I like the poem below and would like to dedicate it to all the Thalassemia patients around the world, and for all the family and friends of Thalassemia patients.

"May You Always Have an Angel by Your Side"
By Douglas Pagels

May you always have an angel by your side,
Watching out for you in all the things you do,
Reminding you to keep believing in brighter days,
Finding ways for your wishes and dreams to come true,
Giving you hope that is as certain as the sun,
Giving you the strength of serenity as your guide.
May you always have love and comfort and courage,

And may you always have an angel by your side.

Someone there to catch you if you fall,
Encouraging your dreams,
Inspiring your happiness,
Holding your hand and helping you through it all.
In all of our days, our lives are always changing,
Tears come along as well as smiles.
Along the roads you travel, may the miles be a thousand times more lovely than lonely,
May they give you gifts that never, ever end: someone wonderful to love and a dear friend in whom you can confide,
May you have rainbows after every storm,
May you have hopes to keep you warm,

And may you always have an angel by your side.

Me and my daddy.

My Father and I had a great relationship. He also had Cooley's Anemia(Thalassemia Major). He passed away 7 years ago at the age of 48. He was my strength and support, and I keep him close to my heart always. I miss and love him so much. He helped me get through the rough times when it seemed like I would always be sick and never lead a normal life. He had a great outlook on life. He knew how to have fun and enjoy every day that he had. He owned a Baseball card shop and he loved it. He was a strong man, and when he would get real sick he would make the best of it. He went through so much, he didn't complain. Even when he was diagnosed with liver cancer he didn't complain. He always had a smile on his face, and always showed how much he cared for the one's he loved. I always felt that with my Dad showing me the way, I could make it through anything. I still feel that way and I know he's watching me from heaven. I love you Daddy.

I have seen her in concert about 8 times, she has a great voice. "Fumbling towards Ectasy" is my favorite cd of her's. I can really relate to her songs. She has one song called "Hold on" and I think of all the friends I have lost to this blood disorder. Below are the lyrics:

Hold on
Hold on to yourself
for this is gonna hurt like hell
Hold on
Hold on to yourself
you know that only time will tell
What is it in me that refuses to believe
this isn't easier than the real thing
My love
you know that you're my best friend
you know I'd do anything for you
My love
let nothing come between us
My love for you is strong and true
Am I in heaven here or am I...
at the crossroads I am standing
So now you're sleeping peaceful
I lie awake and pray
that you'll be strong tomorrow and we'll
see another day and we will praise it
and love the light that brings a smile
across your face
Oh god if you're out there won't you hear me
I know that we've never talked before
oh god the man I love is leaving
won't you take him when he comes to your door
Am I in heaven here or am I in hell
at the crossroads I am standing
So now you're sleeping peaceful
I lie awake and pray
that you'll be strong tomorrow and we'll
see another day and we will praise it
and love the light that brings a smile
across your face...
Hold on
hold on to yourself
for this is gonna hurt like hell.

Thank you for visiting! Let's Go Devils!!!!!!! Woo hoo! Martin Brodeur! I am a hockey nut also! hehe