Need to clear the air here..

[Jodes]

Yes.. I know I mentioned about 10 days ago that I was taking the "high road" and leaving the the forum.

I just want to "clear" the air so to speak and let you guys know why I'm tired of the "fighting". Please bare with me.

Personally and professionally I'm basically burned out.

7 years of teaching and putting up with teenagers has finally did me in. Personally, well my parents aren't doing so well, especially my father, who although I've not seen eye to eye with him on many levels I still love and respect very much. While I was teaching this year I found out my dad had sever kidney disease which we thought was caused by his heart medication and his diabetes, and due to the health care system here in Alberta, they pumped him full of pills to help him out and put in a shunt in his arm, while "awaiting dialysis".

In the mean time, his body is basically shutting down because his kidneys are functioning at maybe 10%. This has put tremendous strain on my parents, (so bad that we thought my mom might have ALS, but we think it was more stress related symptoms then anything else) and well me as well, to the point that I resigned from my teaching job last month to basically try and help them and myself out, and trying to find a job closer to my family (no luck so far).

Then this past thursday, well.. I found out my father now has cancer.

I guess it went from his kidney, supposedly to his lungs and now it has mastacized to his bones. They are working on trying to get him in the Cross Cancer Institute here in Edmonton for tests and see if there is anything they can do for him.

Due to his kidney problems and his body shutting down, traditional methods are not going to help him. So the doctors are giving him morphine for his pain as of right now.

This is a man who's worked all of his life for his family. Now he's retired he has to face this, well I know some say life isn't fair, but this is going a bit overboard. It's crushing to all of us.

Guys, I've been a jumble of emotions the last few months, but now.. I'm trying, really trying to be positive, but it's so overwhelming.

So, it's why I've stepped back from "fighting" about this band we all know and love, well because right now there's more important things in my life right now.

It definately is a wake up call and I'm going to be there for both of them.

So if you don't see me posting for a while, you know why.

Take care

Jody

[StyxCollector]

Jodes -

I'm so sorry to hear it. To say that's a lot to deal with is an undestatement. Styx is just a band, nothing more, nothing less.

I hope things improve for you and your family, but I also won't say I understand because I'm also not walking a mile in your shoes. I know how my parents are faring these days, and after my Dad's stroke a few years back, we're lucky he is pretty much back to normal.

So do what you have to do, the bickering will still be here when you get back

[bugsymalone]

Hang in there, Jodes. Tough times for you, I see.

Let the music do what it is supposed to do -- transport you, support you and take you away for a bit.

I hope all is resolved in your life, soon.

Bugsy

[froy]

Yes.. I know I mentioned about 10 days ago that I was taking the "high road" and leaving the the forum.

I just want to "clear" the air so to speak and let you guys know why I'm tired of the "fighting". Please bare with me.

Personally and professionally I'm basically burned out.

7 years of teaching and putting up with teenagers has finally did me in. Personally, well my parents aren't doing so well, especially my father, who although I've not seen eye to eye with him on many levels I still love and respect very much. While I was teaching this year I found out my dad had sever kidney disease which we thought was caused by his heart medication and his diabetes, and due to the health care system here in Alberta, they pumped him full of pills to help him out and put in a shunt in his arm, while "awaiting dialysis".

In the mean time, his body is basically shutting down because his kidneys are functioning at maybe 10%. This has put tremendous strain on my parents, (so bad that we thought my mom might have ALS, but we think it was more stress related symptoms then anything else) and well me as well, to the point that I resigned from my teaching job last month to basically try and help them and myself out, and trying to find a job closer to my family (no luck so far).

Then this past thursday, well.. I found out my father now has cancer.

I guess it went from his kidney, supposedly to his lungs and now it has mastacized to his bones. They are working on trying to get him in the Cross Cancer Institute here in Edmonton for tests and see if there is anything they can do for him.

Due to his kidney problems and his body shutting down, traditional methods are not going to help him. So the doctors are giving him morphine for his pain as of right now.

This is a man who's worked all of his life for his family. Now he's retired he has to face this, well I know some say life isn't fair, but this is going a bit overboard. It's crushing to all of us.

Guys, I've been a jumble of emotions the last few months, but now.. I'm trying, really trying to be positive, but it's so overwhelming.

So, it's why I've stepped back from "fighting" about this band we all know and love, well because right now there's more important things in my life right now.

It definately is a wake up call and I'm going to be there for both of them.

So if you don't see me posting for a while, you know why.

Take care

Jody

Come back soon
Im hear ready to go at it with ya
All in fun of course.

Froy.

[ChicagoSTYX]

Hang in there! We'll all be here when you get back. Although it may not seem like it at times I feel we all really do like each other. We all like or liked styx at one time or another! Froy and I will be sitting down to dinner together in 2008!
Best of luck!

[MtlLady]

I'm so sorry to hear you're going through such a difficult time. Personally then times are tough, I use music to soothe me and help me through. Sometimes the answer is even found in lyrics.

Hang in there, if there's anything you need, you already have my email address.

[yogi]

Jodes,

Hang in there. I know that it doesnt help to hear it, but most of us have been there.

Age and health issues suck.

And as my now deceased father would say as he was going through chemo driving back and forth to MD Anderson' It's all going to work out, even if it doesnt'.

Just the way he would say it, somehow his wisdom gives me comfort today.

Take Care, we will be here bickering,

Yogi

[stmonkeys]

Jodes- you've got a lot to deal with right now. Do what you need to do to get through these difficult times. I hope that your family finds peace. We are here for you if you need to vent. take care, and keep us posted.

Stacy

[7 Wishes]

Stacy

Is that you with Burtnik?

[stmonkeys]

Stacy

Is that you with Burtnik?

yep! this was taken in Philly feb 24th. i'm still debating about going to the GLENNIS show at bb kings on friday. tix are pricey, and i'm prob going to see him at the stone pony next month.

[jimmy19029]

My thoughts and prayers go with you Jody in this horrible and difficult time for your family. Please keep us all informed. Hope all turns out for the best!
Jimmy

[styxdudebrandon]

Sorry to hear about your parents, my prayers are with you guys...
Come back when you are ready,
We will all still be here.

[Abitaman]

I will pray for you and your family-ERIC

[Jazz]

Jodes,

I'm very sorry to hear about all of this. Will be sending positive vibes out to you and your family.

Jo

[FormerDJMike]

Hi Jodes, will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I too, am having a difficult family situation at home. I am afraid I may lose what I have (without going into details). Been a rough few weeks here at my house too.

Mike

[Jodes]

My father passed away this morning. My mom was with him when he went. He was holding her hand and said to her "I think you should go home now" just before he left to be in the arms of his Lord.

I thank you all for your warm wishes, support and prayers during all of this.

I truely don't think it's hit me yet. I'm just thankful that my mother was with him in his final hours and not alone.

Rest in Peace Dad.. your pain is over.

I love you

Jody

[bugsymalone]

Jody. So sorry to hear of your loss. The old cliche, he is in a better place, may just apply here as you said he had suffered quite a bit.

Your Mom got to say goodbye. I cannot tell you how much that means. This I know from experience.

Keeping you, and your Mom, in my thoughts.

[Zan]

I'm so sorry, Jody.

[styxfansite]

I am sorry to hear about your father Jodes. I know what your feeling right now. When my father passed away in March from ALS, it didn't hit me for a long time. The bad thing about mine is that the ambulance driver wouldn't allow my mother to ride in the back with them the night he died which she did several weeks before. He died going to the hospital. I feel so bad because I was at home thinking he was going to be ok and be home in a few hours because he had to go to the hospital before for the same problem a few weeks before, I was wrong.

Bugsy is right. My father is in a better place, and he is not struggling anymore. The same can be said for your father. He is not suffering anymore. He is in a better place.

Take Care and See you on the board soon.

William

[Higgy]

Hang in there Jodes. DDY fans and Tommy fans alike are with you.

[RedWingFan]

My father passed away this morning. My mom was with him when he went. He was holding her hand and said to her "I think you should go home now" just before he left to be in the arms of his Lord.

I thank you all for your warm wishes, support and prayers during all of this.

I truely don't think it's hit me yet. I'm just thankful that my mother was with him in his final hours and not alone.

Rest in Peace Dad.. your pain is over.

I love you

Jody

Jody, sorry to hear about your loss . Remember, sometimes God chooses to calm the storm. Sometimes he chooses to ride it with us! Lean on Him! God bless you and your family!!!

[Angiekay]

Sorry to hear of your loss, Jodes! Prayers and thoughts coming your way!

[mikemarrs]

sorry about your father.my condolences to you......

[MtlLady]

So sorry for your loss, Jody. My thoughts are with you and your mom.

[styxfanNH]

Jody,

So sorry to hear this. Hope there is some comfort that he is no longer in pain and had gone to a pain free place. It was good that your mother was with him. It takes a special person to give up their livelihood to take care of their parents when they are ill.

I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

[mr.v]

Bless your heart, this has been a tough time for you and your family. God always has a plan and sometimes it hard to see but take comfort that your father is in a much better place and you will see him again. You and your family are in my prayers.
Vince

[Barbara]

My condolences to you Jodes, also your Mom and the rest of your family.

[stmonkeys]

jodes- i'm so sorry to hear of your loss. hugs to you and your family during this difficult time.

[Rockwriter]

Yes.. I know I mentioned about 10 days ago that I was taking the "high road" and leaving the the forum.

I just want to "clear" the air so to speak and let you guys know why I'm tired of the "fighting". Please bare with me.

Personally and professionally I'm basically burned out.

7 years of teaching and putting up with teenagers has finally did me in. Personally, well my parents aren't doing so well, especially my father, who although I've not seen eye to eye with him on many levels I still love and respect very much. While I was teaching this year I found out my dad had sever kidney disease which we thought was caused by his heart medication and his diabetes, and due to the health care system here in Alberta, they pumped him full of pills to help him out and put in a shunt in his arm, while "awaiting dialysis".

In the mean time, his body is basically shutting down because his kidneys are functioning at maybe 10%. This has put tremendous strain on my parents, (so bad that we thought my mom might have ALS, but we think it was more stress related symptoms then anything else) and well me as well, to the point that I resigned from my teaching job last month to basically try and help them and myself out, and trying to find a job closer to my family (no luck so far).

Then this past thursday, well.. I found out my father now has cancer.

I guess it went from his kidney, supposedly to his lungs and now it has mastacized to his bones. They are working on trying to get him in the Cross Cancer Institute here in Edmonton for tests and see if there is anything they can do for him.

Due to his kidney problems and his body shutting down, traditional methods are not going to help him. So the doctors are giving him morphine for his pain as of right now.

This is a man who's worked all of his life for his family. Now he's retired he has to face this, well I know some say life isn't fair, but this is going a bit overboard. It's crushing to all of us.

Guys, I've been a jumble of emotions the last few months, but now.. I'm trying, really trying to be positive, but it's so overwhelming.

So, it's why I've stepped back from "fighting" about this band we all know and love, well because right now there's more important things in my life right now.

It definately is a wake up call and I'm going to be there for both of them.

So if you don't see me posting for a while, you know why.

Take care

Jody

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I know there's really nothing anyone can do, but I hope our best wishes will be of comfort to you in this difficult time.

Sterling

[gr8dane]

My father passed away this morning. My mom was with him when he went. He was holding her hand and said to her "I think you should go home now" just before he left to be in the arms of his Lord.

I thank you all for your warm wishes, support and prayers during all of this.

I truely don't think it's hit me yet. I'm just thankful that my mother was with him in his final hours and not alone.

Rest in Peace Dad.. your pain is over.

I love you

Jody

For fox sake Jodes.
You just made cry like crazy for the first time in 10 years as my dad passed like yours.
The most beautiful thing you said 'I love you'.was what got me big time.
You sent him off in style ,but for the next little while you'll be walking around in circles,but you will be Ok.
Why?,,,,Your dad will be up in the Club Med of the afterlife with all his old mates and family.
I know my dad is fine, playing chess all day drinking Pinot Grigio till it's bedtime.
His mom and dad will be making him his favorite dish ,meatballs with potatoes and tons of gravy and red cabbage once every 2 weeks.
All the best,and thanx for making me ball like a....I don't know what.
Cheers mate.
Michael