. I’ll visit Lina tomorrow morning at the start of the day, and will let you know how she seems. My thoughts are with you, all of you.

By: Susan Baker

Susan Baker — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 01:13:22 +0000

You are all such incredible role models for those of us who have yet to experience such a path. Your strength and honesty overwhelm me and I long to give you all hugs. I am sure it will be a good thing to have Lina home and it sounds like “we” will support you in whatever ways we can. Don’t hesitate to tell us what you need. Perhaps you can set up “wishing well” that we can contribute to. The photos are wonderful and equally inspirational. Thank you Craig, Chloe, Moriah and especially Lina for sharing with us what must at times be a night mare for sure. Peace Susan

By: julie olsen

julie olsen — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:46:17 +0000

Craig My thoughts,energy and admiration have been with you and your family since this long,strange journey began.Thank you for bringing Lina and your girls “into my life” I continue to have hope. You are a wonderful friend, husband and father. All my love, Julie

By: Nancy Ansheles

Nancy Ansheles — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:49:24 +0000

Craig – We are ready and able to help. Let us know what comfort or practical support you need.

Lina and you deserve the love. You both have nourished it in others and with each other. Take care dear friend, Nancy

By: Julie, John, Madeline, Christoper and Alexandra

Julie, John, Madeline, Christoper and Alexandra — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:52:37 +0000

John and I know first hand the difference family, friends and community can make. Our community held us up through so much during John’s battle with cancer.

I often felt as if we had angels circling above and carrying us through each day.

The behind the scenes positive energy and prayers gave me great strength to be there for John and our children.

I know we can provide that same love and support for Craig, Lina, Chloe and Moriah! I know we can provide them with whatever they need next!

Julie

By: Pam Pillsbury

Pam Pillsbury — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:48:20 +0000

It is disheartening to learn of Lina’s set back and of the insurance company’s lack of cooperation. At this stage, its so unfair. You and your family have been through too much already. Perhaps it best that Lina come home. It sounds like you will have a lot of support and with being only a few steps away, please let me know if you need help in any way and I will be there. May the peace of God that passes all understanding be with you.

Pam

By: Nancy Bird LaChance

Nancy Bird LaChance — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 02:55:57 +0000

I’ve never shed so many tears for someone I’ve never met as I shed for Lina. Her journey has given me so much; I look for ways to make my being a “bee” an enriching experience. Lina’s life is a jewel in the mine of humanity. I am coal, but her existence makes me look for all that glitters around me.
I’ve known Craig for over 40 years. He’s always been a voice who brought the alone and hopeless together toward justice. It is the most unfair form of irony that this man finds himself at the mercy of the sinister economic cancer we call The HealthCare System – an oxymoron at best.
I’m too far away to do anymore than pray and encourage. Thank you so much, those of you close enough to be there to help hands-on.