It is with regret that I must announce I will be disappearing from the boards. I wish I could say I would be back but the truth is I dont know. Unfortunately real life has a way of changing things and taking you away from what you enjoy and this is very much true in my case. Five days ago my 18 yr old son had a stroke, thankfully he survived. However, he is paralysed down the right side and I now need to focus on helping him recover, at present docotrs are not sure how long this will take. It has been wonderful being a member of Gatchamania and talking to you all and I do hope I will get to visit every now and then even if I dont always get time to post. For now I wish you all the best and pray you will have long and happy lives.

Oh my goodness! i do hope your son recovers, and I hope it's not too rough on you (I can only imagine how frightening and upsetting this must be). I wish you all the best and hope to see your around whenever you get the chance.

My prayers are with you and your son for a speedy recovery. You will be missed and maybe someday you can return to all of us. back to you!!

Count me in for prayers for you and your son. Wishing you the best.

I hope you and your son are and will be okay and please, pease come back and don't leave me her with these sane people Firebird.

Oh, Firebird, I am so sorry to hear this news. I can't imagine what you're going through. I sincerely hope your son recovers quickly...he is so young! Just know that your "e-friends" here are here to support you whenever you need us! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family...

Oh, FireBird, that is not what we want to happen to our kids. Sending prayers across the ocean for you.

I remember when my mother had her first stroke, she was paralysed down the left side and her lower spine collapsed on itself. They said she wouldnt walk again but my mams up and about 3 strokes later, walking unsupported, cooking, going out and even driving!!. I'm sure and I hope that your son makes a swift recovery FB and that you and your family will be alright in the days, weeks, months and years to come

I've been around here for a very short time, so I don't know very much, but I'm sincerly sorry for you and your son. But I'm sure that with your help and your support he'll fully recover. Waiting to see you again here, I send you and your son a big kiss and a hug! Baci (kisses)!

Firebird, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. 18 is far too young to have a stroke - I hope that your son has a speedy and full recovery.

I think I can speak for the rest of the boardies when I say that you will be missed around here. But your focus is certainly understandable. I pray that your son will have a swift recovery. My thoughts are with you as you face this challenge in your life.