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Dec 3, 2016 10:26 AM CST
Thread OP
Name: Chantell
Middle of Virginia (Zone 7a)
You're worth it!
Charter ATP Member Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Organic Gardener Garden Photography Bee Lover Lover of wildlife (Black bear badge)
Hummingbirder Butterflies Tropicals Herbs Dog Lover Moon Gardener
I'm on my phone so will add more later but with tears and a heavy heart I'm pasting Ruby's recent Facebook in next post below. She had it set to 'public' so I feel it's ok to include in its entirety.


Thumb of 2016-12-03/Chantell/c084ea
“Little girl, why are you doing this? You can’t save all these starfish. You can’t begin to make a difference!” After a few moments thought, she bent down, picked up another starfish & hurled it as far as she could into the ocean. Then she looked up at the man and replied, “Well, I made a difference to that one!” Be the change you wish to see in the world. http://www.stillsthatspeak.com...
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Dec 3, 2016 10:27 AM CST
Thread OP
Name: Chantell
Middle of Virginia (Zone 7a)
You're worth it!
Charter ATP Member Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Organic Gardener Garden Photography Bee Lover Lover of wildlife (Black bear badge)
Hummingbirder Butterflies Tropicals Herbs Dog Lover Moon Gardener
Howdy All and Y'all - Whew!!!! So much to say and feelng only about a third copetent in daily life....heck, who am I kidding...I would rate the past month or so of my life as me functioning at times at a less than ten percent rate of who I might have been, probably as shortly as a year or less.
Once again I return to these pages with a long overdue update from John's and my home......The key word in previous paragraph is that I am reporting LIVE......I have questioned even that very simple statement at times the month of November til now. Aw heck, I ain' t going anywhere yet.
Some may know and others may be shocked......I think it was June of 2006 that my Gynecologists office called and said that something showed on my mammogram report and that I need to see Dr. Linda Sommers......For the past ten years I have been under her care. This particular appointment floored me after a life time of trying to attend to health issues as they arose so had many times reported to another specialized medicine always leaving with good news that whatever showed on test results were not in jeopardy of my health or something very minor to deal with. I don't suppose that I was acctually floored but I believe my mouth was wide open from dropping after hearing the term breast cancer.
Wow, what a ride these past ten years have been for both myself and my family, plus a few faithful who have either become my new friends thru this way of commnication......That particular office visit and the very, very of the following visits I have been reassured that yes, I did have cancer but till now I have been fortunate enough to live with a non-life threatening form of cancer.
The news as of today is that the non-life threatening cancer I have lived with has moved to other areas of body and we are now living at a life threatening level of nasty cancer. As of two or three weeks ago, I was at a treatable stage of the game but due to so many outside distractions I missed one.....let me repeat.....one appointment in May to have a mammogram and my diagnosis is that we are now at a place where the cancer has returned and
I allowed myself, once again to be distracted and am now in such a weakened and painful state that radiation which might be beneficial cannot be administered until, now get this....the chubby one of first grade on is now being prescribed appetite supplements and sitting here, nope, scratch, mainly laying here for the most part waiting to gain weight and strength enough to begin radiation and possibly add some months to my life expectency.
Many have called or inquired and only until this week have John and I and of course Ben and Tucker been able to answer anyone's questions, only because we still have questions ourselves and most of the Physicians I have met dare become God and set a day, month or possibly, hopefully a year that those nearest and dearest will join to celebrate the extraordinary life I have lived for sixty one years.
So, not a lot of info currently and at the moment I will ask for prayers of healing, body, mind and spirit of all of my family to take the opportunity to form a sort of healing team that starts work....a couple of weeks ago. Those of you reading thus far, please extend a hand shake or hug to John, Ben or Tucker as you may cross their paths in upcoming days.......The whole family suffers and hurts widely, I have seen that in one short month.
We go ahead today to see what the upcoming weeks will bring.....If I have to be under radiation rays on Christmas Day, I see that as an excellent way to spend my day........Healing this most and undeniably baffling body to so many of "Us Seale/Seals" have the opportunity to live, most times long lives with loads and loads of obstacles.....but remember....For some reason I believe that God may have seen the strength of past lived Seale/Seal's and said that this is a team that I can trust to maybe be of aid in helping to alleviate at least one and possibly several rare diseases by using our bodies for future medical study. Please join us at least and probably the best now......by praying for the above mentioned and those close to us. Thank you All. Again, in your continued love and concern you may ask what can I do? Exactly that for now.....please pray......even extended family is being turned away from our door until we find a workable system in our household that will allow us to the time when we can welcome you all in to "sit a spell."
This message may stir a few to want to do something....at this point, prayer and maybe a note card to any of the above at C/O John and Ruby Watts 2090 Saddle Hollow Road Crozet VA 22932.
. Tragically even a phone call cannot be scheduled with any certainty at the moment because we are learning to play it by the minute and believe me.......some minutes are better than others. Also please know that I am here frantically making notes of folks I would like to contact in some way to let them know what they have meant to me in my life but that is usually what is done......a list of names but so far, until this writing, the inability on my part currently to do any more though my desire is to let so many know how blessed I feel to have known you and been as blessed as I am in so many areas of my life and so often moved to express how much I appreciate so many of you as family, friends, those I grew up with in this town and those I am meeting either through our ready to close stab at running a gift shop in Crozet, Here We Go Again Y'all, Crozet VA. The shop's official last day is December 24, 2016 but a contact number will be listed on the door by the end business today. Please feel free to use it and usually John can be there within ten minutes to possibly aid you in your holiday shopping. I cannot close this message without adding how wonderful a couple of other locally owned businesses have been definitely through my interactions with so many involved in my health care or business folks we have met and dealt with over the three years in the Crozet Shopping Center.
Parkway Pharmacy has been even before life threatening health issues been a super plus super, go above and beyond business that I see more each day has played a very major part in helping me remain my dignity as my body weakens and weakens. Blue Ridge Beads owners have been a good source of mainly laughs from Jerry Odel and by offering such a kind and laid back spirit have both played a part in helping our some slow business days. The staff at Great Valu Grocery has also extended a hand of welcome to us and some of the baggers and cashiers have also become like sons or daughters to John and I. We won't forget any of you. Thank you Sal's for the many afternoons when we first owned the shopped and John would go begging for an icey cold soda for me. Dollar General personnel have also been a great aid in referring shoppers to us. Though I myself didn't have much interaction I know that John has benefitted and am sure is very grateful to staff at Fisher's Auto Parts. I didn't have the time to meet the owners of the Saddlery unfortunely but I hope I have recalled every one at Crozet Shopping by closing the addition of how pleasant all interactions with Will R. and his partner at Salon R.
I will give all a reprieve at this point but please go about your day knowing that you have added something, again a good laugh has gone a long, long way for us to our lives as we live in this still wonderful small town. I have a new list of folks involved in my "comfort care" as Legacy Hospice is now helping with pain care which has always fallen short as I have had to seek aid for over half my life. Hopefully a time is coming soon when the term pain is no longer a word in my vocabulary. Please take time today to count your own many blessings and do your best to cope with your ails. Keep an attitude of gratitude and it will be a much more pleasant way of living and learning. I love so very many of you and with I could send more at this time. Again, count your blessings and have a super duper day y'all.
“Little girl, why are you doing this? You can’t save all these starfish. You can’t begin to make a difference!” After a few moments thought, she bent down, picked up another starfish & hurled it as far as she could into the ocean. Then she looked up at the man and replied, “Well, I made a difference to that one!” Be the change you wish to see in the world. http://www.stillsthatspeak.com...
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Dec 3, 2016 3:47 PM CST
Name: Sally
central Maryland (Zone 7b)
See you in the funny papers!
Charter ATP Member Frogs and Toads Houseplants Keeper of Poultry Vegetable Grower Region: Maryland
Composter Native Plants and Wildflowers Organic Gardener Region: United States of America Cat Lover Birds
Ruby and John are very dear , thank you Chantell Group hug
Plant it and they will come.
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Dec 3, 2016 4:26 PM CST
Moderator
Name: Rick Moses
Derwood, MD (Zone 7b)
Azaleas Hostas Tender Perennials Ferns Garden Photography Plant and/or Seed Trader
Forum moderator Region: United States of America Region: Mid-Atlantic Region: Maryland Million Pollinator Garden Challenge
Ok, that sucks. Sighing! Group hug Group hug
LLK: No longer by my side, but forever in my heart.
Pal tiem shree tal ma.
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Dec 3, 2016 5:44 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Chantell
Middle of Virginia (Zone 7a)
You're worth it!
Charter ATP Member Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Organic Gardener Garden Photography Bee Lover Lover of wildlife (Black bear badge)
Hummingbirder Butterflies Tropicals Herbs Dog Lover Moon Gardener
Anyone on FB that needs a link to her page - here you go: https://www.facebook.com/ruby....
“Little girl, why are you doing this? You can’t save all these starfish. You can’t begin to make a difference!” After a few moments thought, she bent down, picked up another starfish & hurled it as far as she could into the ocean. Then she looked up at the man and replied, “Well, I made a difference to that one!” Be the change you wish to see in the world. http://www.stillsthatspeak.com...
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Dec 3, 2016 8:01 PM CST
Name: Pat (Backward Glance)
Lucketts, VA
Cat Lover Irises Ferns Hellebores Native Plants and Wildflowers Hostas
Clematis Peonies Lilies Garden Procrastinator Garden Art Birds
Thank you for sharing that, Chantell. So very sad, especially with all the other medical issues she has had to deal with. I have not seen her since Terri, Cheryl and I visited their shop a couple of years ago.
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Dec 4, 2016 3:14 AM CST
Name: Terri
Lucketts, VA (Zone 7a)
Region: Mid-Atlantic Region: Virginia Dog Lover Lover of wildlife (Raccoon badge) Deer Ponds
Foliage Fan Ferns Hellebores Irises Peonies Amaryllis
Oh this is such sad news. John and Ruby have always been favorites, they are absolutely wonderful people. Will be praying for Ruby.
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Dec 4, 2016 11:19 PM CST
Name: Donner
Damascus, MD (Zone 7a)
Bee Lover Birds Butterflies Cat Lover Dragonflies Hummingbirder
Thank you for sharing Ruby's post, Chantell. Such sad news! Ruby and John are wonderful kind people! I am so glad that their mailing address was included. I will send a card.
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Dec 5, 2016 7:53 AM CST
Name: Judy
Mid Atlantic Coastal Plain USA (Zone 7b)
Butterflies
Yes, thank you Chantell for sharing this with us.
I was at a Holiday Bazaar/Flea Market Sat. am before coming home and reading this post.At the market there were 4 elephant figurines and I thought of dear Ruby and her elephant collection and wondered after she and John. There is a reason people who have touched our lives pop up in our lives at certain times. We are all connected .
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Dec 5, 2016 3:25 PM CST
Name: Donna
Mid Shore, Maryland (Zone 7a)
Region: Maryland Orchids Houseplants Bee Lover Hummingbirder Frogs and Toads
Native Plants and Wildflowers Butterflies Spiders! Dog Lover Garden Procrastinator Vegetable Grower
So, so sorry to hear about your friends.... Prayers are being sent their way...
"No more bees, No pollination.... No more men!" ~ Albert Einstein
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Dec 6, 2016 11:08 AM CST
Name: Jan Jackson
south Jersey (Zone 7a)
Chantell, thanks for letting us know. They are favorites for sure.
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Dec 9, 2016 8:00 AM CST
Name: Sally
central Maryland (Zone 7b)
See you in the funny papers!
Charter ATP Member Frogs and Toads Houseplants Keeper of Poultry Vegetable Grower Region: Maryland
Composter Native Plants and Wildflowers Organic Gardener Region: United States of America Cat Lover Birds
I saw this message today
'"I tried logging in to Dave's a few days ago and had to renew my subscription and was too tired to post after doing that and all else required. Would you please pass word word that I will be doing my best as soon as possible to drop by with an update. At this time please pass to Dave's Garden still very much loved friends that I always, always, always hold a great big special place for so many of the gardeners. I will check in with group as soon as poss Thank you Sally. I think of you often and always with a smile on my face."
Group hug
Plant it and they will come.
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Dec 9, 2016 2:20 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Chantell
Middle of Virginia (Zone 7a)
You're worth it!
Charter ATP Member Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Organic Gardener Garden Photography Bee Lover Lover of wildlife (Black bear badge)
Hummingbirder Butterflies Tropicals Herbs Dog Lover Moon Gardener
sallyg said:I saw this message today
'"I tried logging in to Dave's a few days ago and had to renew my subscription and was too tired to post after doing that and all else required. Would you please pass word word that I will be doing my best as soon as possible to drop by with an update. At this time please pass to Dave's Garden still very much loved friends that I always, always, always hold a great big special place for so many of the gardeners. I will check in with group as soon as poss Thank you Sally. I think of you often and always with a smile on my face."
Group hug

I've posted our link on her main thread on her FB wall...hopefully she'll see it and come by when able.
“Little girl, why are you doing this? You can’t save all these starfish. You can’t begin to make a difference!” After a few moments thought, she bent down, picked up another starfish & hurled it as far as she could into the ocean. Then she looked up at the man and replied, “Well, I made a difference to that one!” Be the change you wish to see in the world. http://www.stillsthatspeak.com...
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Dec 10, 2016 12:36 PM CST
Name: Critter (Jill)
Frederick, MD (Zone 6b)
Charter ATP Member Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Critters Allowed Butterflies Hummingbirder Cat Lover
Bee Lover Region: Mid-Atlantic Cottage Gardener Garden Photography Tropicals Hibiscus
Ruby always makes me smile, even through tears. Praying for her to recover some strength and for her pain to be lessened... not forgetting to pray for miracles, either! Her John is such a gentle soul; they're one of those special couples that are just fun to see together for the way they contrast and also complement one another.

If you shop on Amazon, did you know that accessing it through the "Smile" page https://smile.amazon.com/ lets you designate a charity to get a small donation every time you order? There are lots of possible recipients, but we've got ours set to the American Cancer Society. They do good work.
We're all learners, doers, teachers.
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Dec 23, 2016 1:26 PM CST
Name: Critter (Jill)
Frederick, MD (Zone 6b)
Charter ATP Member Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Critters Allowed Butterflies Hummingbirder Cat Lover
Bee Lover Region: Mid-Atlantic Cottage Gardener Garden Photography Tropicals Hibiscus
Keeping Ruby & John in my thoughts along with other friends who are hurting... It's such a happy time of year that for those who are struggling, sometimes the struggles seem even harder to bear.
We're all learners, doers, teachers.
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Dec 29, 2016 2:35 PM CST
Name: Ric Sanders
Dover, Pa. (Zone 6b)
And his children Are his flowers ..
Birds Seed Starter Keeper of Poultry Ponds Region: Pennsylvania Greenhouse
Garden Art Dog Lover Cottage Gardener Butterflies Vegetable Grower Garden Ideas: Master Level
Crying
Ric of MAF @ DG
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Dec 29, 2016 2:45 PM CST
Name: Holly
South Central Pa
Region: Mid-Atlantic Charter ATP Member Greenhouse I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Region: Pennsylvania Tropicals
Ponds Hummingbirder Birds Butterflies Lover of wildlife (Black bear badge) Garden Ideas: Master Level
John and Ruby sure are special people.
Life is Great! Holly
Please visit me and learn more about My Life on the Water a Personal Journey Thread in the MidAtlanticMusings Cubit.
http://cubits.org/MidAtlanticM...
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Dec 29, 2016 7:36 PM CST
Name: Diana
The Garden State (Zone 7b)
Cottage Gardener Organic Gardener Salvias Seed Starter Vegetable Grower
special people indeed

I just logged on for the first time in awhile and clicked right to the Ruby note. Thanks Chantell for the update. I'll checkout her FB page. Sad to hear about the seriousness of her condition ........... I'm glad Ruby experienced several years of business. Hopefully they were good years. Last time I saw Ruby and John she told me about her business plans. That shows you how long it has been since we've seen them.

I'll share with Harry. We'll send prayers from NJ for Ruby and her family right away!!
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Feb 7, 2017 7:36 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Chantell
Middle of Virginia (Zone 7a)
You're worth it!
Charter ATP Member Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Organic Gardener Garden Photography Bee Lover Lover of wildlife (Black bear badge)
Hummingbirder Butterflies Tropicals Herbs Dog Lover Moon Gardener
I'm unbelievably sad to share Ruby passed away yesterday. Please see screenshot of her son's post and of course keep John and family in prayer.
Thumb of 2017-02-08/Chantell/835d6a
“Little girl, why are you doing this? You can’t save all these starfish. You can’t begin to make a difference!” After a few moments thought, she bent down, picked up another starfish & hurled it as far as she could into the ocean. Then she looked up at the man and replied, “Well, I made a difference to that one!” Be the change you wish to see in the world. http://www.stillsthatspeak.com...
Image
Feb 7, 2017 8:21 PM CST
Name: Sally
central Maryland (Zone 7b)
See you in the funny papers!
Charter ATP Member Frogs and Toads Houseplants Keeper of Poultry Vegetable Grower Region: Maryland
Composter Native Plants and Wildflowers Organic Gardener Region: United States of America Cat Lover Birds
oh Chantell, I'm sorry you had to bear the news but thank you for updating us. We were wondering about Ruby after swap in Sunday.
Plant it and they will come.

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