Patricia Bush

My Comments (16 so far…)

A Life Lived in Chronic Pain: A Conversation With Cynthia McFadden and Lynne Greenberg

Like many others, chronic pain is a part of my life especially from the waist down. At 17 I had a spinal hemorrhage (cause unknown) and spent several months in the hospital and had PT for several years while attending college. Things gradually improved even though I wore a leg brace and had an unusual gait. I taught, married, had children, traveled, went to grad school, and served as a pastor. My younger brothers thought I was superwoman and that I could do anything.

The pain was my constant companion although I tried to hide it. As I aged the pain increased and I could no longer walk without help or stand for more than a few moments without holding on to furniture. Reluctantly I finally had to retire on disability at 57.

Pain continues but with a strong, positive spirit I believe that life is good and to "give up" is not an option.

Thanks to all who shared their stories.

When Bob Almost Died, My Sisters and Friends Filled the Void, by Lee Woodruff

Lee’s thoughts were perfects and true. Our women friends and family are there in good times and in sorrow and they enrich our lives in countless ways. Thoughtful men can learn this too.

Michelle Obama Chooses a Jason Wu Design for Inauguration Night Gown

I love clothes and was looking forward to seeing Michelle and THE gown … she’s lovely but I was disappointed with the gown. The outfit she wore Saturday was super!

What adage do you live your life by?

Many thoughtful posts. I try to live by the Golden Rule and also to be thankful for todays blessings, large or small: 1) sunlight streaming through my window, 2) the new gardenia blossom (in mid Jan!) that graces my night stand, 3) a good book, 4) a few funny moments on SNL or the Daily Show, and 5) a good football or baseball game (I want “my” team to win but a well played game has its own reward). Some would say that “these are a few of my favorite things” but I count each as a blessing.

How are you planning to mark the Inauguration?

Any inauguration is a special event as presidential power is transferred from one person to the next. This one is truly historic and I’ll watch every moment. It may be expensive but let’s celebrate the moment—a moment of change and hope and expectations for a better future. If you don’t want to watch, turn off the TV! I only read about 2 or 3 pages on this topic and decided to skip the rest. Too much negative stuff for me so I’ll just enjoy the festivities in peace.

Rosie O. Analyzes 'Angry' Ann Coulter

Donald Duck: I don’t know you or who you are, but your recent posts have been filled with hateful name calling “ugly socialist big mouth pigs” etc. If you want to express an opinion, fine even if I disagree but don’t result to name calling … it’s not helpful and it’s rude. Certainly you must have the ability to speak in a more civil way. Your way is disgusting so I’m logging off so I don’t have to read more.

Who Do You Think You're Talking To? by Margo Howard

Perhaps the Bushes did make plans months ago, but the election date is set by law and we know when it will be years in advance. IMHO any outgoing president (regardless of party) should keep the Blair House calendar clear during January in case the incoming president needs the space, security, convenience. We live in complicated times which require a more flexible approach. I don’t feel that the Obamas think they are “entitled” to use Blair House before 1/15 but it does sound like a reasonable, polite way to manage a smooth transition.

Sarah Palin Fights 'High School Dropout Daughter'

There are very important issues/problems facing the world at this time so could we give the Sarah Palin saga a rest. I thought this was a forum for the intelligent exchange of ideas not a soap opera or gossip column.

Comments of the Week 12/27 - 1/2

I loved the list of female firsts but was VERY disappointed that the topic soon turned to Palin. I wanted to hear what other wowowowers thought about the fabulous females, not about Palin, so I quit reading.

Angry Over Gay Leader, Conservative Anglicans Split From Episcopal Church

I have been an Episcopal priest for 25 years. I love the liturgy and the open minded, inclusive side of the church. The break away folks don’t sound like the people I know and love. Jesus preached love not hate. I first saw Lady Agnew’s “top 10” on a Robin Williams TV special (he’s Episcopalian) and there’s lots of truth w/ the humor. Patricia Bush (The Rev’d)

Violence Threatened at Florida School if Obama Elected President

I’ve been following this conversation all evening and finally a sense of relief and calm. The posts got pretty heated and I thought about leaving the site. Glad I didn’t because your last post made me feel hopeful about the future of America and wowowow. How different the evening would have been if your last post had been your first. Families can be complicated and glad calmness and civility has returned to this one. Peace. Patricia

What were you told a 'real lady' had to do?

Frank~you are wonderful! Your parents gave you good advice and you made them proud. Anne was a very lucky lady and you were a lucky man. Thanks for your thoughtful words on a variety of subjects.

What gadget invented in the past ten years can't you live without?

I had a stroke 3 years ago and am bedridden so my laptop is vital and so is the remote that controls my lamp, TV, and fan. These are not new gadgets, but they give me some degree of independence and make my life easier. A generation ago my mom said she couldn’t imagine life without paper towels.

What were you told a 'real lady' had to do?

My RN Granny always stressed the “clean underwear” bit and always gave me wonderful lingerie for my b’day “just in case” and when I was hospitalized in an emergency I was proud that I was properly dressed even though I was scared to death in the ER. The underwear comment was a pleasant trip down memory lane and I still wear wonderful underwear!

How do you feel about Iraq right now? What is your biggest fear, and what is your biggest hope?

I was against going to war in Iraq—it was immoral, wrong, stupid. Too many have died on both sides, too much money has been spent, and I don’t feel any safer. We need to come home as soon as possible.