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David Lathrop's avatar

OK , Rick I have been a Fan of yours for many years now . I do not want to bring my problems to you , as I know what I am feeling and what you probably are also . My experience with this is on going and if you want to talk - is fine ! I want you to know that I have a ton of respect for you and admire what you have accomplished . And still are sir! I have a lot I could say but will leave you with simply this . I try to accept what is, that I can not change ! And have the courage to try to change what is, If I possibly can ! I am not sure where to put my email address for you if you want it ?

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Rick Lamplugh's avatar

Thank you, David, for your years of support. I truly sense your support. Your support and that of many others kept me going as a wolf advocate and now as a cancer fighter. I hope that the struggles you are in turn out for the best. With your attitude of having the courage to accept what you can't change and change what you can, I bet you'll come through.

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Jeanne Rasmussen's avatar

You will always have my support. I will try not bringing my struggles with depression into your dealing with grief. You seem to be doing a remarkable job.

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Rick Lamplugh's avatar

Thanks, Jeanne, for your concern and your years of support. I definitely feel your support. I send you my best wishes for you in your struggles with depression.

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Betsy Snow's avatar

Rick, LOVE the picture of Redwall Cavern! A feature that not many people have the opportunity to experience! Ah, yes, the stages of grief......how well I remember...the 1st time at age 29! I am a warrior! Your writings are inspiring and I look forward to reading them!

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Rick Lamplugh's avatar

That is a massive place, and I'm glad we didn't miss it. We stopped there on the rafting and hiking Grand Canyon trip, during which my concerns about my body began. Upon returning home, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, so this trip holds a unique place in my heart. Thanks for your support and I'm glad the writings inspire.

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Jane's avatar

I am so happy you read about the stages of grief. They are always so very helpful. I lost a fiancé to a tragic car accident when I was younger. It was sudden and instant. I thought I was losing it until I started nursing school a couple of months afterward and that was one of the first things we learned about. I remember being so relieved to know that what I was going through was normal and I was not going crazy! I am loving your chapters on what you went through and am so happy you are better. It’s amazing how you can help others through your own experience.

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Rick Lamplugh's avatar

Hi Jane. Thanks for sharing about your experience with grief. That must have been a very troubling time. I'm glad you learned about grief and found that you were not going crazy. I'm also glad that you're loving the chapters. That means a lot to me. I've been so touched by your comment and others like it. I'm so glad that readers choose to share their challenging experiences with me. Yours, in particular, makes me even more glad that I took the time to reacquaint myself with grieving. I sure found a lot that resonated with me. Eventually I moved through the stages as upcoming chapters will show. All the best to you, Rick

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Ruth Vecchione's avatar

I remember the stages of grief and the great uncertainty when diagnosed with breast cancer, ultimately stage 4. I remember how support came from unexpected people. I don’t fault anyone in my circle that wasn’t able to be there like I thought they would. It’s a hard thing to hear from a friend. I do remember feeling isolated while I watched friends going on with their lives and making future plans. That was hard.

Thanks Rick!

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Rick Lamplugh's avatar

Hi, Ruth, and thanks for sharing about your cancer and experience with support. I hope that you found and now have support. I'm sure that, given your diagnosis, watching friends make future plans must have been very challenging. I'm glad you're still here, and I wish you all the best with your cancer. Rick

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