theworldofdreams.com

My God, my God...this has got to be the worst news I've received since my mother was diagnosed breast cancer in 1991.

As some of you know I've been abroad for the past few weeks and I haven't been able to check my email or the msg boards too often. Just last friday though, I managed to get to an internet cafe here in Nicosia (the Cyrpiot capital) and the first thing I did (as it is my custom) was to log in to my MSN messenger and see if Renee was online, and sure enough she was I suppose it's a sad commentary on my persona that instead of trying to write e-mails to my family and friends (as I probably should, hehe), my first instinct was to chat with my friend Ciara. But that's just goes to show how much she has come to mean to many of us (I know I'm notthe only one).

Imagine my surprise when a week later I log in, msg her again but instead of getting the traditional greeting and smiley, I get a msg saying that Renee is at the hospital in critical condition I simply couldn't believe it was true. I almost feel like crying right now but I know I would have a heck of a time explaining my dig buddy, Ricky (who's sitting next to me) why I'm crying over some stranger I met in an online RPG. It almost doesn't seem reasonable that a person should become so attached to another person he has never met in person. I cannot begin to imagine how much more terrible it must've been for Rod and C's family who have had to seen her in that condition.

Roderick, I lack the words to express how deeply saddened I am at these news. I can only promise you that starting this very night me and my friends from school will pray for Renee's condition to improve. There's nothing I can do, but I know God can. May he watch over Renee and restore her to good health...amen.
I only wish I could be closer to home right now.
*sighs*

Just last night I was feeling a little down because of some things that have been happening here. I felt as if I was the most unlucky man on earth. Oh how insignificant and ephemeral my problems seem now! We human beings can be so foolish at times... I truly know nothing.

I can't type anymore. I'm all out of words. Please get well Ciara!!!

- J

I just found out about Ciara's illness. When the older of my younger brothers and his family arrived at the family Fourth of July picnic here in Missouri, one of the first things they did was alert my wife who told me. My wife has never set foot in WOD, but she knows very well who Ciara is...
I add the deep concern and best wishes of the entire Croston clan to all of those already extended here.
Rod, thank you so much for thinking of us and taking the time to update us in this time with so much on your mind. Know that you, as well as C, are in our thoughts and hearts,
It is difficult to describe what an important person Ciara is to many people. Perhaps I will let Mayflower take a stab at expressing it...
All I can say is, "Ciara is my hero."
Homer and the Fellowship Hall boys.

I only just read this and I am deeply shocked...get well soon Ciara, and stay funky.



Bodal

Update

First, I'd like to thank you all again for the prayers, thoughts and wishes. We spend a lot of time just waiting and so we check this thread often to read your thoughts.

Second, Sorry it's been awhile since the last update. It's been a rough couple days for her and it's difficult to post about it.

She's had some further complications over the last couple days. Primarily caused by the Pneumonia infection working its way into her bloodstream.
On the 3rd they gave her mega-doses of anti-biotics to stave of the infection. It seems to be working, her temperature is now dropping slowly and her last X-rays show signs of improvement with the Pneumonia.
In addition to that her heart rate has stabilized.

She's still having a tough time and in her condition they can't give her much by way of pain medication but the anti-biotics finally seem to be working so there's a lot to be thankful for right now.

On a more personal note:
The hospital staff is now appropriately referring to her as a Princess so it's good we got that all straightened out.

Thank you all for your love and support,

Roderick, Ciara and Family

It's about time the hospital staff gave her the proper respect that she deserves! It is good to hear that Ciara is doing better. As you and your family know, you all are in our thoughts and prayers.

Thank goodnes she is doing better! and continue to keep us updated on her progress!

WAITING FOR CIARA
from Ajax Mayflower

Among the sparkling world-shards,
Once bright, one is clouded as smoke.
For shard-worlds are only reflections
Of the glow in the hearts of their folk.

The sounds of the city are muffled
Just whispered words of concern.
Normal laughter and shouts held in silence-
Awaiting The Lady’s return.

The forest is holding its breath.
No rustle nor whistle nor sway.
Wood life shies back from the sunlight-
At least while The Lady’s away.

Adventurers falter at questing:
Their minds and hearts something lack.
Rescues and teaching suspended
Until The Lady gets back.

The dark deeps freeze in confusion-
For even the evil and shady,
Lacking the contrast of her goodness,
Require the return of The Lady

The shadows of fear and concern
Will be vanquished from WOD in a while-
By the flash of return of its heart-light-
Reflected from Lady C’s smile.

Homer,

As always, your poetry cuts to the heart of the matter and says what so many us are illequipped to say with our own thoughts. Thank you from me and all of us.


Felix Majen
One of those Impatiently Waiting People

What Felix said and more my friend. From the bottom of our hearts we thank you. We will cherish this forever and always.

Roderick, Ciara and Family

Homer, If you aren't a poet in real life you missed your calling. What a beautiful poem and even more beautiful sentiments. I cried as I read it.
Roderick, our heartfelt thanks for all the updates, With good news or no news, we await them all the same. Without you and a few family members who have kindly spoken with me also I fear I would have been mad *insane* by now. How odd it is to worry so dang much about a friend I have never seen.
As for her doing a wee bit better, I think God interceeded for his own peace of mind. I know all of The WoD has been pestering him from around the globe about our Ciara. *Just so's God knows I am putting him on notice right now to keep pestering him until I see my friend sitting in Brit's bank again*.
My thoughts are with you all right now. Please take care of yourselves so you can stay strong to help Ciara in her fight.

I came back from a holiday, watched one of my relatives get married then started a round of WoD easy hunting while I looked on the boards.

I stopped hunting as soon as I saw SS's post.

It just didnt feel right to be playing while Ciara couldnt.

Purkle is her armour
White is her soul
A woman of pure heart
Ciara is gold

beyond a prompt and full recovery of course is to be there when C gets propped up in bed and gets a chance to read this thread. Being the self effacing sort she is going to be utterly mortified i think by how much she is loved and missed. Rod you have got to make an mpeg of the moment so it can be properly immortalized.

also thank you Homer for those words which so eloquently say what we lesser lights cannot.

I totally feel you Plasia. When I first read the post, I just logged off. It didn't feel right playing knowing what my friend is going through.
Homer, your words are a gift to us, and I thank you for them.

Homer.....you are awesome Buddy!!!
Along with Everyone else on this shard and off I am sure. I dearly do miss Ciara. I hope she recovers soon and comes back.
Thanks for the updates Rod.

Herakles

Thank you Rod for that update. You all are now on my church's prayer list. And Homer, you brighten and warm the heart of WoD..please visit often and if you see your way to come back I would love to take another class